Is it worthwhile to get an MBA from a top five school after completing the CFA program?

I am trying to land an opportunity at a top PE firm. I completed the first two levels of the cfa exam and currently preparing for the third level. Is it worthwhile to pursue an MBA from a top five school afterwards?

5 Comments
 

I'm sorry to break it down for you, but if you did not come from a Target School, work in Investment Banking and lateral into Private Equity before getting your MBA, then you have a huge uphill battle to face. Not saying it's impossible but it's highly unlikely that you can break into the Buy-Side.

 

What do you do now? What are your career goals post-MBA? PE should never be the only goal for MBA - even those with direct experience find the talent pool competitive.

For hedge funds/asset management/IB, it is almost always worth leveraging a top MBA. The CFA isn't a replacement for MBA for the top AM roles; it is a check the box during campus recruiting. There are many situations where a top MBA adds value, but it's hard to opine on your situation without more details.

 

Currently I am working in acquisitions/asset management at a real estate investment company. Prior to that a PE firm for a short time and prior to that corporate banking. Now I am trying to land a PE opportunity because I am interested in that scope. IB/ hedge funds would be great as well, but I don’t think I have the background for that, maybe post CFA.

 
Best Response

Huh? If you're at a top 10 school your background is a perfect fit for IB and you're pretty much guaranteed a job if you follow the steps the school tells you to.

If you do the CFA HF's will also be in reach. They look for a finance, banking or consulting background + CFA + performance on your stock pitch competitions. Same with mutual funds. I think you're underestimating the value of a top 7 MBA in securing interviews.

PE comes down to supply and demand. CFA isn't really helpful there. It is for HF/AM/a very little bit for banking.

 

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