Best option going forward?

I asked for advice about getting an associate position at a BB a while ago and was told that it would be very hard for me to find any job and I should look into getting a Master's degree at a top school to have a chance at landing a decent position in Investment Banking

I'll start with some background:

23 years old from Eastern Europe BA in Economics MA in Business Finance (GPA 3,86 / 4,00) Both from same school that is top 2 in the country, but completely obscure by world standards summer internship at a local IB 3 years at a small, local accounting/auditing firm 2 years as an entrepreneur, providing consulting/accounting/auditing

The plan is to work in NYC/London in IB for 5-ish years before likely coming back home.

As mentioned earlier, I was already told that my opportunities for IB are quite slim at this point. I've done some thinking and I seem to have the following options: * I can get a job at a local Big4 office * Get an MBA from a top10 program * Get a M.Fin from a top school * Try to get an internship/analyst position at a less known bank and work up from there

What would be the best alternative at this point, considering my goal to work in IB? I know I can easily get a local job with Big4, I'm guessing I'm bright enough to be accepted into top schools for an MBA/MSF.

Also, I know the top schools for the US, but which schools should I be looking at in the UK (or English programs elsewhere in Europe)? Oxford/Cambridge/Insead/LSE? Also, how does Stockholm School of Economics stack up in the grand scheme of things?

5 Comments
 

I would say align your actions for that top MBA. Is your work experience considered full-time, because you're only 23...

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

CFA wouldn't help you much (if at all) for banking.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

My work experience is 5 years, full time. I started working full time as an accountant when I started my BA, which is the biggest reason I did not graduate my bachelor's degree with honors. If anyone asks me at an interview, I guess I can spin my lousy GPA during BA (3,4 / 4,0) on that and won't be judged too much.

 

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