"Cleansing" yourself of being a non-target

Pardon the meme-like title but I really couldn't think of a better way to phrase it.

Currently an incoming analyst at a BB in NYC. I come from a very non-target school that could be described as joke-tier.

Assume that I want to stay in banking long-term. Is it worth it to go get an MBA at Harvard/Wharton and them come back as an associate to wipe away non-target status or would it be smarter to just skip that and be promoted to associate.

I'm aware with with a direct promote you not only save the high amounts it costs to go to b-school and also don't lose 2 years that you could be climbing the ladder but would that be worth it to no longer be a non-target?

11 Comments
 
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Hon, yes. You got the job. Start. Get good. Right now that's your only goal. Mastering your craft and excellence.

Maybe you can show everyone that what school you went to isn't indicative of talent.

I know with this career it's like you have to plan out the next 5 years from TODAY!, but you did it. You are in. Breather! Focus on work, networking, see what feels right. No school is a "joke". Often hiring based on schools is tradition (eg. 'we always go to XYZ U campus'), or people at the firm went to the same school and want to recruit from their alma mater. It's really not like your school is SOOOO inferior.

Most importantly,, don't go in there with a chip. You earned your spot. Don't look back. Maybe for now, don't even look forward. Just focus on what's on your plate.

Congrats and good luck!

 

Once you're in the building and have your position at the firm, it's really how well you get along with everyone, your reliability, and how hard you work that set you apart. While coming from a Target or Ivy certainly helps with everything in the professional world, nothing beats hard work and being someone that Senior Bankers want to be around.

 

Joke-tier? Are you talking like Big 10 school or random ass public school? Give us some comps.

Anyway, you should be stoked as fuck you landed a BB role from your school. Goes to show you’re a grinder and smart guy who can succeed in situations when you’re up against top tier competition.

It sounds like career banking was your plan because you don’t think your undergrad with provide you with the opportunity to exit. I’m not so sure that’s true.

If you are interested in career banking, I don’t see why this is an issue if you just perform well. You don’t have a target on your back, and once you get a return offer and build up a reputation for yourself there really shouldn’t be any non-target stigma.

 

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Will update my computer soon and leave Incognito so I will disappear forever. How did I achieve Neanderthal by trolling? Some people are after me so need to close account for safety.

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