Best path to become a portfolio manager from my current position?

Background: Studied accounting and finance at a well known public school (think UT, UM, UW, etc).

I'm currently have a BO job at an investment management firm, and will be taking CFA level 1 in June. I would like to be a PM one day and attend a top MBA program but not really sure what would be the best path for me. The reason I want to get into a top MBA is because I regret not attending UPenn after high school (the cost of attending UPenn was the deal breaker for me at the time).

I have a few paths that I am currently considering:

1) Stick with my current job, get my CFA, and get into a top MBA.
2) Join the military as an Officer doing a finance-related job for 4 years (I already applied for an Officer position in the military and will find out soon if I will get admitted) then leverage the military experience to get into a top MBA program while passing all 3 levels of CFA.

Of the two options I have, which will give me the best chance to get into a top MBA and become a PM?

I am also open to other suggestions! Thanks!

 
Best Response

I think you do a few things.

You should absolutely continue your CFA. Combining that with relevant work experience and a top MBA will help immensely. However, there's more. You should try to lateral to a research analyst position at your own firm, or you should try to do that at another firm. Hunt for IM FO jobs. As you complete different levels of the CFA, you'll have more opportunity. You'll have to network, but it's possible.

Tldr; do the CFA and you can use the MBA but try and lateral. NETWORK.

 

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