Will working in Forensics hinder admission into top MBA programs?
I've seen lots of posts asking about the possibility of going from Big 4 to a top MBA program, but I haven't been able to find anything regarding my particular situation. It seems most of the people on the site are coming from audit or advisory in TS/M&A.
Would working in Forensics, under advisory at KPMG, hurt my chances of getting into a top MBA program versus audit? I think I would enjoy Forensics, but I've always wanted to go and get an MBA down the road. So basically my question is if it is possible to go from KPMG Forensics to a top MBA assuming my gmat scores, extracurricular activities, essays, etc. are all up to par?
It seems that exit opportunities for Forensics are limited, so if I want to transition to another career such as IB or MBB an MBA would be needed. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
Definitely possible because I have a similar background and just did it. Started in Big 4 audit for 2 years and moved to an advisory group at a boutique firm where a large component was forensics. I'm heading to a top program to get my MBA this fall (INSEAD/LBS/Columbia/Wharton).
I think moving out of audit into advisory/forensics definitely helped because I was able to differentiate myself a lot more from all the other accountants/auditors also applying to school. While the work (imo) still isn't that great, you can definitely make it sound a lot more interesting than "performed annual audits of major fortune 500 company".
You're also right about forensics not having many exit opps. The only reason I was ok with moving into a group that did a lot of forensics was because I knew I'd be out in 1-2 years.
Thanks, that actually helps a lot. I was going to try and PM you, but I can't because my account is still new.
Would you recommend that I try and lateral to management consulting within the firm if I can to stand out more? Or do you think performing well in the forensics advisory group would be sufficient? I don't want to get stuck so I was considering working in forensics for a year or two and seeing what options I have to better position myself for top MBA programs.
I wouldn't do it just for the sake of doing it, but yeah if you're genuinely interested in working in that group, then go for it. With any of these backgrounds and with good GPA, scores, essays, etc, I think you should be in good shape to get in to a good program somewhere.
Thanks again for the help
You've already received some good advice from someone who has walked the walk, and that's great. One of the things you want to think about at your current job or at any future job you might take pre-B-school is leadership. Your analytical skills would be well appreciated, but that's not all they are looking for. You know they want to know how you manage up with your superiors and manage laterally with your teammates and manage down with anyone who might be either reporting to or training under you. Have you led projects? How have you made a difference in the firm's relationships or processes?
You want to differentiate yourself to show that you have had an impact on the people and the companies you deal with. So that's the biggest challenge, and of course, opportunity. It's where you get the chance to tell your unique story. And that's the part that will get you where you want to go.
Thanks for the info Betsy, I didn't see this until just now. Would you say it would be worth it more to push as hard as I can for promotions rather than switch jobs to something more prestigious?
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