Hey WSO users, I'm currently a senior in undergrad having a hard time choosing between two full-time job opportunities. One is in strategy consulting at a boutique firm, and the other is an entry level analyst position at a middle market PE shop (through a family friend connection). I've already weighed the general pros and cons of both industries against each other, but my decision is going to come down to which job will make me a stronger candidate for MBA admissions, specifically Columbia University, since I would prefer to stay in NYC. Looking at the admissions statistics for the most recent class, the percentage of consultants was 23%, while the percentage for those on PE was 7%.
So here's my question: does Columbia or any top tier MBA school have a higher preference for consultants in general, or is the lower percentage of PE attendance explained by other factors such as a fewer people working in PE pre-MBA or people in PE having a lower demand for MBAs?
Neither. Your post reads like yo don't understand the purpose of business school. What do you want to do after working? Why do you want to go to business school? What do you hope to get out of business school? Answer those questions, and then you'll be able to answer your question.
Thanks for the fast reply, but the reason why I turned this forum instead of talking to an admissions counselor from Columbia is because I wanted a straightforward answer for their industry preferences. As I stated before, my goal is to work in New York City long term. Both of my full-time opportunities will provide me with an okay start, but I would like to aim for a a more senior or management position at a bigger company eventually. Since MBA schools provide valuable resources for networking, specifically for alumni, I thought it would only be common sense to choose the most prestigious business school in New York.
I can't count how many times I've had ib recruiters come to my school and claim that they're looking for all sorts of majors when everyone knows damn well that Econ and finance majors are by far the most preferred candidates. That's why I wanted to ask people with more knowledge of MBA school admissions than me if this is a similar case with the way top tier MBA schools have their preferences for certain professions.
I would second that this choice should really be about what you'd rather do / what you think you're a naturally a better fit for / what you're more excited to work hard at. If you enjoy your job more, you will do better, you will promote sooner, you will get more passionate letters of recommendation - all of which will help your profile more than whether you will be applying as a PE applicant or consulting applicant. Also you gotta crush the GMAT. But hey - if you really want to go to Columbia you can apply ED or J-term which should help your chances.
If you really can't decide, I'd say go with PE (depending on the role) over consulting, only because you can get a top MBA then go into a top consulting firm fairly easily, but without prior PE experience it is very tough into PE after an MBa.
But to directly answer your question, I would look into where previous analysts from those companies have ended up going to business school. If one firm sends a strong pipeline of kids to top MBA programs and the other doesn't, there's your answer. This sort of thing can be more company / role specific than industry specific.
But still, your first job out of school isn't necessarily the one you'll leave from to go to b school anyways. So again, think about fit, where you'll be happiest, and what you actually want to be doing. It sounds like you can probably get to Columbia from either job.
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