Non-target MBA, little experience, analyst possibilities?

Hello banana friends,

I have an MBA from a non-target and I've spent 1 year(after graduating) at my family's small consulting business in Bangalore, India.

3.8 GPA, but 700 GMAT. Scholarships, Dean's List, etc. No pre-MBA experience.

My main concern is whether I've already shot myself in the foot and face. Having an MBA but no high-quality experience disqualifies me from associate level I'd imagine, but do I still have a chance at an analyst level? Not sure where I would fit.

Appreciate your insights.

23 Comments
 

For something like IBD, PE, HF or MBB ya, you probably took a giant bullet.

But for smaller botique firms, corp development, F500 finance you might still be good for it.

Manage expectations

6 USD figure base salary, probably not going to happen.

 
MountainKingjust relax bro. I am from IIT/BITS league (no good experience), 24 yrs of age, no MBA, some shit back office internships, and I still managed a phone call with one of the best west coast hedge funds today (sitting in india). The call flopped out, but just goes to show that anything is possible.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll be sure to not limit my possibilities based on chances; it doesn't hurt to try.

Best of luck to you.

prudentinvestorFor something like IBD, PE, HF or MBB ya, you probably took a giant bullet.

But for smaller botique firms, corp development, F500 finance you might still be good for it.

Manage expectations

6 USD figure base salary, probably not going to happen.

Thanks for the reply. Getting a view of my chances/employer perspective is what I'm mainly looking for.

I've heard that smaller botiques are less flexible when it comes to non-targets, is that true?

If I am able land an analyst/entry level position at a consulting firm, should I expect any faster progression from having a non-target MBA? I'm guessing maybe not, but would like to hear opinions.

 

just relax bro. I am from IIT/BITS league (no good experience), 24 yrs of age, no MBA, some shit back office internships, and I still managed a phone call with one of the best west coast hedge funds today (sitting in india). The call flopped out, but just goes to show that anything is possible.

 
MountainKingjust relax bro. I am from IIT/BITS league (no good experience), 24 yrs of age, no MBA, some shit back office internships, and I still managed a phone call with one of the best west coast hedge funds today (sitting in india). The call flopped out, but just goes to show that anything is possible.

Whoa, I'm curious. How did you manage to get a call like that?

Move along, nothing to see here.
 

It's tough to answer based just on what you've posted. I'd have to know more about your undergrad and your specific experiences. Leadership/extracurriculars while in school and then quality of experience during your year at your family's business will either make or break you.

 
Best Response

Do you have any full-time work experience? That is what you need at this point far more than an additional degree.

If you are looking to get into finance at this point, I would target local or regional asset managers and start building your own book of business. There isn't a whole lot of young blood in the Asset Management business and you can live a pretty decent lifestyle with AM as your career. A $100 million book on which you are charging a management fee of 1% per year can make you a pretty nice living (and is completely doable by the age 40). Also, if you are looking to climb to other positions in finance, this at least gets your foot in the door to the industry (but make no mistake, it will be very difficult to move into one of the more "desirable" S&T/HF roles at this point).

 

How non-target? There's a world of difference between a good regional, like a UM, Florida or UGA, which doesn't get great finance and consulting recruiting but has good F500 placement and St. Somewheresville Private College. My thought would be to look into finance related roles,you can look at corp fin, corporate banking, Big 4, PWM and the like.

 

applying online will get you nowhere...any chance you can stop and transfer to another school? the mba is pretty much your last chance (unless you have a sick network) don't waste it

 

You need to network your way in. Like I_Bankster said, applying online from non-target is tough. Are there alumni from your MBA program at these firms? Do you have friends in consulting who could connect you to people at these firms? You basically need to network your way into the interview process. Simultaneously be practicing your case interviews so you'll be prepared.

Good luck.

 

Not really sure what you’re asking. You said you know the types of jobs you’re looking at (BO). Google or your school's career services office should be a good place to start.

 

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