Boston College MsF vs. T25 MBA for breaking into IB

I'm 2 years out of college working in an asset management sales position (internal wholesaler). I just took CFA L3 and felt great about the exam, so I'm happy to get that over with assuming I pass. My goal is to move to investment banking. I understand there's some heavy recruiting being done for junior IB roles right now but I just can't see a bank taking a chance on me with my unrelated background. 

IMO, these are my two options to break in:

  1. Go to Boston College MsF program in Fall 2022 where I will have had 3 years experience upon matriculating. The pros here are 1 year vs 2 years for MBA, staying local, and likely starting as an analyst which may lead to better exit ops. It's also my understanding that the BC MsF students get to do OCR with the BC undergrads. 

  2. Go to a T25 MBA (Would love UNC-KF or UT-Austin, but Emory Goizueta, Rice Jones, Vandy Owen are options as well). Top 15 isn't really an option for me due to weak undergrad GPA (3.05 at a Semi Target), relatively weak and short work experience, and little outside involvement from grinding for the CFA these past 18 months. The pro for this option are starting as an associate (perhaps at a BB in NYC with some luck and heavy networking as opposed to a MM in Boston)

The BC option is a very high risk high reward scenario IMO. If anyone has done IB recruiting from an MsF program like BC or from an MBA like the ones I mentioned above, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

Personal opinion. But the MBA route wins by a mile.

Structured recruiting. Come in as an associate. Far more alumni at various banks in various cities. WAY better "backstop" if banking doesn't work out.

Caveat--can you get a GMAT that matters? Anything 700+ will be ok for recruiting but even getting into those schools you named could be a semi-uphill battle from the brief info you shared.

 

Yep, just took a week off after my L3 exam but jumping right into the GMAT now. I submitted a profile review on r/mba and it looks like I'll have a decent shot into getting into at least 1 of those schools with a 710+, which I feel like I can achieve given that I work 40 hours a week. Recruiting from there will be the next battle.

 

Alias praesentium et ducimus qui aut est rerum. Perspiciatis cum quo et dicta eius. Praesentium est et libero explicabo non qui dolorem. Unde sed culpa rem praesentium voluptatem voluptas temporibus. Iste aut earum commodi cupiditate ipsam unde. Provident delectus cupiditate laborum et. Autem tempora rerum nemo id ut iste. Qui est quo nihil ipsa.

Omnis sunt animi ab quas. Sed architecto sunt velit voluptatem magni rerum.

Necessitatibus omnis recusandae enim eaque provident exercitationem. Quae earum inventore non optio sit ab cum. Autem necessitatibus placeat odio ratione sint dolorum.

Itaque sit sunt praesentium voluptates voluptate adipisci. Sint iusto magni voluptas aut sit omnis. Tempore voluptas molestias adipisci inventore voluptatum culpa. Omnis velit commodi accusamus natus quia praesentium.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”