MBA for PE in US? Am I being to naive?
Hi chimps - I am fighting a lonely battle with nobody else to find advice from. I'm not sure if I should go for an MBA in the states or to stay in IB. Open to any advise.
Why did I go for MBA initially? I'm currently a 1st year VP at a BB IB country coverage in Asia. I initially applied for M7 MBA programs because I come from a non-target even in the country I work and I kinda got a lot of shit for that. Also, when I was an Analyst I hated the people in IB/PE because they were all misogynistic jack asses that jacked off to their ginormous ego because the "made it" in IB/PE while the rest of the others work "less meaningful jobs at corporates". The main reason that made me still work to this date at my firm was because my seniors weren't like that; they appreciated my work and talents setting aside my non-target background and they cared about my career progression in IB. Also, the high finance scene in my country has become much more developed with less Jack Asses (some went to jail, some retired, some are still there acting like they are better people) and actual good people. Also the people that gave me shit all left my firm and became less relevant to my work, and I like the juniors that my team has recruited and the clients that I work for. So, now the reason I first wanted to leave the industry has become to some extent obsolete. Only reason that still stands is prestige.
Is the grass greener? I first started in IB because I wanted to succeed in MF PE. When I worked with sponsor clients I loved drafting the IC Memos, doing to the research to identify risks and upsides, trying to quantify and analyze the impacts, etc. However, I was never given the chance to interview at an MF except for a few infra gigs because they couldn't bypass my non-target background (I confirmed this with my friends at the firms that I applied to). All the other PE opportunities that popped up weren't as attractive, because either they had shit culture or shit compensation. So, I've given up on pursuing PE in my country and wondering if the grass is greener in the US. So I applied for an MBA so that maybe I can get a second chance at a PE career with more options in the US. But this option scares me now, because my opportunity costs have increased. If I dont go I'll still make annually 350K+ which will grow. There is good amount of deal flow for me to benefit in the mid term and create my own client base to make it to a decent ED/MD position at my firm now. I'm always top bucket and staffed to the landmark deals for key clients. I'm wondering if the grass is greener even at a UMM PE in the states or if I would even have a chance at a MF PE. I do not have a US citizenship or green card nor did I graduate from a US college, so I need to take the time to apply for a citizenship and try at PE even after the MBA.
Didn't get into H/S/W It would have been an easier decision if I've gotten into HSW but I striked out on all top schools. I received a few admits from Kellogg/Sloan/NYU and so I'm hesitating because they're not the very best programs for me. Also, I'm worried because the Trump administration will pressure for more restrictions when it comes to providing H1-B Visas and I won't be able to get a job in the US and I'll have to return to IB in my country with 2 years of experience completely lost. Should I pass on the MBA offers?
Thanks for reading through my whiny post. Happy to hear everyone's thoughts on whether if I should go for the MBA or not.
If you don't have a green card or a citizenship, AND you struck out on ALL top tier colleges... I wouldn't do anything unless you don't mind staying in a different country and/or leaving the US.
stay where you are. international + no pe experience is a death sentence for post mba pe recruiting
Who do PE's actually hire then, post-MBA?
In order of likelihood, based on pre-MBA work experience:
Only reason to go would be to get into US BB IB. Fwiw - with your background you’d likely be an attractive candidate for good IB opportunities (any amount of pre MBA finance experience gives you a significant leg up in mba recruiting). Maybe after a few years as an associate / VP + green card you could get a LMM offer.
Assuming you are in HK or Singapore, why work in the US when you get paid the equivalent US salary but get taxed at 16%?
is this legit?
might move there then damn
If you're a US citizen you actually get taxed twice so it doesn't really matter. One of only two countries (the other being Eritrea) that does this.
Get over the FOMO, your plan won't work here. Your upside case is landing at a very small PE shop, making less than your $350k total comp. .
You are probably better off working in your home country and just visiting the US. Don’t blow money on an MBA unless you’re down to go into banking first before moving to a lower tier PE fund. Huge investment of time and money when you’re not doing too badly right now. Depends on what you value.
Thanks. You're probably right. FWIW - let's say if I do take the detour of getting a senior ASO/VP job at a BB, post-MBA, how long would it take to get a green card and move to PE?
Post MBA you may end up coming back as an Asc 1 unless you have a specific deal worked out with your bank (I’ve seen this happen).
Green card will take several years depending on your nationality unless you marry a US citizen.
Agree with all the above & MBA recruiting has been tough in recent years. Peers who graduated last year confirmed many did not get return offers from MBA internships.See also anecdotes from press coverage. https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2025/01/15/when-harvard-mbas-cant-find-jobs-how-the-job-market-has-changed/
You're in a great spot right now and you want to toss that away?
Stay where you are bro!
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