How much does your first job (in this case in investment banking) play a role in determining what MBA program you get into?

Almost zero. I say this an MBA alum and someone who helped with admission and MBA recruiting.

When applying to an MBA program your story and ability to connect three things clearly is key:

• Why an MBA now?
• Why an MBA from this institution?
• What do you plan to do post MBA?

In my opinion, there is a (poor) assumption made that there is this single lockstep methodology to H/S/W admission of IB to PE to MBA. In reality it's far less check the box than you realize. You can spin any experience via good essays and networking. People from all walks of life attend business school it's not only kids who worked for GS/MS/JPM.

In reality you can have that 'pedigree' or trajectory and be a terrible MBA applicant because you can't explain why you want an MBA or have no clear plan for post MBA. The most interesting and dynamic MBA classmates I had either started a company before or during school, had been the first employee at a unique startup or worked in a non-finance/non- consulting role and added unique perspectives to classroom discussions, late night conversations and trips abroad. This is not to say I didn't have great classmates who worked in IB or PE before, but more to illustrate success is about being dynamic and interesting not about checking a bunch of boxes. Be that interesting candidate.

Don't plan your life out now, do what is interesting to you and stay excited about it and the possibilities ahead. An MBA may not even be necessary for you long term to achieve your ultimate goals.

The only pre-MBA advice I can offer is take the GMAT within 2 years of graduating college, that test sucks!