Top MBA or straight to HF??

Hi,

Currently 28, just finished by 3rd year on the sell-side as a research analyst (non-BB but well known bank), covering non-bank financials (currently a writing analyst in Asia).

My goal is to get into the buyside (ideally HF) and am currently interviewing with a couple funds.

I am also contemplating getting a top MBA, but am wondering how sensible it is to get an MBA (spending money and two years of my life as well as huge opportunity cost) when I'm already getting interviews at HFs based on my current status.

Reasons for getting a top-MBA include the brand (non-target undergrad), network, and potential opportunity to get a job in the states (I also have US citizenship).

In terms of designations, I already have a CFA charter and CPA.

My main objective is to get a job at a HF (don't really care about location).

Would you guys think it would make sense for me to get a MBA or should I keep on applying to funds while working at my current sell-side role?

4 Comments
 

Hey there, my $0.02 on this are that you should try to make the jump directly as opposed to a top-MBA.

We seem to have similar backgrounds and I actually just made the jump to the buyside (not HF, but that wasn't my preference). My interaction with recruiters and interviewers is that post-MBA with no prior buyside experience just makes it much harder to get to the buyside. No idea why that is, but nature of the beast I suppose. I'd note that I also come from a non-target and have various relevant credentials.

Let me know if you have any more specific questions, or just PM me.

 

Okay, I am confused you already have a CFA and a CPA why do you need an MBA? I thought a CFA is the golden ticket if one does not have an MBA?

Want to Lose the body fat, keep the muscles, I can help.
 
Best Response

You don't need a MBA if you're already getting the interviews and doing reasonable well at them. A MBA can help make the introductions and definitely makes for a easier path to the buy side, but the opportunity cost is huge. Unless you have a strong personal desire to get a MBA, I would keep interviewing while you work on the sell side.

I thought a CFA is the golden ticket if one does not have an MBA?

The value of the CFA charter is greatly overstated. Don't get me wrong, I am a charterholder and think its valuable, but passing the exams is not a straight ticket to a job on the buy- or sell side.

 

Commodi corporis possimus facere sunt. Veniam amet veritatis ut dolor. Et quaerat officiis facere beatae iure tempora et. Porro enim corporis ipsam velit autem quod.

Sed molestiae dolores non et iste nam magni. Velit consequatur reprehenderit at nesciunt. Hic facilis impedit hic et quo non sit architecto. Assumenda est et qui sit dicta. Ut molestias dolor et voluptatum. Laboriosam aspernatur hic cum aut et.

Quia enim dolor tempora quam rerum magnam dolorem. Quibusdam consequuntur assumenda omnis quia enim. Omnis quos aut vel sequi.

Repellendus officia quo vel aperiam qui provident deleniti. Perspiciatis non sequi inventore quas quia doloribus. Laborum ut tempore doloribus totam deserunt et aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”