DECISION To MAKE: 1st year Analyst offer at a six-man Lower MM boutique IB or do a Top MSF program?
I am a 24-year-old who recently graduated from a non-target with a major in finance and a minor in economics; 3.6 GPA and have been interning at a <10-man lower MM boutique IB firm since last summer. Before this, I interned at two search funds.
The firm has a solid deal flow, and I am staffed on all their deals. I recently offered me a full-time job offer to be their very first and sole analyst. I am grateful for the opportunity and worked hard for it, but my ultimate goal is to work at a MM firm and later make the switch to PE.
I am also applying to round 4 at a couple of master in finance programs that place well in IB. I received GMAT waivers for two of these programs, so I am confident if I write a stellar essay, get my recommenders to write me Greta letters of recommendation, and give a killer interview - I’ll be admitted to one of these MSF programs and be able to rebrand myself and break into a MM firm.
- Should I forget the MSF, save the money, and accept the analyst offer, or should I do the MSF? Would working as an analyst at my current firm make it harder for me to pivot to middle-market IBs and, ultimately, MM PE firms?
Looking forward to reading what you guys think would be best. Thanks!
IB market is absolute dog shit right now. I'd take the job offer, stay for a year and then pivot to any Middle-Market bank. Those students doing a MSF are SOOO fucked when it comes to IB recruiting this upcoming year..Save yourself the trouble and take the offer.
Agreed. The LMM experience would look better anyways than a MSF. Plus, you are making money vs paying tuition
Take the offer. Not worth risking entering this job market with uncertainty + $75k more in debt.
What MSF are you applying to
Main Programs: Vanderbilt qualified for GMAT waiver | UT-Austin (maybe since apparently they prefer non-finance majors) | Notre Dame qualified for GMAT waiver | Georgetown
Safety Schools: Villanova | Fordham | and University of Rochester
Bump
I would really only consider an MSF at MIT, Princeton’s, Oxbridge. My understanding is MSF are mainly for people who struck out recruiting or would like to do a more quanty finance, neither of which sound like they apply to you
Perspiciatis porro est amet vero quidem unde maxime. Dicta rerum reiciendis facere. Error veniam error ut voluptas vel doloremque ut.
Quos quisquam unde id voluptatem. Voluptas a voluptas sint distinctio nemo.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...