Who makes more $ off the bat and who does better in the long run? It seems like those that get there w/o the MBA may do better in the short term but once the MBA associate gets over the learning curve, they may be better off. I guess what I’m asking is, is there any benefit to the MBA assuming no career switch?
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non-MBA associates will have been at the firms for at least 2-3 years, something that an MBA associate of equal caliber will never be able to get over in some cases. The trust and just time spent in the group makes a bigger difference than you realize. It's also highly beneficial for the non-mba associate too. They have to work less hard and can be more efficient / manage expectations better because they know exactly what the seniors want / are expecting. There will be inside jokes and memories made in the analyst years that you as an MBA associate will never be apart of. Of course, you can come close to that with enough hard work, but time is something you can never beat that way....maybe when you both are VPs or Ds, then it might be that you al are treated equall...........
Thanks for the reply. Does it follow that non-MBA associates have a greater chance at making VP/D? or does not having the MBA a consideration when making promotion decisions between MBA and non-MBA associates. or is it really purely performance/relationship-based?
performance/relationship based, but why you are seeing a good amount of post MBA IB associates making it up in the VP/D range is because many in the analyst class have already left either for PE, or exit to something else (read: burned out). those that come from MBA with their eyes wide open have set themselves to be a career banker, hence the promotions.
all else equal, if you are an analyst wanting to go to associate and then vp, no reason to take an MBA; bank will not even sponsor it unlike consulting. they prefer their analyst class move up the ranks but as we know many choose to leave before then
inside jokes and memories? lol if you are in high school or immature then this statement would apply. In a professional setting, as long as you are not a robot, willing to partake in social events, and have any bit of a sense of humour or personality then this is not at an issue. You will begin to form new “inside jokes and memories” with your colleagues and fit in just fine. I’m sure I’m wrong some in cases whn joining a toxic group with a fratty culture.
I joined my restructuring group in my early 30s as a senior associate and my colleagues at my level are 23-25 and managers are 25-27 and we’ve become close very quickly. If they knew my age they probably wouldn’t believe me and it wouldn’t change anything.
Just be personable and relatable.
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