I'm a STEM major (non US) and don't know a lot about US MBAs. Currently work in a niche space at a BB, something like ABS special situations. Will be up for VP next year after 4 yrs of experience.
Ignoring the cost, do you guys think an MBA in the US could be a good option? My group feeds well into funds that are active in this space, but deal teams are small so opportunities are limited. However I'd rather be a 1st year buy-side associate with an MBA rather than without one for a variety of reasons.
Something that worries me is the very low %ages of MBA grads that make it to HF/AM. Could this be because many MBAs are career changers? Also I have little interest in equity HF or mainstream PE, and no relevant experience for the same - I feel this further limits my post MBA options.
General example of a dream scenario would be:
Make VP -> H/S/W/Booth -> something like KKR Credit/Cerberus/DK/Oaktree/other credit opportunity funds.
Other areas where my experience would be relevant are ABS analyst roles at AM/Sovereign funds.
Do you think these are feasible scenarios?
This is so niche your best bet would be to speak to industry contacts and alums of your school or bank in AM
The real question is why you feel so strongly about an MBA.
Is it because you want the credential so you aren't barred from partner-level positions? Do you intend to go out on your own 10-20 years down the road and raise your own fund? Do you want a few years of camaraderie and a network of intelligent, hardworking classmates? Do you want a nice (expensive) break from working?
From what you've described, this may be one of the rare cases where the executive MBA may make sense. If you're looking strictly for the credential to make sure you're viewed on equal footing among the partnership, or you think the stamp of approval will be helpful in selling your story if you're fundraising, this is a great option that allows you both to keep working while you're in school while also not eliminating your calendar flexibility in jumping at any opportunity to join one of these lean funds that fits your strategy.
The normal downsides to the e-MBA of not having as strong a network with your colleagues as a traditional MBA student would or having employers look at you somewhat less favorably for not doing the traditional two years on campus don't apply here. The former because you're looking solely for credentialing, and the latter because 10 years down the road people are simply seeing the MBA line on your resume and not asking whether you did it on nights and weekends or in the linear model.
I'm confident that with your profile you could get to any of the target roles you've outlined. The question is how favorably adcoms will look upon a Vice President (and thus someone presumably 27 at a minimum, likely 29-30 and thus 30-31 at matriculation) applying to school when the median amount of experience at matriculation is now something like 3.4 years at H/S/W.
I'd get in front of as many people as you can at the type of funds you're interested in and just ask them for their insight. I think you'll find that few care about the MBA, which brings us full circle to the original question of why you want it so strongly.
Charizard Thanks. Have found industry contacts to often be out of touch with current trends.. I actually think regarding this particular question recent MBA grads would know best.
APAE Many thanks for the detailed feedback.. very helpful. FYI I'd be 25-26 while applying for the MBA (up for early VP promotion).. reasons for MBA are as you outline but also some bigger factors like moving to the US, and having never formally studied business it could help me with more general credit/distressed/fundamental investing as I don't really have any corporate finance experience. Also, 10 years down the road, something like crowdfunding mortgages could be the next big thing and feel I'd be more well rounded/better positioned with an MBA. Very encouraging that you feel the target roles could be achievable at a top school. Do you know if they hire MBA grads or could you suggest a good place to check this?
The best way to check this is to talk to people at the funds you're interested in. It's that simple. It's the true definition of networking. Send people a brief note: "Hi, I work at X firm in Y role and am thinking about my career progression. Can I take 15 minutes to buy you coffee sometime and speak briefly?"
It costs you nothing but your time, and you'll both find out the info you're looking for while also introducing yourself to them as a thoughtful and proactive person. Whether they're hiring at that moment or not, you're making a favorable impression that may pay dividends down the road.
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