Post-Experience Master's in Finance to Support Move from IB to PE? - London

Hi all,

I'm a first year analyst at a top bulge bracket investment bank in London (GS/JP/MS). I am toying with the idea of doing a Post-experience Master's in Finance at Cambridge/LBS, with a preference for the former.

I understand that these programmes are typically used for people to break into front office positions, however, I wanted to ask what your opinions would be if I was looked to use this to support a move to the buyside. 

It seems that in London there is quite a lot of elitism in finance when it comes to your educational background. I went to a strong semi-target/low target, but am wondering whether my chances of breaking into the absolute top buyside firms would be hindered by the fact I don't have the same 'pedigree' as other candidates.

Assuming money was not an issue (I am not wealthy by any means - but I have access to scholarships that a lot of others wouldn't by virtue of my background. I was fully funded for undergrad and was offered funding for a masters) and I am quite young (only just turned 22, when the first year analysts are 23-25 already, with many associates being in their late 20s) so I'm happy to take the 'road less travelled' so to speak.

What do you think? Obviously the dream would be to break into Blackstone something straight away, but in spite of being an extremely good analyst according to my team, I am skeptical of my chances given I don't speak a European language and don't have the educational pedigree.

Taking a year off to date some hot smart Cambridge chicks doesn't sound so bad either. I am quite confident I could get into either school given my educational/personal background which I won't get into.