Which of the three MBA programs has the best placement for equity research upon graduation? Also, what experience or credentials should one have to break into ER post-MBA?
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The CFA designation.
Stern would be great, primarily due to NYC proximity. However all three would suffice.
If I were in your shoes I'd opt for Yale - I really can't quite explain or substantiate the following claim, but I really feel like Yale SOM is on the come up.
Compare the employment reports to see which places the most graduates into ER.
Stern-> Cornell-> Yale
Stern has as strong a sell side brand as Columbia (Buyside is a whole other topic) Johnson also has a strong sell side brand, but mostly for IB. Although I have met several Johnson lead analysts on the street Yale SOM doesnt have that strong of a sell side presence.
Also, I am assuming that you are not in the 'business' and using the MBA to make the move. In which case, a CFA aint gonna do sh*t for you (i.e. disregard the first response in this post).
No,
I was saying that the CFA alone would not help a career switcher land into ER. But a career switcher with a top MBA+CFA? Absolutely.
I strongly considered Yale SOM, but their sell side and long-only recruiting is not that strong. This may come as a bit of surprise since they seem to place well for IBD and also private equity. I met the president of their investment management club and he had pretty negative things to say about Yale's placement, particularly on the buy side.
I actually had the same impression. I think Yale SOM will be much more highly ranked in the next 5-10 years. However, it's still a top 15-20 school and it will take time to change that.
Another thing to consider is that New Haven is a dump, which really turned me off from applying to Yale.
This is good advice too:
Stern>Cornell>Yale
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