I work in M&A Advisory (Financial Due Diligence) at a Big 4. I want to EVENTUALLY move into either strategy consulting or work for a private equity firm but certainly do not have the background to do either. Right now, I have to receive a CPA or CFA to obtain manager level, and do not care for either. The CFA is interesting but I don't value it enough to give up 3 years of my life studying nonstops and incurring the related costs to achieve it.
I really enjoy the M&A industry and don't mind long hours, I actually really enjoy working. And I like what I do now but I do not care for accounting, like at all. I know enough about accounting to have a career in it but I do not care to have an "accounting" perspective/focus in my career. I really enjoy learning about companies and being apart of the transaction environment. And I like performing analysis on financial statements, but would prefer to do in a more strategic focus/mind set. And also want a career where I'll make good money.
Anyone work in private equity or strategy consulting and came from a similiar background as me? Do you suggest taking the CFA/CPA? Do you suggest getting MBA? I really want my MBA actually, but it's so expensive. And have been told by many that you should always get an MBA when you work for a company that will pay for it. Want to move into it within 3-5 years down the road, and want to make a game plan on where to spend my time/focus so that I am prepared and have proper experience. Any advice is appreciated!
When the economy was better, you would ask your employer to transfer business lines (if you were a top performer). Of course, since you're a top performer they wouldn't want to let you go. So you would threaten your Big4 firm with an offer from another in the group you wanted and then magically your transfer (after being held up) would be approved.
These days - consulting is hard and work is slow. I wouldn't count on moving to a strategy shop unless you moved down market to a smaller firm and networked in (but possible). An MBA could help here, but it seems like a lot to get an MBA just to move business lines at your same firm (my .02). And the economy is still a big question mark. Who knows how tough consulting recruiting will be.
I do think there is one path though - RX consulting can (potentially) get you into PE and you have the skill set to do it right now.
You'll prob have a zero shot at senior level to either of those. If your a manager you may have a small chance at a smaller PE shop and the pivot to strategy consulting is prob non-existent. Your best chance in an MBA unfortunately. You prob wont need a CPA or CFA for either of those.
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