What to do after BSc?
Hiya,
as it says up top, I am looking to get some input on different options I am considering pursuing after completing my bachelor's (1 year left).
About me:
-Europe Semi-Target Uni, 90th percentile grades
-Internships as well as working student job in PE
-Internship in M&A Big 4 (DD)
My "Options":
Gap Year:
-->Take a gap year after my Bachelor's, doing internships and furthering my knowledge, deciding on a specific industry to pursue.
OR
-->Do a 2-year program with a Big 4 company, visiting 3 different Teams in the Transaction process (teams of my choice).
OR
--> Internships, followed up by full-time employment for a number of years
Study:
Do either a Master's in Europe OR an MBA in the US.
For an MBA I would have to work for a number of years as far as I'm aware, what are the advantages compared to a Master's program, apart from being more respected in the US?
What is the view in Europe of an MBA vs a Master's? Does it give you an edge?
I am spending a semester in the US soon on exchange, are there any other steps of preparation I should do if I consider doing an MBA? E.g. Internships in the US > Europe, even if more prestigious in Europe?
General Career Advice?
Thanks so much!:)
Given the hard market environment in DE (since you mentioned Working Student), securing a job first at big4 would give you good chances for exit in ~2 years (consulting, M&A), the downside is that it's only big4.
However if you have no rush to land on a job yet doing a gap year sounds good for more internships on cv. MBA in US is overpriced and i would suggest you work on GMAT and try LBS next year.
Thanks for the reply, indeed I am in DE!
How much work is the GMAT? Should I try to keep 2-3 months open to study for it, or would a few weeks on the off-time from internships suffice?
Thanks!
If you are willing to work in the US, yes you should take all the opportunities to work or study there.
Otherwise if you are fine with Europe I don't see the point taking the risk to be rejected from top MBA in a few years and being stucked in whatever job you have taken inbetween. Gap + MiF is completely fine, 2 years at big 4 is pretty decent too (and if you like it you can stay, liking your job is more important than prestige on a forum)
Thanks for the reply!
If I set my sights on an MBA after doing a Gap Year, a Master and then working for a few years, do you think that risk would be reduced / it would still be worth it to do an MBA?
For what I know, MBA is most valued for consulting/VC and is not a need for IB/PE (still a plus). Getting in the US is harsh especially if you are not minority so get ready to fight for it.
tbh I don't know enough about the recruitment in the US to give you a complete opinion about the need to plan an MBA so soon in your career. Would advise to take as much experiences as you can because it is the best way to see what job fit you the best. Targeting a job (BB, MF, MBB, top VC or whatever you are willing to aim for) sounds more relevant than targeting an MBA to me
That makes a lot of sense, thank you very much!
I will try to fit in as many internships as I can in my gap year, hopefully climbing up the ladder with each and finishing the year off with either a BB or maybe even an EB internship.
Thanks again for the replies and insights!
If you don't know what you want to do - take the gap year or do internships until you find something you want to stick to.
If you want to live and work in the US -> study there and then walk through the visa/sponsorship options until you can live there permanently
If Europe is what you want, see which degree will lead to your role/industry/employer.
I have done something different, did a MSF in the US and skipped the MBA. I think it worked out as well. Look if you find other options in your list above, maybe there are other routes. (if it adds color to the discussion - I broke into IB in Germany with a US degree)
That is exactly what I will try to do in my gap year! Fingers crossed I can find great internships.
Before that, I will spend a semester abroad in the US as well - this will then hopefully allow me to make the decision whether to stay in Europe or try to move to the US.
On another note: Would you say having a US degree gave you an edge over other graduates with e.g. German target-uni or UK degrees when breaking into IB in Germany? I'm also from DE, hence it would be quite interesting to know.
Thank you very much for the advice and insights!
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