Help With Situation

HI all i've been a long time lurker and am in need of some perspective. I recently graduated from Northeastern University with a finance and econ distinction. I've interviewed with several boutiques for ibd and one BB but did not receive any offers. I took the GRE's during my final semester to have some options and obtained a nearly perfect score. I applied for masters of mathematics of finance at Columbia University which i gained early acceptance. Here is where my dilemma arises. I recently interviewed with a top BB for MO CRM (GS/MS) and was offered the position today. Below are some pros and cons

Columbia Pros: Brand name/Education Cons: More debt/Uncertainty in job prospects after degree

GS/MS Pros: Decent experience/Income Cons: Giving up Columbia

My background GPA: 3.8 semester @ London School of Economics 2006 coop (Credit Analyst) (Mutual Fund) 2007 coop (IBD) (Boutique) 2008 SA (IBD) (BB)

Am I being naive by giving up Columbia? It is difficult to land a job right now and I find myself extremely lucky to have been offered a position at one of the top BB firms. The reason I listed my credentials is because if I do forgo Columbia I plan on going for one of the top MBA programs. Im curious if adcom will view this digression from FO to MO negatively. Sorry for the long post any suggestions or help would be fantastic.

8 Comments
 

Your in an interesting position. Im not to sure how adcom will view your digression but the markets awful so spin this off in your essays when you apply. Also interview while working at GS/MS for IBD? I think you've got a pretty solid resume thus far for top MBA.

 

If you already got into Columbia and with near perfect GREs (and a strong GPA) there's no reason to believe that you won't be able be reapply later on if you choose and be accepted again, especially with some good work experience behind you.

I would definitely go with the GS/MS CRM position. It's a tough market right now and landing such a position is not easy - your academics look good.

 

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