Booth vs Columbia for Rx IB to Special Sits
Hello,
I've recently been accepted to both Chicago Booth and Columbia for b-school, and I'm trying to weigh my options.
Background:
- 27M based in NYC
- Worked at a mid-market bank doing credit risk modeling for 2 years
- Worked in tech at a mid-sized enterprise AI company for 4 years implementing Gen AI applications for large enterprises
- Went to non-target, state school undergrad
Im looking to pivot to Rx IB post MBA, with goal of moving to the buy side (in special sits) after 3-5 years in IB.
Im drawn to this because of the intersection of finance and legal work that Rx IB provides, and the complex, unique financial modeling special sits would provide.
How I'm weighing the schools:
Booth:
Pros:
- Given it's outside NYC, there's a more structured recruiting process in that the banks come to them
- Ability to take more law classes due to their flexible curriculum
- Opportunity to explore a new city + have it be time bound
Cons
- Not in NYC, so recruiting for NYC will be tougher
- More difficult to specialize in restructuring vs Columbia
Columbia:
Pros:
- Already in NYC, so will naturally make it easier to remain there
- Great adjunct profs
- Value investing program
- Has a club dedicated to restructuring and distressed investing
Cons:
- Unclear if the quality of the course offerings goes down significantly if not accepted into value investing program
- Less structured recruiting vs Booth
- Not as easy to take law classes
- (More personal) will be easier to stay in my comfort zone here given Im from the area. So potentially less personal growth
Curious to get your thoughts on:
- Which program is better suited for the career change I'm looking to make
- Any tips as I embark on this career change (skills to build, books to read, etc.)
I have very few commitments now, and am willing to put in the time/work over these next 5+ years to learn the skills needed to be successful in this space. Thank you.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how Booth and Columbia stack up for your goals in RX IB and transitioning to Special Situations:
Booth:
Pros: - Structured Recruiting: Booth's location outside NYC fosters a more structured recruiting process, with banks actively coming to campus. This can be advantageous for someone pivoting into RX IB, as it provides a clear pathway to network and secure interviews. - Flexible Curriculum: Booth's flexibility allows you to tailor your coursework, including taking law classes that align with the legal-heavy aspects of RX IB. This could be a significant advantage given your interest in the intersection of finance and legal work. - Personal Growth Opportunity: Moving to a new city like Chicago could push you out of your comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth.
Cons: - NYC Recruiting Challenges: Being outside NYC might make networking for NYC-based RX IB roles slightly more challenging, though Booth's strong reputation and alumni network can mitigate this. - Specialization in RX: While Booth offers flexibility, it may not have the same level of focus on restructuring and distressed investing as Columbia.
Columbia:
Pros: - Proximity to NYC: Being in NYC provides unparalleled access to RX IB firms and networking opportunities, which is crucial for breaking into the field. - Adjunct Professors & Value Investing Program: Columbia's strong adjunct faculty and the Value Investing Program (if admitted) offer direct exposure to distressed investing and special situations. - Dedicated RX Club: The restructuring and distressed investing club can provide targeted resources, networking, and learning opportunities.
Cons: - Less Structured Recruiting: Columbia's recruiting process may require more self-initiative compared to Booth's structured approach. - Limited Law Class Options: If you're looking to deepen your understanding of the legal aspects of RX, Columbia's curriculum may not be as accommodating as Booth's. - Comfort Zone: Staying in NYC might limit personal growth opportunities compared to relocating to Chicago.
Recommendation:
For your specific goals of pivoting into RX IB and transitioning to Special Situations, Columbia seems slightly better suited due to its NYC location, access to RX-focused resources, and proximity to the buy-side community. However, if you value a structured recruiting process and the ability to take law classes, Booth could be a strong contender.
Tips for Your Career Change:
Skills to Build:
Books to Read:
Additional Steps:
Both schools can help you achieve your goals, but the decision ultimately depends on your preference for structured recruiting (Booth) versus NYC proximity and RX-specific resources (Columbia).
Sources: Pros & Cons Summary - Post-MBAs in Restructuring (RX) - any regrets?, Pros & Cons Summary - Post-MBAs in Restructuring (RX) - any regrets?, Medical School --> IBanking
either one will probably help you meet your goals
Booth > Columbia. Go for buyside out of MBA, IB can still get you there but it’s harder.
What makes you say Booth > Columbia?
It’s a m7 and I know a bunch of MDs from UChicago and none from Columbia - personal experience I guess
Ah I see, good to know. thanks!
Michael Gatto literally teaches at Columbia
I know, Columbia has some very good adjuncts. Makes it tough to turn down...
Also a CBS alum.
CBS IMO, but have heard that Wall Street recruiting, even at the M7 MBA level, was brutal the last few years to now.
Mollitia unde aut sed fuga quo. Est illo sint esse. Sunt voluptatem aut blanditiis sunt aut. A provident autem hic quis sapiente porro. Est nobis dolor ipsum sed ipsam praesentium iure iure. Qui excepturi facilis provident aperiam ut aspernatur. Eveniet quidem sit animi distinctio maiores sint.
Labore qui corporis voluptatem quaerat odit. Architecto sed illo porro laudantium unde. Fugiat velit impedit ipsum eveniet. Omnis eum magni et rem dolorem laboriosam. Omnis vero quaerat in nesciunt pariatur aut. Mollitia soluta qui fugiat ex suscipit. Voluptatem est necessitatibus officia suscipit ullam nemo ea.
Quia voluptatibus quia voluptas error rem ad et magni. Provident voluptas qui perferendis et. Aut magni eaque reiciendis praesentium aut. Hic possimus rerum quas rerum sed. Nam dolores ut beatae occaecati enim.
Possimus eos veniam aspernatur consequatur hic. Et natus ullam nostrum placeat dignissimos. Quod quae dignissimos quibusdam id sit tempore cupiditate dignissimos. Similique temporibus voluptate minima vel voluptatum officiis. Ut sequi voluptatem itaque consequatur consectetur ad mollitia.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...