Should I list m7 MBA admission offer on resume for PE recruiting
Hi all, first year MM IB analyst in HK looking to recruit for MM/UMM PE in London (got a work visa there). I received a deferred MBA admissions offer from a non-HSW m7 (Booth/CBS) upon finishing undergrad, which requires 2-5 years of FT work experience before enrollment. I was wondering if it helps to list it on my resume for PE recruiting (pre-MBA) despite not having matriculated in the program yet, given how some PE firms (though fund dependent) look to push their associates out for an MBA as a requirement for moving up at the firm. Not sure if my secured admissions offer increases my chances in any way; my guess is not but does this help for some particular funds? For context, I went to a semi-target in the US for undergrad.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's a nuanced decision whether to include a deferred MBA admission on your resume for PE recruiting. Here are some considerations:
Credibility: Listing a deferred admission from a reputable M7 program like Booth or Columbia Business School (CBS) can serve as a testament to your academic and professional potential. It indicates that a top-tier program has vetted and approved your candidacy.
Perception: Some recruiters might question why you were not admitted to H/S/W (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton) if they see a deferred admission from another M7. This could potentially introduce doubt, although this is more speculative and varies by individual.
Recruiting Dynamics: In the PE industry, especially at MM/UMM firms in London, the recruiting process can be quite competitive. Having an M7 MBA in your future plans could be seen as a commitment to furthering your education and career, which might align with the firm's values and long-term planning for their associates.
Networking and Signaling: Mentioning your future MBA plans could be a conversation starter and provide networking opportunities with alumni from that program or those who value the MBA path.
Risk vs. Reward: The potential risk is that it might raise questions about your immediate commitment to the firm, given that you have plans to leave for an MBA in a few years. However, since many PE firms have a two to three-year associate program before encouraging an MBA, this might align well with your timeline.
Given these points, it's not a clear-cut decision and will depend on the culture of the firm you're applying to and how you frame it in your narrative. If you choose to include it, be prepared to articulate why you're pursuing PE now and how the deferred MBA fits into your long-term career strategy.
For more tailored advice, consider reaching out to mentors or industry contacts, as they can provide guidance based on your specific situation and the norms within the London PE scene.
Sources: PE Associate Rejected at HSW... Now What?, M7 Chances for Non-Traditional Background, How Useful is an MBA Network for PE Recruiting Pre-MBA?, How are Booth, Kellogg, and Columbia for Post-MBA PE?, PE post-MBA without relevant experience
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Outside of US (London/Asia) fewer people have those degrees that's why, may have some leeway in terms of school calibre and easier to impress
I work in London UMM / MM (depending from definition) and have friends scattered throughout firms in town. I'd suggest to avoid.
I honestly don't think you'd impress anyone at reputable funds - save maybe for HBS and GSB - and we hire with a longer-term lens than US firms, given we don't expect juniors to leave for MBAs. You're trying to convince people to pull you over from HK, and signalling that you'll leave in 2-3 years to go to B-school won't help imho.
It's a much easier conversation to have once you've joined and can pick the general vibe around these things, as I reckon it can be quite firm-specific. My boss is a HSW MBA and they would hate to hear one of his juniors wants to move to the US for B-school...
What if OP recruits for an asso program?
My answer was meant exactly for that. Most associate programs in London aren’t the American 2Y and out.
No one can (reasonably) expect juniors to stick to the same firm for the rest of their careers, but to disclose ahead that OP plans to leave would backfire at most places I’m afraid. I’m obviously generalizing here, but firms receptive to deferred US MBAs are a small minority.
The issue I’d have looking at their profiles is a question mark around their commitment to London, given they’re HK-based and planning a move to the US just after their associate years (unless there’s some hook like British citizenship or similar…) - when I can simply hire a German / French / etc who’s already in town and more likely to stay.
These are just my two very transparent cents of course, welcome other views!
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