Non Target Undergrad, 6/7 years experience -> Ivy League/Top 5 Grad School

Good morning everyone, wanted to see how realistic this plan is and what you guys think.

Brief Background: -Attended non-target undergrad liberal arts school, captain of varsity team -1 year capitol hill experience -4 years big bank/bulge bracket, debt capital markets/fixed income analyst role -1/2 years ER boutique role

What i'm looking to do now is head to an Ivy League/Top 5 University for grad school to transition to a buy-side role, hoping to land a buy-side internship and build the network at a top school. If i'm not able to get into the full time MBA, i'm still considering a full time masters degree since all of these schools seem to have numerous programs related to business economics, management, etc.

We all know brand matters and I think having an advanced degree from a top school will give me the credibility I need to make that jump to the buy-side and enhance my long term career prospects.

When I say buy-side, I'm more specifically targeting a L/S equity hedge fund analyst role. It will at the very least make the jump easier I think.

What do you guys think? If its not an MBA program (the holy grail), does it really matter? Full time masters degree from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Ivies, should suffice correct?

Thank you all, interested to see your thoughts.

Cheers

7 Comments
 

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Most Helpful

Hi JFK,

Thanks for posting! Have you taken the GMAT or GRE yet? Without a data point, it's difficult to gauge someone's chances at an M7 B-school.

So far, your experience and goals look very solid. Schools like CBS, Kellogg, and Booth send a good number of people to the buy side, and you have relevant work doing equity research and fixed income.

A lot of funds recruit from BB banks and PE shops and target individuals before they go to business school. While I can't speak to other types of programs, I would imagine there is some recruiting going on at the PhD level for quant-type roles. To build a network, have strong opportunities, and not burn 4-5 years of your life doing a PhD in finance, B-school is going to be the best and most efficient route.

I hope this help and please let me know if you would like to speak in more detail on your decision process!

Regards,

Personal MBA Coach

www.personalmbacoach.com

 

Thank you, personal mba coach. I appreciate it. I was referring more towards a non-mba masters program. If its from a university like HSW, do you think this gives the credibility needed to transition into a buy-side role?

730 GMAT, but realize top MBA programs will still be tough. This is why I'm asking about the non-mba masters route. They're probably not as well known as an MBA program but if its from an elite school like a Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, I'm just wondering if this gives similar or equal credibility the buy-side looks for.

I remember reading somewhere that a lot of the buy-side shops may have a non-structured approach to recruiting where I will have to reach out and blaze my own path so to speak - so not too concerned about structured recruiting

 
"JFKCFJ10" Good morning everyone, wanted to see how realistic this plan is and what you guys think.

Brief Background: -Attended non-target undergrad liberal arts school, captain of varsity team -1 year capitol hill experience -4 years big bank/bulge bracket, debt capital markets/fixed income analyst role -1/2 years ER boutique role

What i'm looking to do now is head to an Ivy League/Top 5 University for grad school to transition to a buy-side role, hoping to land a buy-side internship and build the network at a top school. If i'm not able to get into the full time MBA, i'm still considering a full time masters degree since all of these schools seem to have numerous programs related to business economics, management, etc.

We all know brand matters and I think having an advanced degree from a top school will give me the credibility I need to make that jump to the buy-side and enhance my long term career prospects.

When I say buy-side, I'm more specifically targeting a L/S equity hedge fund analyst role. It will at the very least make the jump easier I think.

What do you guys think? If its not an MBA program (the holy grail), does it really matter? Full time masters degree from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Ivies, should suffice correct?

Thank you all, interested to see your thoughts.

Cheers

There are people at HSW that are able to make the jump you described but it's tough. Even at the absolute top schools.

As long as you have decent extra-curriculars and a 760+ gmat, you should have a realistic shot at HSW. Getting from HBS to a big name L/S hedge fund will be comparatively much tougher. It may be easier to make the jump pre-business school. Find people who have followed the path you're trying to follow and talk to them. They'll be able to give you better advice than random people online.

 

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