MBA Pivot into IB
Thinking about pivoting into IB through an MBA — reality check needed
New to the forum. I’ve recently been thinking about switching into IB.
Quick background
• Went to a big state school (think UT / IU / Michigan / Cal)
• Double majored in Math and Finance
• Went into corporate finance / strategic finance in tech, partly because it seemed like a way to skip the two-year IB grind
Now I’m having second thoughts for two main reasons:
1. I don’t think I’m paid enough.
2. Finance/FP&A doesn’t feel that important in tech. At the end of the day, engineers are the ones driving the company—and making the big bucks.
I’ve always wanted to do an MBA, and the intensity of high finance appeals to me. I’ll admit part of it is ego—I want to feel like my work matters.
I’m planning to stay at my current job for at least another 1.5 years, since I think leaving too soon would look bad on my resume. After that, I’m thinking about using an MBA to pivot into banking as an Associate.
I don’t have any real interest in hedge funds, PE, or the buy side, so I’m not trying to use IB as a stepping stone. Ideally, I’d land at a “lifestyle bank,” or at least somewhere outside the BBs/EBs, so I can get the pay without the worst of the lifestyle and health trade-offs.
I’m okay working long hours. I don’t think there’s any job that pays a ton without asking a lot in return. Since I don’t care about exit opportunities, I’d be fine in a consumer group, a less competitive group, or tech, given my background.
Maybe this is cope, or maybe I’m in over my head. Either way, I’m posting so people can:
1. Humble me
2. Validate me
3. Correct me and point me in the right direction
This is probably about four years out, but I want to start planning now. I didn’t have a clear plan in undergrad and missed IB recruiting, so don’t want to make the same mistake again.
Appreciate any advice or perspective.
