First-time poster here (after periodic lurking in the past) and apologies for the long post (TLDR; below) but would really appreciate thoughts/feedback on my situation
Worked at oil and gas co. as a petroleum engineer, then moved to the acquisitions and divestitures (A&D) team of a middle tier of Houston IB shop (TD/RBC/Lazard/Scotia). As a VP of Engineering (been at a bank for 3 years now), I work on typical sellside/buyside processes, create pitchbooks, and engage with clients but it is still a technical (engineering) role and not finance. I am concerned about the gloomy outlook for O&G and my role in particular in the long-term (UBS just closed their energy shop last year). With me not being in the finance role, I can't really move to renewables or other energy sectors. Applied to FT MBA programs and have interviewed at Darden, Fuqua, Johnson, and Ross - do think I will get into at least one of these. The goal is to move to IB on the finance side and out of O&G to either other industry groups or at the very least renewables/utilities space which I think have a better outlook (?) than O&G. However, in talking to current students and reading some posts here, I am having second thoughts on whether I can pull this career-switch. Some questions:
a) Have been told that at the schools I am targeting, only ~40-50% of the students who start recruiting get summer internships. Heard that if you are international, odds get lower. While I am originally from SE Asia, I have been in the US for 10+ years and don't have visa issues. People tell me I don't have an accent (if that matters). While I am not an extrovert and finance-bro type, but I can hold a conversation as a pretty normal person. Will I face the same hurdles as other "internationals" during recruiting? This is my biggest concern after reading some posts here.
b) While I think my odds may be better targeting Houston O&G IB shops, that's absolutely the last thing I want to do given the huuuge opportunity cost. What chance will I stand recruiting for a different industry at banks in NYC or other offices? Will I be better off at targeting renewables/cleantech groups instead?
c) I am slightly older (32) and hours won't be an issue. I pulled 80+ hours in the first couple of years and am ready to do it again. Will my age be a hindrance in recruiting?
d) Though I don't have a finance background, I plan to take WSO or BiWS prep course before the school starts (if I decide to enroll) to come up the learning curve. If accepted to all these schools, and all other things equal, is there any school in particular that will provide me a better chance of success in breaking into IB?
If you have read up here, thank you for your patience and time!
TLDR: Engineer in an oil and gas A&D (M&A but asset level) team at Houston IB. Feels like industry and my role has a grim outlook. Thinking of doing FT MBA to break into IB on the finance side and switch industries/sectors. But concerned about chances of success and would like some thoughts and help.
Voluptas sed impedit iusto voluptate aut. Nihil qui ut consequatur quia aspernatur fugit. Veniam rerum facilis veniam et consequatur ipsa eveniet. Atque dolores earum tempore aut consequatur. Sed voluptatibus reiciendis quae dignissimos molestiae rem doloremque.
In excepturi adipisci dolorum alias molestiae id unde. Est explicabo aut accusantium ratione repudiandae et. Deleniti qui soluta quae impedit ut est. Distinctio amet enim similique officia voluptatem veniam. Temporibus porro quia dolore in minus.
Quo qui laudantium et eum et. Nostrum a delectus maxime eos ex. Accusantium minus et ab velit sit minus quisquam autem. Nulla voluptatem deserunt a. Eius commodi ea sunt dolorem. Ducimus est enim odit blanditiis incidunt. Reprehenderit unde ad tempora doloribus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...