From a College Senior: Deferred MBA Worth it?
Hi all,
I am currently a college senior at an Ivy league university (Non H/S/W). I have was a prev. summer analyst at a megafund (BX, KKR, TPG, Ares, Etc) in their Real Estate PE / PC group, and have received a return offer to start in the fall 2026.
I am currently applying to deferred MBA programs with hopes of one day making it to the senior management ranks of one of these funds. Only really looking at the M7 deferred MBA program (H/S/W and MIT). Would attending these programs in the near future 2-4 years be realistically useful in terms of my career progression, or would it not make any sense if I am already advancing internally throughout.
Seems like Megafunds like to promote from within especially undergrad hires that are absolute killers, but also a lot of the C-Suite and MD ranks folks hold an MBA from a M7 school. Really appreciate any guidance on the manner. Thanks!
Only if it’s H/S would I consider going. I’d apply to those two.
Got into H deferred last year and denied at S after interview. Think I will be definitely attending in a few for the sheer brand value/marketability aspect over my LT career, and it would give me the opportunity to pivot into slightly area of finance after to build a more unique skillset rather than just being pure dealmaking
Huge benefit I’ve already seen: by cold emailing people and saying that I’m a H deferred admit, I’ve essentially been able to 2x my network reach overnight when seeking career advice or chats. These folks would most likely not have responded if I didn’t have that card to play
One aspect that is sometimes overlooked in this decision is the impact your credentials have on LPs.
As the old saying goes, "No one got fired for buying IBM," and LPs are not only concerned about whether you'll do a good job managing their money, but whether they can cover their ass if the investment returns are lower. If you are well-credentialed, it makes it easier for them to defend the decision of selecting you to manage their money.
One of our clients years ago had advanced very nicely in his career, reaching around $650k comp in a sales & trading function, but was told bluntly that although he had the skills to be a great investor, the firm could never transfer him into a portfolio management position if he didn't have a suitable graduate degree as part of his CV.
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