I'm currently working as an analyst in the IBD group of one of the largest investment banks in Dubai (we had a part in every single IPO the last 2 years or so, in conjunction with some of the other big players here; Deutsche, Merrill etc.). I just got the gig after a transfer from a Business Analysis (middle office) function in the same bank, and I'm loving the work so far. I was just wondering if there's a strong likelihood of someone like me graduating from a top 10 MBA (not too fussed about getting in; a lot of people from my bank have gone on to Columbia/Sloan/LBS/INSEAD) and then getting a position as an M&A associate? I plan on leaving the firm after I turn 25, which would mean I'd start my MBA in 2010 (I could easily be at a BB in Dubai by then, but I'd wait for my bonus to come in first; our financial year ends in April). By then I'd most likely already be an associate; I've just always wanted to do an MBA and work in the States. Our department here also handles M&A work (small acquisitions usually, around $200m worth), but there really isn't that much M&A activity in Dubai at the moment. The money's in listings.
P.S. My undergrad degree is from the University of Manchester (the one in England).
Is there anything I can do between now and my MBA to boost my chances of an SA position and an eventual job offer? My target schools for the MBA are HBS, Columbia, Chicago, Tuck, Yale SOM and Sloan. I have strong academics and I would have worked on some huge transactions (by Middle East standards) by then.
Also, I'm of Indian origin, not an Arab. Just born and brought up in Dubai. I'd like to eventually work in PE, maybe age 32 or so. And yes, I am one of those anal plan-everything-five-years-ahead types.
Thanks in advance.
Crap, just realized this should probably be in the 'Get A Job' forum. Apologies.
Try and get a CFA. It would boost your marketability for the full time. MBA/CFA is a strong combination. Many tops schools are offering this as well. So if you want, you can go that route as well.
Would it really? It'd be pretty hard with the hours I work, but I'm already registered for the June Level 1. Still, would it really be relevant in terms of an M&A career?
Yes it's relevant. The whole thing is to improve your chances and this would greatly help. Although, i m not saying you wont get in without it, but it will significantly improve your chances. What bank do you work for!
Yes it's relevant. The whole thing is to improve your chances and this would greatly help. Although, i m not saying you wont get in without it, but it will significantly improve your chances. What bank do you work for?
I don't think the CFA is relevant unless you work on the buy-side/hedge fund. Not worth the effort. Get into a top 10 MBA program.
Why Yale SOM? Why not Wharton?
alabinjo, how do you suppose the CFA charter will meaningfully help him find a job in M&A?? obviously your commentary wasn't based on real personal experience, so i'm curious how you came up with this.
In terms of his marketability it will help him alot. I have talked and know many professional who have this combination and have progressed well in their fields. Who do you suppose they would hire, and i am talking about the same credentials here. A person with just an MBA or person with and MBA/CFA combo? The candidate with this combo will have a nice blend of both soft and technical skills. I hope that answers your question.
I'd rather not mention the name of my bank, but a little Googling based on my description should make it pretty obvious.
Thanks for the advice. I think I'll do the Level 1 for the heck of it; it's some cred for my CV at least, but in my firm it's primarily the Asset Management and Prop Investments guys who get the CFA.
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