I'm starting in audit in the fall and wondering if TAS is really going to position me better for a top MBA than audit. Understandably it will be tough getting into from either, but considering my main goal is management consulting and not getting into IB I'm not sure if TAS would be best. I do want to leave the door cracked open for IB just in case I change my mind, but I don't want to tell a conflicting story to adcoms.
Any help would be appreciated
Also would the CFA help or hurt me considering I still want to go the management consulting route?
Regardless of what others would have you believe, there are people from outside of the IB/PE/Consulting world that get into top MBA programs. I'm in audit at a Big 4 and was accepted. Just remember when you are applying that they are looking for leadership potential. Just like breaking into finance, getting into top MBA programs takes a good deal of networking.
Considering you're going to have to move from audit - TAS, I would say that would be your best bet. Moving from audit to TAS requires above average reviews and networking with the TAS group. If you can make it happen, the transfer itself shows that you are at least somewhat of a top performer.
I think TAS also lines up more with your goals of management consulting and IB. Just be careful of which advisory group you get put in - some could put you in worse position than audit.
The CFA will absolutely not be worth your time. Have you passed the CPA exam? If you meet the hour requirement (I assume you do since you got an audit offer) I would sit for the CPA exam.
If you ultimately want to go to consulting, why not just try and get an entry level position at a consulting firm before the MBA?
I am doing the CPA right now and plan on having it done by the end of the year. I was thinking of doing the CPA to show that I have the quant skills required. I know it's pretty useless except for asset management but I think my biggest worry about it would be it makes me look unsure about what I'm trying to do. Same thing with TAS, I'm just trying to tell a consistent story but I think if I can swing the story to sound like it set me up better for consulting and not necessarily IB I might be better off.
I wouldn't worry about appearing like you don't know what you want to do. From the TAS partners I've talked to, over 50% of the people in the group were in audit first. It is a "normal" career progression. Work on getting a top rating, otherwise the point it moot. Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk about what you can do to position yourself for a top rating or have any other questions.
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