Associate without MBA?
Is it possible to transition from being an analyst or associate at a smaller bank to working at a top five Bulge bracket as an associate without doing an MBA?
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yes, such things happen
i doubt you'd be able to go from analyst at a smaller bank to associate at a bb, but associate to associate sounds plausible though difficult
I was actually wondering the same thing. The bank I work for is smaller and does regularly make a few offers to promote from analyst to associate. However, as I consider if I'm going to take this opportunity if its offered to me, I worry that doing so may limit me career-wise.
Essentially, say I work as an analyst at this small bank for 2 years, get promoted to associate and work for 2 years, could I lateral and be an associate at a bigger bank or would I be screwed since I didn't get an MBA? Would this hurt me down the road when all the other people have top MBAs and I don't?
Personally, I'm skeptical about doing this (though I may be an associate for two years rather than do PE for two years, but then go back to get an MBA), but I'd like to hear thoughts or stories.
i was wondering the same thing..
I know some smaller banks/boutiques that promote to Associate after 2 years as Analyst
Can you be an Associate for a few years at a smaller place and then do an MBA and then leverage that into an Associate position at a BB
So, you would already have been an "Associate" at the smaller place
Associate positions without an MBA? (Originally Posted: 08/06/2012)
Hi guys, not sure if this has been asked before so apologies if it has. I am a trainee credit analyst looking to make the jump to equity research. I have recently completed CFA level 2 and have 1 year of sector specific experience covering TMT. I am thinking of applying to a number of graduate schemes (starting Sept. 2013) for a role in equity research. I don't want to start at the analyst level however I don't have an MBA or any desire to get an MBA. Would I still be able to apply for associate positions without an MBA? I would be coming in to the associate program with 2 years of TMT sector experience and Level 3 CFA. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I don't think you will not need a MBA degree, as long as you have financial experience for number of years. You can easily move yourself into different divisions.
My understanding is (at least where I work) that you'll either need to be an MBA hire or, at some banks, be a direct promote from Analyst. I don't think I've heard of someone who wasn't either of these, although my experience in the matter may be quite limited.
Pretty difficult without a MBA. The reason is because there are people who've done what you've done but have also gained 2 years of additional schooling (probably at a top school).
When you say 'credit analyst' are you doing that for a commercial bank for loans or for credit research at an IB?
Yes you are correct, I forgot the titles are the reverse in ER. I work for a ratings agency in London. I am hoping to make the move to ER and was thinking that I might apply to some of the grad schemes over here. Basically I want to avoid getting an MBA as I doubt I would get into a top-5 school and I don't think an MBA is worth the cost otherwise. I see a lot of the banks have schemes for post MBA students and I guess I had hoped that with the CFA I might be on a similar footing for ER or AM roles.
Thanks
Associate Without an MBA? (Originally Posted: 12/04/2010)
Is it common for analysts to be promoted to the associate level based on past experience and/or a CFA designation? Are people from outside of equity research (some other finance related job) considered for associate level positions upon completion of the CFA? If a candidate has the CFA designation would an MBA from a non-target be acceptable to be considered for an associate level position?
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