How to get into the M7 from ER?
Hi,
I am hoping to get some advice on how to approach getting into a joint JD/MBA program at a M7/T6 school, specifically, Stanford, Harvard, UPenn, Columbia, & UChicago, as I hope to work in PE post-grad. I outlined some of my resume below, and while I understand it is not the traditional path or target path, a lot of the past is beyond my control. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to enroll in the fall of 2025, meaning I would apply in 2024. I am worried that my lack of work experience, 2 years when I apply, 3 when I enroll will be a headwind for getting into b-school. If I wasn't to get into b-school, but got into law school, should I enroll and then try to apply to b-school again during my first year? Or, wait and work another year, then apply again?
Degrees: Double major in Finance & Economics from BIG10 school. Top ~50 university. Graduated 1-year early.
GPA: 3.832 (But, graduated with Summa Cum Laude)
Job: Equity research analyst covering SaaS @ T20 firm (channel check method)
GMAT: 760
LSAT: 178
Language: English, Conversational Mandarin, Proficient Spanish
Volunteer: Assistant High School Baseball Coach
Impressive GMAT! From my understanding (in the admissions process myself along with people I know attending programs), your work experience can vary and the quality of experience is subjective to admissions. History of promotions, good recs etc could get you in. I’m not really sure about going into PE without banking experience but I’ve heard if you go to one of the top programs, it is possible. I think your work experience is fine but the average experience is 5 years typically. What about pivoting to banking and then going to PE from there before the MBA? You could technically see if that works and then you’ll have more work experience as well as more clarity on what to do from there. Just some thoughts - best of luck.
Really appreciate the advice. Very helpful. Might you have any thoughts/suggestions about how to approach the transition from ER to IB?
I’m not really sure what the exact method would be so maybe someone else can chime in. I presume you can network your way in but you would come in as an analyst. ER does a lot of modeling and you know a lot about the fundamentals of a business so I think it wouldn’t be too difficult. I would tap your network but realistically, I’m not even sure if banks are hiring like they were last year. Still try though.
Curious- does the buy side not interest you? Wouldn’t that be the natural transition? Talking public equities of course, not PE.
That makes sense. And, I'm sure you're right about the number of openings/need being less vs. last year given the macro.
It certainly did, which is why I chose the ER path. Seemed to be the natural cycle to move into the HF space, but I am not sure that is what I would like to do anymore. Though, would certainly recommend that path to others if that is what they hope to do.
Nice GMAT and LSAT scores.
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