2 years IBD + MIT MFin = IBD associate?

Like the title says,

would you say that 2 years as an investment banking analyst, along with a 1 year MIT MFin, be considered "enough" work experience to apply to BB IBD Associate positions?

I'm aware I would be competing with MBA candidates (which to be honest isn't much of a problem for me) but I'm worried that having just 2 years work exp. would be viewed as insufficient to apply for Associate positions.

And just to break any misconceptions, yes I want to be a banker 4 LYF (maybe not forever at a BB, but even at a smaller boutique for a cut in hours)

11 Comments
 
crucifix.I'm aware I would be competing with MBA candidates (which to be honest isn't much of a problem for me).

lol... you DO realize that 90% of these guys are going to have BETTER and MORE work experience than you?

It's something to think about.

 
Best Response
BTbanker crucifix.:

I'm aware I would be competing with MBA candidates (which to be honest isn't much of a problem for me).

lol... you DO realize that 90% of these guys are going to have BETTER and MORE work experience than you?

It's something to think about.

Yes the MBAs will most likely have MORE work experience than me, but may not exactly be the MOST relevant to IBD Associate positions. I would have two years of IBD analyst experience under my belt, applying for an associate position, whereas many other MIT MBAs would not have such experience, or come from an entirely different field. Like I said, I have more than enough confidence that I could compete with MIT MBAs with an MFin and 2 years IBD exp under my belt.

My question is, would 2 years analyst be considered enough work exp for an IBD associate position? I have searched through linkedin and I have only found 1 person would went from MIT MFin to straight BB Associate position (but she had 3 years work exp as a consultant). The rest of the profiles I've seen, they've all gone to the analyst position (but all of them had only 0~1 year work exp).

 
BTbanker crucifix.:

I'm aware I would be competing with MBA candidates (which to be honest isn't much of a problem for me).

lol... you DO realize that 90% of these guys are going to have BETTER and MORE work experience than you?

It's something to think about.

wtf are you talking about? most of the MBA candidates won't know their head from their ass. First year associates are far more worthless than senior analysts.

That being said, he will probably have to come in as a 3rd year analyst most places with the potential to be promoted to associate shortly thereafter.

xoxo

[quote=Dirk Dirkenson]Shut up already. Your mindless, reflexive responses to any critical thought on this are tedious. You're also probably a woman, given the name and "xoxo" signoff, so maybe the lack of judgment is to be expected.[/quote]
 
Louboutins and Leverage BTbanker: crucifix.:

I'm aware I would be competing with MBA candidates (which to be honest isn't much of a problem for me).

lol... you DO realize that 90% of these guys are going to have BETTER and MORE work experience than you?

It's something to think about.

wtf are you talking about? most of the MBA candidates won't know their head from their ass. First year associates are far more worthless than senior analysts.

That being said, he will probably have to come in as a 3rd year analyst most places with the potential to be promoted to associate shortly thereafter.

xoxo

I guess if he's talking about MIT MBA students, but those who get into T3 programs probably did something better than lower MM banking. I don't know if OP worked at upper MM or what, but it's never "easy" to get an associate gig out of a top MBA. You probably have stories of people you know who still had to work hard at it like a college junior.
 
swgator13

If you're good at your job you don't need additional schooling. My cousin started as an analyst with Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette and made associate while there. She's an MD for for a BB now. No MFin or MBA needed. This is anecdotal but there are tons of stories like this.

Yes I understand that I won't exactly need additional schooling if I plan on a career in IBD. However I am considering the MIT MFin because of three reasons:

  1. The prestige boost (as compared to my undergraduate school)
  2. Possible change in firm (ex. boutique/lower BB -> GS/MS/JPM)
  3. A break from the IBD analyst lifestyle (and 1 year is just sufficient, not too long, not too short)

Now this would only be perfected if I had a clear opportunity to be recruited straight to associate positions (with only 2 years of relevent work exp).

 
swgator13

If you're good at your job you don't need additional schooling. My cousin started as an analyst with Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette and made associate while there. She's an MD for for a BB now. No MFin or MBA needed. This is anecdotal but there are tons of stories like this.

Oh DLJ... the glory days...

xoxo

[quote=Dirk Dirkenson]Shut up already. Your mindless, reflexive responses to any critical thought on this are tedious. You're also probably a woman, given the name and "xoxo" signoff, so maybe the lack of judgment is to be expected.[/quote]
 

I could see you coming in as an associate. But I don't know how much sense it would make. If you are doing well at your shop why not just stick around for a 3rd year and guarantee yourself becoming an associate?

The MSF can be used like this and I know a couple people who have come in at an associate role, but it isn't the norm. People will question you and you'd have an easier time just doing an MBA.

 
HCBanker1

Very much possible indeed

Are you Yoda? Jedi of IBD?

Frank Sinatra - "Alcohol may be man's worst enemy, but the bible says love your enemy."
 

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