The title kind of speaks for itself, but here's a little background. I have a pretty bad undergrad GPA from a non-target (3.1). Definitely went through a phase of messing around, but I've been out of college for a couple of years now and got a respectable Analyst role at a top CRE firm. Is it possible to move from CRE to IB without an MBA or would I have to get an MBA? I believe if I get into a #10-20 MBA program I can get above a 3.5 for sure (my senior year undergrad GPA was a 3.7).
Doing an MBA seems like a no-brainer, but I'm not sure if I can get into a top 20 MBA program and I don't really see the point in doing an MBA program ranked below that range. Will my experience in a couple of years and a 730+ GMAT help me overcome my low GPA or should I try leveraging my experience and network like crazy to break into IB without an MBA? Thanks for your help!
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I'd try leveraging your network first, especially if you're interested in Real Estate IB. Seems like you'd have a pretty transferable skillset and it'd be worth pursuing, even assuming you start as an Analyst 1. If you don't end up getting traction, you could always try the MBA route afterwards. Agreed that an MBA's much less attractive if you're not in a top 20 program, but with your background + a strong test score you should have a good shot.
Thanks for the insight! Also, I’ve heard that the Relationship Manager route is pretty lucrative in CRE. I know it’s not all about the money but how is compensation/work-life balance for a Relationship Manager vs say a VP or MD in banking?
Can't speak to an RM in CRE, but lifestyle can be pretty brutal for VPs in IBD.
Do you really want to drop 200k and 2 years of your life just to make pretty slides for 80 hours a week?
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