MBA vs Masters for Investment Banking

Fellow aspiring monkeys and experienced gorillas,

I'm currently weighing the options on whether to pursue an MBA or a Master degree in order to break into Investment Banking (BB, EB, MM) and would like to hear your thoughts.

I graduated in 2018 from a non-target on the east coast with a few finance internships (PE and IB) and a 3.6 GPA. Upon graduation I returned to my home country (developing country: not yet recognized as an emerging or frontier market) to work in a small (10 people) family owned government supplies business.

I'm planning to give my GMATs soon in order to apply to the following schools' Masters (MSF, MFin) programs: Vandy, UVA, BC and USC for Round 2/3/4 Applications.

I have almost 3 years of combined work experience, am I better suited to an MBA instead? (Thinking Stern, Darden, Fuqua, Ross)
If so, should I shoot for later round applications that are open until March 2021? Or should I wait it out and apply in earlier rounds during Fall of 2021?

I'm aware that Masters typically place into Analyst roles and MBAs place into Associate roles.

Thx
 

4 Comments
 

Hey The Pharma Guy, I haven't really looked into EU much. Might certainly be something to consider.


I spent 4+ years in the US, which has allowed me to understand and become a part of the 'culture'. I also have friends, family and a network there, which I think would be one of the reasons for me considering the States. Also not sure if I'll be a great fit in the EU, coming from a traditionally "American" background.

However, EU or UK would be a completely fresh start for me, which could be a new and exciting challenge by itself.

Thanks for your advice, I'll certainly take a look into the programs - placements, recruitment etc.

"Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary, that's what gets you."
 

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