Do M7/T15 MBA adcoms hate former bankers?
I'm going to a total nontarget state school for a BSc finance, so the best job I can foreseeably get is an LMM or regional (Baltimore) boutique IB... in this case, I want to do an MBA after ~3 years of grinding away and lateral out to a BB/EB as an associate, but am I at a disadvantage by having a pure finance work background?
I'm asking cz ALL the M7 MBA resumes I see are 4.0, 800 GMATs from Princeton electrical engineering who also were safari guides in the Gambia, cancer vaccine makers, and French foreign legionnaires at the same time, never ur usual finance bro!
As a high-income, straight Asian male without any dazzling volunteering experience while working at a poorer firm, won't they see straight through and hate me even with a very good GPA/GMAT? How do I actually get good with a T15 MBA in this case? Thanks a lot!
Ah, the classic tale of finance bros venturing into the wild jungles of MBA admissions! Let's break this down, shall we? Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's the scoop:
First off, let's tackle the myth that M7/T15 MBA adcoms have a vendetta against former bankers. The truth is, business schools, especially those in the M7/T15 category, value diversity in their classes. This diversity isn't limited to just ethnic or cultural backgrounds but extends to professional experiences as well. Yes, the tales of Princeton grads who moonlight as safari guides or part-time superheroes might dominate the forums, but remember, those stories stand out precisely because they're exceptional, not because they're the standard.
Now, onto your situation. Coming from a non-target state school and aiming for an MBA after grinding it out in LMM or regional boutique IB is not a disadvantage per se. It's all about how you frame your story and experiences. Business schools are looking for candidates who can bring unique perspectives and insights into the classroom. Your journey from a non-target school to a boutique IB and then aspiring for an MBA to pivot to a BB/EB can be a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and growth.
Here are a few tips to make your profile stand out:
Ace the GMAT: You've noticed the high scores, and yes, they matter. A strong GMAT score can help offset concerns about your undergraduate institution's prestige or your work's perceived prestige.
Craft Your Story: Highlight your achievements, leadership experiences, and any unique challenges you've overcome in your career. It's not about being a finance bro; it's about what you've learned and how you've grown in finance.
Show Impact: Business schools love candidates who can demonstrate impact. How have you made a difference at your firm? Did you lead any initiatives, drive revenue, or mentor others? These stories count.
Diversify Your Profile: While you might not have time to discover a new species or write a symphony, you can still engage in meaningful extracurriculars or volunteer work that shows your leadership and commitment to community.
Get to Know the Schools: Each M7/T15 school has its own culture and values. Tailor your applications to reflect how you fit with each school's ethos. Networking with alumni and attending information sessions can provide insights that help tailor your application.
Remember, adcoms aren't looking for reasons to "hate" candidates. They're on the lookout for future leaders who can contribute to their school's community and beyond. Your background in finance, coupled with a strong application, can indeed make you a compelling candidate for an M7/T15 MBA program. So, chin up, finance bro! Your journey might just be the unique story they're looking to add to their next MBA class.
Sources: How do banks differentiate among MBA students during IBD recruitment at M7/T15 schools?, Conversation with a former top 5 MBA student adcom, Do MBA adcoms know/care about investment bank prestige?, Do M7 schools prefer some professions over others?
look at class profiles for top MBAs. plenty of people in the finance world.
however, you do need to get involved in some sort of productive extracurriculars or volunteer work to stand out, as well as a good GMAT score.
Do I have to do that on the side while grinding away, kind of like a high school extracurricular (lol I'd rather sleep in my free time than feed stray dogs), or can I talk about college volunteering (that I stopped after graduation) in my essay? Can I discuss wanting a career switch in my MBA? I.e I did a lot of volunteering while in college, but IB sucked the soul outta me, but I wanna get back to social service or smthn with the power of my MBA then again, my secret goal is to lateral to a BB).
It does not have to be that intense or involve that many hours. It just needs to be something that 1) you actually care about and will contribute to and 2) you can speak to if asked about it. It can be any kind of club or volunteer work. Business schools care about people giving back to their community, preferably in leadership positions.
I don’t think you need to lie during the process. Many people use an MBA to pivot careers or use it as a launching pad for your current industry. It’s the whole point, actually. I’d be as transparent as possible throughout the process.
There's a balance of Finance/Consultants and unique experience applicants.
Don't think so at all. I am a straight Asian male with a pure finance background and got into H/S this cycle.
Oh cool! Can you share any more details like undergrad, GPA, GMAT, work experience etc?
Sure. Target college (Columbia / Penn type) w/ 3.9 GPA (PBK / equivalent of top 10%) + varsity athlete (NCAA All-American). Worked in BB IB (GS / MS / JPM etc.) and then MF PE. 780 GMAT.
Bro is the supreme commander of all IB hopefuls ☠️... not one line on there is normal
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