Keep my money or go to school
Hey guys,
Down the road, I’d like to move into asset management. Right now, I’m at a Parisian school—it’s not too bad—and I’ve got some pretty solid internships lined up (nothing related to AM, except maybe a middle/back-office role at Natixis).
I figured that going to business school might let me get into the front lines of asset management. So I did the math on my own, and it’s going to cost me around 40k (top 5 schools: MSC, EDHEC; ESSEC is out of the question, I think, and ESCP too) (tuition + housing). I think that’s VERY risky.
Just so you know, I don’t have any connections.
Since I’m wasting my time studying for the TAGE-MAGE and stuff, I was wondering if I shouldn’t be spending that time on something more worthwhile.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your decision to pursue business school or keep your money depends on several factors, especially since you're targeting asset management (AM). Here's a breakdown to help you evaluate:
Key Considerations:
Cost vs. Return on Investment (ROI):
Alternative Paths:
Networking:
Risk Assessment:
Actionable Advice:
Ultimately, if you believe the €40k investment will significantly improve your chances of breaking into AM and you’re confident in the ROI, it could be worth pursuing. However, if the financial risk feels too high, focus on alternative strategies like certifications, networking, and targeted internships.
Sources: MBA – Invaluable experience or incredibly overrated?, Current Value of MBA for Highly Successful Young Professionals, MBA? Go to Wall Street NOT a Start Up!, Why Go To Business School?, MBA Costs $500,000 -- Worth It?
Try for scholarships? ESCP is one of the most generous ones, a lot of people from my cohort didn't pay anything. Add to that 1€ meals through crous, housing help through apl and you're good. Work over the weekends if you have to. And theres no problem in getting a loan. You can literally pay it back with very low interest
thanks for you reply , I don't think my application stands a chance at ESCP, obviously, but I'll do my best
You can always do an M1 in a better public university than your current one like Dauphine, sorbonne and then apply to Top 5 in AST. I've seen a lot of people do this.
But tbh Nanterre isn't bad at all. With a good tage you'll get into at least one of the top 5.
if you aim for asset management that is not risky. The top5 FR bs will get you to AM in Paris, with salaries starting from 50 to 75k a year. The average is probably 55-60k though, 75k is a friend of mine but he is a quant at BNP AM. Either way you will be able to repay the debt.
Dont know what is your current school, knowing it would be easy to tell u if it is worth it or no.
I'm at the University of Paris Nanterre, so strictly speaking, it's not a top-tier school.... Otherwise, yes, my fear was that I'd graduate with a salary too low to make up the 40k. By the way, could you tell me if he did the MIM or the MSc? Because in my case, I’d start the program at 26; if I do the MIM, I’d finish my studies at 29, and if I do the MSc, at 27.
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