Columbia J-Term?

I wanted to see if anybody has insight into whether doing the J-Term at Columbia can provide me with the same opportunities as a full two-year program. For some background I am currently in sell-side ER coming on about two years (I have other work experience prior to this) and I am wanting to get my MBA then go into investment management. Given that what I do right now is fairly similar to investment management and that I could get a part time internship to compensate for my lack of summer internship, would doing the J-Term be just as good or is it a bad idea given my background and what I want to do?

 

For you CBS J-Term could make a lot of sense. You'll have reduced opportunity cost. Can do an in-semester internship and as you say, you're current work is closely related to what you want to do after your MBA.

If you wanted a more significant career change, or CBS did't have its in-semester internship option, that would be a different story.

Good luck!

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

Really? That’s the first I had heard that but good news if true. Do you have any idea how many classes you would need to place out of? I have my CPA so I am confident I could place out of accounting and have two years of finance work experience so could probably place out of entry level finance courses.

 

It’s not something really talked about and administration  would require a ton of hoops to jump over. Would reach out to some j term students on LinkedIn to find out more. Really this program is geared to wealthy family biz people, entrepreneurs or sponsored consultants/bankers. If you want to make a drastic career change, I would just apply for the two year program. Summer internship recruiting also starts before J-term starts, so most probably you would be applying for boutique roles. 
 

 

I know I have done my research and I’m currently doing sell-side equity research but I just don’t feel like sell-side to buy-side equity research is a drastic career switch as I am already getting interviews for jobs I would want post MBA. I just feel I need the MBA to one day start my own fund and it wild give me a leg up in those interviews. Would anybody object to that reasoning?

 

Tough to say, would talk to an admission consultant (even now). Reach out to people on linkedin, but generally speaking buy-side recruiting in the public markets is extremely difficult these days. B-Schools have quotas for what type of candidates they are looking for, so think about who you would be competing against in your bucket. 

 

Hi Guys,

I have been admitted to J-term class 2022 at CBS. I initially planned to do the normal 2 year program but due to Covid decided to wait a couple of more months. I applied very late and CBS was the only option back then due to timing. I want to apply to value investing program at CBS.

My profile:
- 4 years working experience: 2 years in M&A IBD at Bulge Bracket Bank in London and then moved to McK as Corporate Finance Consultant
- Post MBA Goal: HedgeFund or PE in the United States
- McK would sponsor me but I do not plan to stay with the firm post MBA
- Strong academic background in business: graduated among top 1% of my bachelor and master in European Top Business School
- Scored in Executive Assessment 164, I would need to retake GMAT (only have old score of 700 from 4 years ago), feel optimistic to score above 720 within next 6 weeks
- Already 31 years old, German

Now I am doubting my decision and would like to get your feedback. I see two options currently both with advantages and disadvantages:

Option 1: Go with the J-term
Advantages: I do not lose one more year given my age, I do not necessarily need summer internship given I am quite experienced, less expenses, clear plan for the next months
Disadvantages: given I want to break into different industries (PE, HF) i would need to do semester internships, due to covid no real b-school experience at least for spring semester, not sure if J-term is regarded as prestigious as regular 2 year program, i have no previous working experience in public and private equity investing

Option 2: Wait until September 2021 (also apply to HBS and Wharton)
Advantages: Covid hopefully over by then, Regular 2 year program makes it easier to change industry, could also apply to Wharton and HBS, potentially could get some working experience in PE, Investing prior to MBA
Disadvantages: Lose 1 more year, more expensive, no clear plan on what to do until September 2021 (stay with McK versus interviewing with PE and HF in Europe)

I am kind of lost with my decision. I am obviously concerned about my age also. I know I want to break into public or private investing. My profile allows me to get interviews at tier 1 funds here in Europe. I am currently in a couple of process with both HFs and PEs to have optionality.

I am looking forward to your feedback guys. Thanks so much!

 
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