Seeking Advice: Second Undergrad vs. Target Master's for IB/PE Career

Hello All,

I've recently taken the first step toward my dream of breaking into IB/PE by moving to the UK. Now, I’m at a crossroads and would greatly appreciate your advice on whether I should pursue a second undergraduate degree at a target university or go for a target master's.

**A bit about me:** I’m 20 years old and on track to earn my first undergraduate degree next year with First Class Honours (1.1). However, this degree isn’t from a traditional on-campus program; it’s a partnership between ACCA and Oxford Brookes University, where you complete ACCA exams and write a thesis to receive the degree.

**Option 1: Target Master's**

One option is to aim for a 720+ GMAT score and apply for a target master's program. By then, I’ll have 1-2 years of work experience, though it’s unlikely to be at a Big 4 firm due to my lack of internships, on campus recruiting opportunities and a challenging job market. Even with a strong GMAT, I’m concerned that my non-target undergrad and the nature of my degree will hurt my chances of getting into a top program like LSE or LBS.

Even if I do get in, I worry that the one-year course won’t give me the edge I need for BB/EB IB internships. After the master's, at best I might end up at a no-name firm or, at worst, in a Corporate Finance role at a Big 4, with the added burden of MSc debt. Looking at other people's career trajectories, I think I might be able to achieve a similar outcome without the debt by working in the field for a 5-6 years.

Staying outside UK for programs like HEC Grande Ecole for 2 years is not an option.

I do not think I will have a serious shot at a top MBA as well given the background.

**Option 2: Second Undergrad at a Target University**

The second option is to take A-levels (which I don’t currently have) and apply to a target university for a second undergraduate degree as a mature student. I’d need to wait a bit since I would be subject to international fees, but as a mature student, I might have a better chance of getting into a top program. Universities like Cambridge, Oxford, and UCL have specific colleges/access programs for mature students, which could increase my chances.

I could access government student finance for undergrad rather than relying on private loans for a master's. Over the three years, I’d have better chances to secure quality internships and a shot at BB IB/MF PE. The downside is that I’d be starting university at 23 and entering the industry at 26, which is a bit later than most, but not unheard of, especially in un-structured IB recruitment in Europe.

**Conclusion:**

While I’m leaning toward the second undergrad route because I believe it offers better odds of reaching my goals, I want to make sure I’m not overlooking anything. I’m particularly concerned about keeping my options open for MF, as I know that once that door closes, it’s hard to reopen.

Coming from a background where no one knows about IB/PE, I’ve worked hard to get to this point, and I want to make the best decision to achieve my goals. I would really appreciate your insights and any advice you can offer.

Thanks in advance!