Trying to decide between going to b school (HBS / GSB) vs. lateral to MF/UMM fund in a SA/VP role.
For context currently a SA at another MF/UMM. May be an opportunity to come back after b school, but generally looking for a change in scenery.
How would you think through this?
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If you know you like PE and want to stay there long term then stay in PE...feel like this is pretty easy answer in my opinion. If unsure, calculus changes a bit
Given the state of the post mba job market and that you’re already at a UMM/MF, I’d try to lateral unless you don’t find any decent alternatives. An MBA definitely makes sense for some, but I find it tough to justify unless you would really be excited about it.
If you want to go to B School, then go. You and everyone else knows that it won’t help you in PE vs. just lateralling. Post-MBA market is tough but you’ll land something.
So do the calculus: you either lateral and get VP a year or 2 early, or take a 2 year break, have fun and explore, and then go VP track from there. It’s a personal decision. You can’t justify it from a career or financial perspective, so it’s about what you’ll get out of it other than those things.
Finance people think too hard lol, it’s not always about the optimum thing to do. It’s about what YOU want to do.
Try to do both. Apply to b school and pay the down payment. If you find a lateral gig, take that. If not, go to b school and look at funds there. If you can't find something go back to your fund. Just dont tell them this is what you are doing
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