YC alum, no industry experience, MS in finance or MBA?
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to figure out if I should be looking at masters in finance programs or MBAs. (Or if I'm even remotely on track!)
Background:
- No industry experience
- Humanities degree
- Able to take the GRE, performs well on tests
- Took the LSAT recently and got ~90th percentile. Not a savant, but capable of pulling test scores. (Don't want to be a lawyer though)
- Y Combinator alum / founder
- Leaving startup as it pivots outside my area of capability. I'm the sales / biz dev guy and cofounders are pivoting to deeptech
- Once worked for cabinet level official in DC. Top Secret security clearance
Goals:
- Not NYC BB or MF PE
- IB position in a T2-4 city
- Dream job -- Eventually a smaller PE fund in T2-4 city
Questions:
- Just a basic reality check. Is this possible? I know it's hard, and unlikely, and won't yield the most top tier outcomes, but is it possible on any level?
- MS in finance or MBA to do it?
- For the masters I'm considering Vandy, SMU, etc.
- For MBA Dartmouth etc. (Probably not M7)
- Which programs would you consider in my situation?
Thank you!
First post on here. Likely speaking nonsense, will greatly appreciate any and all input.
Edit:
I put YC in the title to grab attention in case people know what that is on this forum.
I understand raising venture once has zero relevance to actually working in finance!
Frankly, startups are overhyped and overfunded and society regards "founders" with far too much esteem in most cases.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
Background:
Goals:
Questions and Considerations:
Reality Check:
MS in Finance or MBA?
Which Programs to Consider:
Additional Advice:
By strategically choosing the right program and leveraging your unique background, you can make a successful transition into IB and eventually into a smaller PE fund. Good luck!
Sources: Ask Natalie from Accepted about Business School Admissions, Lesser known MBA career options? Looking for advice on what to do post-HBS., MSF Question and Answer, Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions
idk maybe try and do vc somehow, and then apply to mba? then after mba, do ib?
Dude you will have comparable comp progression and way better lifestyle in VC. I’d reccomend an MBA over MSF for your background, and you can likely get into top programs with a good GMAT but I’d look into some VC roles first
Why would you go from YC to finance? Major downgrade. MS in Finance is a complete waste of your time and money. You will be losing one year of salary and experience + paying for a scam degree. Another major downgrade. That's two major downgrades.
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