Artistic direction >> Non-target >> CFA lvl1 + M&A boutique OCI >> now what ? CFA lvl2 ? MF now ? MBA later ?
Hi, I would really appreciate getting your views on my situation.
My profile real quick :
- Bachelor in Physics/Math (engineering)
- Master in Music Production & Artistic Direction at the National Conservatory of Paris (unknown in the finance world but most prestigious musical academy in France by far)
- Planned for US MF applications right after that, started studying the GMAT (think 700 at diagnostic test without finishing, aiming for 750 with proper preparation) and soon realised I would have pretty much no chance of getting anything in the top 5 with no experience. Didn't think so at first but a quick look at class profiles convinced me otherwise.
- Decided to do first year of finance master, CFA lvl 1, off-cycle experience and then apply at US MFs.
- Right now finishing the OC internship (went through 250 applications)
- Recently met application consultant to apply for MF but he suggested a top 5 MBA might be a great idea for my profile.
- I'm 26 years old
Basically here is how I can invest my time this year :
- Off-cycles internships
- CFA lvl2
- Finish University master
- GMAT (can be postponed if no MF next year)
And then, either :
- MF in 2020-21 (will be 27y old then)
OR - Get more experience => MBA in 2/3/4 years (will be 28-30y old then)
My end-goals being :
- Coming to work in the US
- Having a shot at tier 1 BBs
Some thoughts :
- I would prefer doing an MBA : My current master is really technical and theoric, so I assume the wide coverage and coop project approach of MBAs might be way more beneficial to me than an MF
- At the same time I am worried that my opportunity window will close if I don't do a top MF now : I am worried that deciding to do an MBA might be a trap to getting stuck on the prestige ladder. My master won't allow me to have a shot at tier 1 BBs right after graduation. If the experience I get is way lower in prestige (think BnP, SoGe), won't that kill my chances at getting an M7 MBA later and ever getting to climb up the ladder ?
- Lastly, would you have suggestion on where I can find valuable information to determine the best academic programs for me other than employment reports and curriculums ?
In advance, thank you so much for your inputs.
Hi Clmntbnr, any of these threads helpful:
If those topics were completely useless, don't blame me, blame my programmers...
Bump
Anyone ?
Can you describe your work experience? Top MBA programs are looking for demonstrable success in your field, and it doesn't matter whether you have any finance experience.
Thanks for your reply,
Here is a summary of my experience, if you don't count the projects I was involved in during my program at the conservatory (which was mainly artistic direction/music production)
Music/engineering experience : • Conducted theorical and empirical research for 1 year (Master thesis) in R&D laboratory • Thesis Supervisor: Véronique Larcher - Global Head AMBEO Immersive Audio, Sennheiser • Subject: “Market Penetration of Individualized Binaural Auralization Technology and Compatibility of Current High-end Electrodynamic Headphones.”
Finance experience : I am interning at an M&A boutique in Paris. I'll have spent 6 months there, did usual M&A intern tasks though because of the small size of the firm I had a wide exposure : • Analysed industry sectors and potential LBO targets • Conduted M&A acquirer prospection • Performed financial valuations (DCF, LBO, transactions and trading comparables) • Assisted with preparation of marketing and transaction material (teasers, NDAs, IM, prospectus, ER notes, pitchbooks) • Took part in client meetings/conference calls (origination, follow-up)
You will have to work hard on your narrative to MBA adcoms because on paper it comes across a bit like you don't know what you want to do when you grow up. It looks like you've pursued three different career paths (physics/math, music production, finance), and you're only 26. However, assuming you can get a strong GMAT and tell your story well, a top MBA would likely achieve your goals better than a MF. If you get a MF and decide to do an MBA later, I think it just complicates your story further with two master degrees.
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