WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO
Stuck in a dead end job....well, at least it feels like I'm at the brink of being stuck. I just recently graduated (28 yrs old, worked since 12 yrs old helping to contribute to a single parent household) with a B.S. in economics from a non-target school and took a job as an analyst in the back office for a top ib, as if it matters, I mean it's still back office. I have practically no experience in the finance industry (4 months as a loan officer), however, I do have 5 years of work experience. I've been interested in business since a child and I do believe I have what it takes to make it in finance.
My goals are to eventually be in front office (yes, I know I know, "it's basically impossible") but I'm interested in knowing "WHAT WOULD YOU DO?".
A couple scenarios I'm struggling with:
Scenario 1:
Should I keep the job> make a lasting impression> try to weasel my way in the local PMBA (I need the money, but I will do a ft MBA as last option) with only 2 yrs experience (4 yrs req)>graduate and apply for front office position?
or
Scenario 2:
Apply to other jobs (i'm a week in my new position) and quit before I get pigeon holed>get an entry level analyst position with a boutique>get 2 solid years of experience and apply to a better BS (I'll be about 32/33yrs old)>graduate and apply for front office position?
Will I be too old for front office?
I know this question has been kicked around several times. But hey, whats one more time?
What is this "4 Years Required" BS for a Part Time MBA?
4 years post graduate work experience for the local PMBA.
IMO... you're 28... you're not going to go in to IBD as a 1st year analyst at this point. You can't go in as an associate right now either really (maybe you could but it would be highly unlikely)
If banking is your goal then you need to go to b-school (starting this fall, full time) and go that route.
However, maybe you just skip banking all together... you can spin your experience and polish up your resume and most likely get on the buy side if you network just right.
so... your options b-school to front office... or market yourself as capable to the buy-side... crazier things have happened... PM me if you want to chat
So many misconceptions on this board.
There are plent of "non-traditional" analysts. And by that same token, first of all, the people interviewing you probably won't even know your age. Second of all, even if they did, nobody would even really think about it.
Under 30, there are analysts of all ages for various reasons (military experience, etc.). Once in a blue moon there's one 30 plus, but that's probably more a function of the number of people at that age applying to become analysts.
Age is not important in the application. If anything, you experience will be seen as a plus. Bear in mind, you have so much experience that a lot of MBAs would consider you. I would do that and then possibly apply for MBAs.
I'd just stay where I was, unless you don't like the job. Become as knowledgeable as you can about the industry, bust a 680+ on the GMAT, and then in the next year or two apply to b-schools. Although your back office role might not play well as far as applying for FO jobs, it will look good on your resume when it comes to applying to b-schools. Then you would have a great opportunity for an associate role.
Your age shouldn't effect the process in any way.
@Bottles and DCF....now are you talking about a great opportunity for an associate role in the front office? I hate back office!
I'm just telling you how it is. There are a lot of things that go into how you are judged and how your decision making process is judged. First year associates are typically in their late 20's or early 30's.
You have to admit (if you have done any homework at all) that "fit" is a major part of the banking process. A 28 year old analyst will not fit. I know you clowns (most of you who have never worked in banking) will point to all of these examples of people getting in to banking at 28 or whatever, but I'm just telling you how it really is on the whole.
Let me know if you get into banking.
I'm amazed at how many people on this board give advice who don't work in banking.
I guess I wasn't as clear in my original post as I should have been. I graduated with my bachelors last month. I'm 28 years old. Want to break into FO. What would you do?
I'm thinking:
Get 2 years of solid work experience in BO>Get MBA (non-target school)>Apply to FO.
Will a resume with BO experience and an MBA from a non-target BS at the age of 32/33 land me an associate position with a top firm? I know its probably possible but how likely? I currently work for Goldman BO.
Hey, just wondering what you ended up doing and how it turned out! If you could let us know that would be awesome. Thanks and best of luck!!
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