Hi everyone,
I'm hoping to pick some brains on a career change that will likely require some perseverance and extra effort.
I've been working in the valuation and economic consulting group for a Big 4 accounting firm for the past two years. I was a Chinese and Economics double-major at a top-20 undergrad school with a good GPA, but I didn't really consider banking or other finance opportunities for various reasons which I now regret. I've also passed the level 1 CFA exam. There are some pros and cons to my job:
Pros: Get involved in a lot of deals/transactions, get to take on a more involved role than I may have in other positions, learn and apply lots of valuation techniques and do all the research/analytic functions I would at a bank, stand out from my peers, have not been laid off
Cons: Work banker hours for accountant money, middle-office perception, no defined exit path (especially to front-office finance roles)
Like most everyone on this forum, my eventual goal is to work in a buy-side investment capacity. As I see it, I have basically three options: 1) apply directly to buy-side opportunities Pros: Most direct Cons: Tough economy, may lead to me working middle-office role (something I want to avoid)
2) apply to banking opportunities and basically "start over" as an analyst (maybe associate if I'm lucky, I've seen this done once) Pros: probably my best shot, I'd be more experienced than most of my cohort, better money than my current job Cons: Tough economy, basically starting from scratch in terms of networking and development
3) Wait a few years; get an MBA, and then try #1 and/or #2 (I'm pretty confident I can get into a top-10 MBA program) Pros: Get two years away from work; get a "fresh start" at breaking into the real finance world Cons: Expensive, I don't really "want" an MBA as far as an educational experience, my CFA efforts would be (more of) a waste
Of the three paths, what would you choose or recommend? Has anyone made this transition, or does anyone know someone who has? I know it's a crowded market and a tough challenge for anyone but I'd appreciate any advice or feedback you all may have.
I'm in a very similar position. Shoot me a message if you want and we can talk privately.
Message sent, thanks.
Does anyone work with anyone who's done this? Does anyone work in the valuation group for a PE/VC co.?
Bumping to see if anyone else has any insight
mba in two years
Pariatur ex aliquid dolor ut fugit id. Commodi officiis similique molestiae et neque molestias expedita.
Nemo numquam sit quia molestias labore odit. Aliquam dolorum laudantium cum corporis molestias sed maxime. Voluptas sed et quo modi aut.
Consequatur earum praesentium quae aut neque fuga. Voluptas consequatur labore dolorem ut id et voluptatem repellat. Provident qui nemo libero neque aut voluptate. Magnam quo nihil molestiae blanditiis dignissimos sit. Provident eaque et nobis. Nisi nostrum ut maiores sint quasi.
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...