Teach For America vs BB ABS role for future MBA?
I currently have two opportunities on the table: Teach For America on a reservation in South Dakota, or an analyst role with an ABS/MBS group at a BB in NYC. I would likely try and follow TFA up with a stint at a consulting firm, and the ABS/MBS analyst job with either an associate role or a shift to the buy-side.
I'm looking to eventually get an MBA to move into Real Estate Development on the west coast--given my current connections are all Southeast/Midwest and mostly in traditional finance, I'm unable to start in this industry immediately out of college. My instinct, then, is that the TFA>Consulting route is a bigger differentiator for admissions, and since I'd like to have a positive social impact I think it's the best call; that said, South Dakota for two years sounds... like hell, ngl. If this were in a slightly more suburban/urban environment I'd take it in a heartbeat but the reservation life gives me, well, reservations.
The ABS role is less interesting to me, seems less socially impactful, and worse for MBA admissions... but it's in NYC. And I do love New York--though not as much as California. It also would get me some RE exposure before going to b-school. All in all, it somewhat feels like the "safe" option, although it doesn't have as much upside as the TFA move.
Am I crazy? Is TFA the way to go and damn the urban lifestyle I'm used to? Should I care about doing something socially positive with my time at all? Should I just ignore both and become a ski and scuba bum in LA? Your call, WSO.
The question is hard to understand.
If that's what you want, it affects no one but you. Just do whatever makes you happy.
The same problems you want to solve (whether personal or social) are the ones you will want to talk about with adcoms. Duh.
I'll edit to clarify, but I specifically wanted to test my assumption that the TFA>Consulting>MBA>RE Dev route is at least as feasible as the BB ABS>MBA>RE Dev path.
BB ABS/MBS role in NY is closer to what you want to do with your career, so do that. TFA route sounds convoluted and since you're not a true believer, you'll burn out and kick yourself. You're also doing the students a massive disservice if you're getting into TFA to try and maximize your MBA chances only to pursue a RE dev career later. Just be yourself, no need to virtue signal to chase preftige.
In my opinion btw a BB ABS -> Top 15 MBA is more likely to recruit into RE Dev and will be more successful long term than a TFA -> M7. You could probably get into M7 anyway out of either role so not much point. That's on you (GMAT, personality, UG, essays, story, etc.)
I'd take the ABS/MBS for now and try to lateral to a real estate development position after a year or so. Real estate recruiting out of MBA programs is not very structured, and there is no reason that you couldn't get to your goals directly prior to the MBA. Then you can make the decision if going back to school full time is worth it at all.
This is a super round about way to get into west coast real estate development... you could do that coming out of school without all of the detours. Just my two cents.
Nah, I'm midwest based at a school that's a target for banking/consulting but without any real estate presence from what I've seen--and I haven't networked my ass off enough to make that play immediately after.
TFA is very well respected with MBA adcoms but you would be doing yourself and the students in South Dakota a disservice if you are going into TFA to build your resume rather than to serve the community.
Go with the analyst role in NYC and find an opportunity to make an impact locally with students through your community involvement. Don't just sign up for Minds Matter or the like, do something meaningful so you can speak/write passionately about it in your applications a few years from now. Bonus points for doing something in the community that is related to real estate development so you combine your passion for doing good with your long term interest in pursuing a career in real estate development.
Wishing you the best as you make your decision and start your career.
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