Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and Wharton admissions
Hello,
I am 19 years old, and embarking upon a BSc in Finance at a Norwegian non-target university (called BI) this August. However so, I have noticed that some employees at the McKinsey branch in Oslo (capital of Norway) are BI alumni. My question to you is, what can I do now and during my BSc to improve my chances of getting into HBS, GSB or Wharton's 2+2 MBA programs? My current plan is to join an investment club at the university, which competes in a nation-wide asset management competition annually (the winner often gets recognition in Norwegian finance newspapers). In addition to this, I plan on joining the local Amnesty International branch, and hopefully, I would be able to be responsible for some demonstrations, protests, and etc. Furthermore, as my BSc allows me to have an internship in the fifth semester (2.5 years from now), I plan to secure an internship at McKinsey, a rather optimistic goal, albeit quite rewarding.
I am not afraid of working hard, and I will do whatever it takes to get in. Any feedback would be highly appreciated.
From researching these programmes myself and talking to admits:
Find time to take the GMAT/GRE whilst you are at university, because (1) you have more time and (2) you are likely to score higher whilst your brain is in 'study-mode'.
Look for/create opportunities where you can be a leader. These B-Schools want to see a proven habit of leadership.
Get close with some professors, score well in their classes and keep them updated with your progress throughout university - they will most likely be writing your letters of recommendation when you do apply to these programmes.
Make a conscious effort to give back to the community. Putting B-School to one side, I think everyone should want to volunteer, because the impact you can have by trading just a few hours of personal time, is really valuable. Anyway, B-Schools want to see the you care about society and want to 'change the world'.
Take opportunities to study abroad or do something in a foreign country. B-Schools seem to like candidates with international experience, as it shows that they are open-minded and willing to take on new challenges.
Don't just wait for a consulting internship several years down the line. Be proactive and reach out to people/firms in areas that you are interested in/passionate about. It would look great if you did a freshman and sophomore internship too.
I think the above are good starting points; Linda Abraham have I missed anything?
All the best!
Thank you, I truly appreciate the depth of your answer. How would you recommend that I do volunteer work? Would, for example, joining and gaining leadership roles in for example, Amnesty International or Red Cross be sufficient?
No worries. Yes, what you listed I think is a good place to start. Naturally, if you thrive in that role or find a cause that you are passionate about, then you may assume leadership roles in that space too.
Well done! @Prospect in IB-M&A Really great advice.
While 2+2 programs expect more recs from professors than do traditional entry programs, I'd also try to have at least one rec from an internship or long-term commitment, assuming the applications are open to those recommenders. In your case, that might be Amnesty International.
Obviously you should also make sure you get good grades.
Finally, the post MBA goal is something that many schools care about. Some more than others, but do think about that and not just in terms of career steps, but in terms of what you hope to change, influence or contribute.
Well, since you are going to BI and not NHH you really do need to stand out as an individual student. The most realistic choice [if you don't directly do an MBA abroad] would be to get employed in Norway - do the classic analyst to associate transition - and then transfer laterally to a BB or EB in the US/UK, etc.
There are two reasons for this:
1. If you are in the top 5-10% of your graduating class from BI you can land a great job in the finance district in Oslo - since they value Norwegian education more than foreign firms obviously.
2. Transfering to a position abroad holds several benefits such as better growth and development opportunities, larger firms with prestigious brand recognition, as well as the fact that if you were to return back to Norway it would make the transfer to MD or even partner much easier - if that is your goal. Expect a pay cut when you return, but at the end of the day life isn't all about money and you shouldn't give into mindreverdighetskomplekser.
An option which is outside of what I have suggested is to work for an international corporation, where instead of returning back to Norway you move latterly upwards to partner of MD - you will be traveling a considerable amount and working across borders. If they have an office in Oslo it also opens the opportunity of traveling in and out of home without having a lower Norwegian salary.
Thank you for a detailed and comprehensive answer! I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a bachelor’s degree in «Økonomi og Administrasjon» at NTNU after I’ve completed my first year at BI (since the bachelor in finance was not what I expected it to be). Would you advise this? For further context, I have now gained a preferance for working in the UK contra to the US.
Well to answer your question in the most direct manner.
If you did not find a passion in studying finance, then I would go as far as to say that investment banking probably won't be the most enjoyable career option for you. There a platitude of other options within M&A focused more on deal creation and deal settings. Consulting would also be a great choice. Personally, I would stick with finance - often degrees involving the word 'administration' or 'management' unless it is an MBA can be quite general. In many cases, these are preliminary courses and do not go into as much technical depth as most finance bachelors.
If you are really interested in IB, PE or VC then I would stick with a finance bachelor and focus on improving your technical skillset within modeling and understanding deal breakdowns. However, if this does not fit your personality by all means shift to whatever course you think might be interesting or provide a better exit opportunity into the job market, but keep in mind - the finance sector weights finance bachelors over general business and economics. If you are now leaning more towards consulting the new bachelor you proposed would hold multiple benefits and would most likely be the preferred choice for many firms.
Consequatur molestias quaerat quasi. Exercitationem consequatur ex amet ut vel. Laboriosam fuga qui eos.
Et nobis ipsum impedit inventore. Maxime ut nihil in delectus temporibus omnis.
Dolorum sunt maiores ut omnis voluptate similique quia. Veritatis ullam omnis veniam vero assumenda officiis. Libero rem praesentium voluptatem aut.
Minus ut molestiae sit eaque. Molestias et et vero est perferendis et. Omnis velit dolor eum.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...