Boutique IB or MBA?

So I wanted to get everyone's opinion on this topic.

At this point I have 2 options. I can start my IB career at a boutique middle market bank in Los Angeles at the lowest entry level position OR I can go back to business school, get my MBA from a top 20 school (M7 is a reach) and go work for a BB in NYC as an associate, which I am confident I can do. I was wondering what the opinions are on these 2 career paths. Would it be hard to make a lateral move to a BB later on? I also feel like I would be getting more deal experience at a BB but would also be more exposed to the deal process from top to bottom at a boutique. Any input would be appreciated.

4 Comments
 
Best Response

I assume you have some work experience under your belt? I was in a similar situation, eligible for MBA (and thus the summer associate route) but didn't have enough experience to move directly into an associate position for IB.

In the end I chose the analyst route. Analyst and associate positions are not that different, I felt there was no point in spending an extra 2 years and XXX amount for an MBA just to get essentially the same experience. To me, time is the most valuable thing.

Although my offer was for a lower tier BB. As long as your boutique is not a 10 men shop, you can easily lateral to a better boutique/lower-tier BB after 2-3 years, if you've decided to stay in IB.

 

thanks for the input. I am basically deciding between 2 years of school vs. 2 years of real exp. At that point i do feel like 2 years of exp. outweighs an mba. but I also feel like I would eventually have to get an MBA whether I'm at a BB or boutique. tough choice

 

thanks for the input. I am basically deciding between 2 years of school vs. 2 years of real exp. At that point i do feel like 2 years of exp. outweighs an mba. but I also feel like I would eventually have to get an MBA whether I'm at a BB or boutique. tough choice

 

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