Can I apply for Associate programs 2 years after MBA?

I graduated from MBA 2 years ago and now works as a trader at a hedge fund. I want to find a trading job at a BB, but there seems to be very few experienced hire opportunities available. I know that for analyst programs it is required that you are in senior year, but what about associate programs? Am I still eligible 2 years after MBA?

The following paragraph is from GS career site:

Goldman Sachs new associates typically have two to five years of work experience, an advanced degree such as an MBA, or both. As a new associate, you will be an integral part of our business and may quickly assume product or client responsibilities.

It looks like they do not specifically require the applicants to be currently in an MBA program. Is this implied? Do you know anyone who have joined a BB's associate program a couple of years after MBA?

Thanks a lot!!!

4 Comments
 

A. 2-5 years exp B. An mba C. 2-5 years experience and an mba

It doesnt seem to me to imply that you'd have to be in an mba program, but I don't work for GS. They may practice double speak.

“...all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” - Schopenhauer
 

It does not have to be straight out of business school. If you have your MBA and work in a related field, you may be able to "lateral" in as a first year associate. Give it a try.

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/
 

Dolorem asperiores delectus velit deleniti esse numquam qui. Sed eaque rerum numquam odio temporibus porro animi.

Voluptatum laudantium et neque quo repellat similique et. Aliquam tenetur dicta officiis sunt.

“...all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” - Schopenhauer

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (27) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”