Name brand post-MBA MM/UMM/MF recruiting if you don't finish your Associate program

I want to leave after 18 months of my Associate program instead of stick out 24. Then I will go get an MBA (assume HSW). After MBA, I am not certain what I want to do after (still evaluating options), but I want to keep the option open of recruiting at a name brand fund with a team covering the sector I have a background in. 

How much would leaving my 2-yr Associate program at 18 months instead of 24 months bear on recruiting for a post-MBA role at a name-brand fund? I can get an acceptable reference call (e.g., no red flags as a candidate). I am unfamiliar with PE OCR at MBAs which begs the question. 

6 Comments
 

It's a bit odd leaving after 18 months vs the full 24. No one *really* cares - however, the reason behind why you left 75% through your program and what you did with the time off will factor in (e.g., leaving after 18 months to go start a business or join an ops role or family emergency will be different than leaving to party in Ibiza for 6 months pre-MBA). Reference calls are very important - make sure you have buy in from the firm you are leaving. 

 

Can you elaborate on why you're leaving? Did you get deals done during your 18 months? Both will be very important for post-MBA recruiting.

Candidly, I'd look at anyone who left an associate program early as a red flag. Unless your reason is very compelling, it shows lack of loyalty (which firms will question when hiring for career-track post-MBA roles), plus you'll have gotten fewer reps / less learning than someone who did a 24 or 36 month program.

 

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