Hi everyone. I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight into whether one could get into a top MBA program out of Citi's Private Banking Analyst program. It's a 2-year rotational program after which you're matched with a team (I believe this could be on the client side, investment side, etc). If I come from a top school with a decent (not great GPA), and (hopefully) a really good gmat score, could I make it into a top MBA program?
Oct 14, 2015
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I'm at an M7 (not H/S) and one of my good friends here came from PWM at one of your competitors (not a rotational program). She was admitted and has done quite well in recruiting in her chosen field. I would think the rotational program would only help, versus her situation.
In summary, very doable. Do good work at your job, get good recommendations, learn what you can, have some ECs, and do well on the GMAT. You'll be fine.
Know of a kid who got into Columbia after the that program, but also went there for undergrad I think and had a bunch of cool ECs. I don't think its great for admissions, but you can make it happen. It's still front office finance (or at least make sure those are the rotations you get, some if it is super heavy on paper pushing), and you should be able to spin it.
I have a friend that worked in PWM at a BB and went to a school just outside M7 (ie. Haas, Tuck, NYU) so definitely possible. That being said, you will competing with candidates that have more attractive work experience so you need to somewhat compensate with GMAT, EC, recommendations, etc.
PWM to MBA? (Originally Posted: 02/26/2010)
Is this a normal path is is it unnecessary/improbable?
If you are successful before MBA and want to continue in PWM is it often not necessary. However, if you want to change to AM then MBA is a must
It all depends on what your goal is for after the MBA. Also, you may want to consider the CFA if you are looking to move to AM. MBA applies better to the PE world than AM.
PWM Analyst -> Top 15 MBA program? (Originally Posted: 05/21/2008)
What are the chances of a ML, GS Private Wealth Management Analyst getting into a top 15 MBA program?
A VP was telling me how a 3 yr analyst stint would be a great way to prepare for an MBA. I would like to hear your thoughts. Obviously, you won't get much modeling experience, but it's not like you need that to get into a good school.
Sure -- it will depend though on your extracurricular accomplishments both in college and outside of work. Especially if you're in PWM, you should have time outside of work to get involved in extracurriculars.
Alex Chu
PWM alone is fine but obviously it depends on everything else (how much people like you in PWM - meaning, recommendations, your grades, GMAT, ECs, undergrad school). PWM alone won't make or break you.
PWM to B-School? (Originally Posted: 04/20/2014)
Hi WSO,
I started working in PWM 3 months ago (think JPM, GS) and i already don't like it. It's a three year program and I'm not sure if I should just wait it out and apply to a top b school afterwards or try to make a lateral move something else.
Could someone help me with my options:
-Wait three year then apply to t-25 mba and move in as an ibd associate -lateral move to commercial bank (i interned at commercial bank and thought it was pretty interesting, not as "elite" as PWM where I'm at but a good career) I could move to bschool and jump into ibd after 4-5 years -your thoughts? Any ideas?
If you're 3 months in and hate it, you've got to bail. Staying 6 months to catch a bonus or promotion is reasonable, but 3 years is wayyyy too long to tough it out for b-school. That said, be mindful of the timing. Without a well thought-out narrative and a very strong next gig, leaving anywhere after a year can be a red flag.
Before you even go down this road though, you have to pinpoint what it is you don't like. Too many people flit around for superficial reasons that don't get solved by a move. Don't like the spreadsheet crunching/long hours/getting lunch? It's probably going to be the same at any finance job. Don't like your boss/team? Figure out why not, try to solve it with them, try to move internally and, only then, consider leaving. In hindsight, I've realized a few team members I didn't along with early in my career may have been right, but had a very different communication style than me.
PWM to B School? (Originally Posted: 03/25/2014)
Currently I work in BB PWM (think GS, CS, JPM) and have been there for about 1 year. I want to make the change to BB IBD after I go to BSchool. 3.2 GPA top LAC college on west coast. I do enjoy the work a pwm adviser does but I want to work with companies and want something a bit more technical/analytical. After meeting with a few bankers at my firm I believe the best way to transition would be to go to a top Bschool.
Any other advice
Two Questions
I have heard many times (though I don't have first-hand knowledge, so feel free to correct me) that the CFA is looked at by adcoms as strictly a professional distinction as opposed to an academic one, and plays little to no role in MBA admissions.
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