MSc VS MBA for IBD

Hi everyone,

I am contemplating on applying for IBD target MSc and MBA programmes (leaning more towards MSc due to lack of experience) so I wanted to start a discussion in regards to possibilities for each and to get some guidance on how to position myself.

My goal is to land an IB M&A, Lev Fin or PE internship during school, so any advice in regards to achieving that goal would be greatly appreciated.

Quick background:

  • Non-target CEE bachelor's degree - Received Dean's award for a group project, GPA: 3.6 out of 5.0
  • 1 year F500 Accounting internship, 1 year Big 4 Financial Advisory internship
  • Currently a FT analyst in a top US BB in CEE, in the back office (Finance - Valuation Control) since February
  • Scheduled to sit for the CFA level 1 in December this year

Schools I'm looking into:

LSE, LBS, Imperial, SSE, HEC, IE, Bocconi

My questions:

  1. How are my chances to get into MSc programs at the univerisities listed above?
  2. Do I have a chance for top MBA programs (the universities I listed + M7) with this kind of experience provided I stay in my current back office position for a total of 2 years? If not, what would increase them?
  3. What matters more in school admissions, top brand names or the actual work experience (as in what the actual position was)?
  4. Given that I am already 23 years old, am I too old for a MSc degree since most people get in right after their bachelor's? Should I focus on getting into a top MBA instead?
  5. What would you as experienced professionals advise me to do in my current situation (trying to get into the FO)? Is it better to pursue a top degree or look for other job opportunities?

Thank you very much for anyone willing to share their thoughts and advice with me.

12 Comments
 

In a similarish position, except not got any finance experience. Will be applying for MFin next year (so I'll end up graduating when I'm 26) if I cant get out of this job. Also sitting L1 but this June.

 

if you're considering a pre-exp masters you shouldn't be applying to any mba programs at all. and vice versa.

Was obsessed with finance, now do product in tech
 

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Was obsessed with finance, now do product in tech

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