MBA from U.Maryland(Smith). Already 30.

I will be 30 when I matriculate from Smith school of business this fall. Post-MBA plan is to take up a Associate position at a BB/MM. Does my age(32 when I graduate) and the fact Smith is not a top program put me at a serious disadvantage in my job search ? With my 8 years of technology experience, are their any other career options within banking that I could pursue - Where I could use my past experience(so as not to start over) AND make the kind of money iBanking offers ? Also, with no finance background, what if anything, can I do NOW to make myself more appealing to banks for my summer internship ? Any finance certifications/reputed courses maybe...

7 Comments
 

Hey Im an undergrad at smith. I talked to this one dude that got a Credit Suisse IB offer in Hong Kong and he has zero finance experience. Its probably going to be really tough though. Why did you go to Maryland for an MBA?

 
Best Response

Ya..I am aware some people from Smith MBA go to IB every year..Important thing however is what percentage. The website does not post the summer internship placement stats for the class of 2007/08. The only stats they have is for class of 06 - pretty outdated. It took me a long time to realize that I wanted to do an MBA..Took GMAT in Aug-06, got a 730 and really fancied my chances at top schools, given my 8 yrs WExp(2 yrs intl). Didn'nt make it to any top school in R1/2 and so applied to Smith-R3 and go in. I know I can reapply next year and try the likes of Darden/Duke etc. Age is my biggest problem. Can't wait any longer for my MBA even if it means NOT getting my dream IB job and having to settle for something else within finance. I am still awaiting a decision from Georgetown. It for sure seems to be touch above Smith. BTW, Do you have any general idea how IB placements have been for the second years so far ?

 

Wow you had a 730 and 8 yrs experience, including 2 yrs international, and you couldn't get into any target business schools??!! Wow...

What do you think was the reason? 30 is not THAT old for a MBAer. Did you lack leadership? Im starting to worry that MBA admissions is super competitive.

Anyways, yea Smith is not a target so I don't think the number going into BB is too high. There are a couple of boutiques that recruit though. Have you tried schools like NYU and UVA?

 

I did hear this year was super competitive at most top schools. Chicago received as many applications in R1 and R2 this year, as they received in all 3 rounds last year. I thought my essays were good and I had a nice story (even hired clear-admit for my essay reviews) and got good feedback. Not sure where I sucked..Maybe my limited ECs...maybe my Indian background...Anyways, going to Smith means I have to work harder to get my ass off to an IB.

 
guy_2000I did hear this year was super competitive at most top schools. Chicago received as many applications in R1 and R2 this year, as they received in all 3 rounds last year. I thought my essays were good and I had a nice story (even hired clear-admit for my essay reviews) and got good feedback. Not sure where I sucked..Maybe my limited ECs...maybe my Indian background...Anyways, going to Smith means I have to work harder to get my ass off to an IB.
Not WORK harder in the traditional sense. You need to network your butt off.
 

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