Is IB impossible for me now?
Totally depressed coming to realise there is almost no chance for me to break in.
Undergrad: Top 100 in almost all major world rankings, non-target for finance (UK)
GPA/grade : 1st class hons
Graduated with an intergrated masters a bit over a year ago. Recently got a scholarship to do a PhD in Chemistry in my undergrad institution.
Worked in a big pharma for a year and another in a research organisation. Had also done interns in biotech companies.
I have always wanted to break into IB. However, by the time I finish my PhD i will be 27 and have no related experience.
Just want to ask if it is 100% impossible? I would do anything just to break in, even if it is something weird like doing a MFin in a target/semi-target after my PhD.
Appreciate any advice or comments. Even if the truth is harsh please let me know.
I have thought about that. However, to get into a decent MBA programme I will need to have some sort of managerial/finance-related experience...
I heard that it is not necessary, but i rarely find someone manages to switch from PhD science background to IB...
It is really nice to hear you say that, at least you are not telling me it is totally impossible.
Bro, I broke in as a foreigner in the US, with a shitty GPA from my college in my home country. It took me years but I did it. At 30+ years old.
Hint: Score well on your GMAT, be strategic about B-school selection, be willing to eat shit at first. Everything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Honestly? Fuck IB. Do your PhD. Crush it. Get into ER at a bulge bracket. After two years, exit to a HF client with a focus on your sector. You'll make fucking bank (assuming you're good) with half the hours, and you'll be the client instead of the client's bitch. My 2 cents.
As others have said you are in great shape. I wouldn't gun for IB if I were in your shoes because you're clearly extremely smart and have so many more options even within finance with a PhD.
That being said, I go to a top b-school (M7) and we only have a couple PhDs in our class. The reason we don't have more isn't because it's hard to break in with a PhD; it's because most people are 30+ when they get the PhD, and most people wouldn't want to go back to b-school then. If you get a PhD, work 2-3 years in industry with a solid job, then apply with a 720+ GMAT, I would be very surprised if you didn't at least get into a top 10-15 program if not better. IB is not only possible at that point, you'd have to seriously fail to not get a role at that point and you'd only be 32-33, so only maybe 2-3 years older than the average post-MBA IB associate. That's only if that's what you want to do, and again I think there are better roles out there for you to pursue anyway.