Would IB consider my weird career path/profile (age 34)?
Hello,
I am looking for some input from those of you who are in IB or in related professions.
To provide a brief background, I was formerly a public accountant of 4 years in the audit arm after graduating from a large private school in Southern California in the heart of los angeles. I found accounting to be a very secure profession, but wanted to follow in the footsteps of some family members and went to medical school in the midwest. Unfortunately, I realized that medicine posed slightly too much emotional and rote memorization drain, and left med school in 3rd year. I then took the gmat, scored a 760, and got into haas ewmba part time flex option so I could work while finishing the program. The Mba has been deferred to next yet due to some unforeseen circumstances at current work(federal accounting job).
I am 34 now. If I do pursue mba next year, it would be for the goal of pursuing a career in IB. Equity research was another career I was considering, but it seems like the industry is shrinking.
For those of you in the profession, would you say that I have a fighting but realistic chance? The reasons for wanting to pursue is mainly two-fold, for the high financial reward and for the opportunity it provides.
Thanks in advance for any input you may have.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your unconventional career path and age (34) do not necessarily disqualify you from breaking into investment banking (IB). While it may be more challenging, there are actionable steps and considerations that can improve your chances:
Age and Career Transition: Breaking into IB at 34 is not unheard of. Several WSO threads highlight individuals who transitioned into IB in their 30s, even with non-traditional backgrounds. For example, one user shared their success breaking into IB at 30+ with a low GPA and a foreign degree. The key factors were a strong GMAT score, strategic B-school selection, and persistence.
GMAT and MBA: Your 760 GMAT score is excellent and positions you well for top MBA programs. Completing your MBA at Haas (a well-regarded program for finance) will be a significant advantage. Top 15 MBA programs are known to place well into IB, and Haas is no exception.
Work Experience: While your background in public accounting and federal accounting is not traditional for IB, it provides transferable skills such as financial analysis, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. Highlighting these skills in your applications and interviews will be crucial.
Networking: Networking is critical for career changers. Start building relationships with alumni, professionals in IB, and recruiters. Attend industry events, leverage LinkedIn, and connect with Haas alumni in IB to gain insights and referrals.
Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative that explains your career transitions and demonstrates your genuine interest in IB. Admissions committees and recruiters value candidates who can clearly articulate their motivations and how their unique experiences add value.
Challenges to Consider:
Equity Research Alternative: While equity research is shrinking, it remains a viable option if you are passionate about it. However, IB offers broader opportunities and higher financial rewards, aligning with your stated goals.
In summary, you have a realistic chance of breaking into IB if you leverage your strong GMAT score, complete your MBA at Haas, and strategically network and position your unique background. Persistence and a well-crafted narrative will be key to overcoming any challenges.
Sources: Q&A - Public Accounting to Top MBA, High GMAT, Low GPA, Realistic Schools for IB?, Is IB impossible for me now?, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, Career switch from journalism to finance...how to go about?
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