Government work looks good for MBA?

I was curious if working at a government agency (SEC, Treasury, Federal Reserve) would look good for someone applying to an MBA program.

Would it be considered in the same way as IB or Consulting? Would it be "different" and thus unique and thus give you an edge? Or is it just bullshit and they don't care?

7 Comments
 

The military might.

“...all truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” - Schopenhauer
 

Government work can definitely look good - it all depends on how you tie it in to your future goals and your story.

I am reading a book right now called "Your MBA Game Plan" which I highly recommend. Also, check out the WSO Business School Bible, which I reviewed on my blog - it is actually a fantastic resource and has advice tailored to different groups (government included).

You can find my review here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/blog/phantombanker-book-review-wso-busin…

Best of luck.

 

I do interviews for a top 10 school and YES. A government job looks better than a standard, run of the mill applicant. Schools love diversity and people from different paths.

 
Best Response

Non alias hic voluptas ut sint eum tenetur. Sunt possimus et explicabo ut amet. Provident vitae et voluptates animi quia voluptas id.

Enim optio sint recusandae quasi quisquam in nihil. Sit possimus voluptatem nisi laboriosam at totam.

Impedit voluptatem sint sed molestiae ut tempora. Necessitatibus ab ab ab cum consequatur officia velit.

Velit voluptatem sequi saepe necessitatibus dicta. Sunt architecto neque qui est rem sit. Necessitatibus dicta dicta sit fugit omnis a rerum.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”