MMS/MSF or wait to get an MBA?
I'm a recent liberal arts grad from a non-target. Graduated in May 2017. Currently working as a Financial Advisor for a Fortune 100, hoping to transition into PWM. I was considering doing an MMS/MSF until recently when I started looking at MBA programs. I initially wanted to do an MMS/MSF to get a job in the financial sector (IB/PE/VC) until I learned that one could get a job in finance without majoring in business and it would be easier if I went the MBA route. I also considered an MMS/MSF because of the opportunity to rebrand myself and to get another shot at recruiting. I also thought I would not be able to get into a top 15 MBA program because my UG GPA was 3.48. After researching more about MBA programs and learning about the holistic approach they use when evaluating applicants, I now believe I have a shot at a top 15 MBA. My GPA is close to the average at a few top 15 schools. I'm not saying I'll be a top candidate since my GPA is on the low end and there too many qualified people for few seats but I'll still like to give it a shot.
An MMS/MSF will be 65k so I would have to take out a loan and compensation is a lot lower than what you would get if you were to do an MBA. Plus at the top MMS, only 5% of the students get these IB jobs. Doing an MBA will give me the opportunity to do an internship which may lead to a FT role while an MMS would not. I do know about people doing an internship right before enrolling into an MMS/MSF though.
Ideally, I'll like to get into IB as an Analyst so it would be easier to transition into PE/VC as opposed to a post-MBA associate transitioning into PE/VC.
If I do the MMS/MSF, I still might have to go back to get an MBA to be promoted or to be on the partner track.