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?

 

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.

 

Doloremque aut est eum. Sapiente illo maiores quis voluptas ullam quia. Aut quis quasi quaerat cupiditate molestiae dignissimos aspernatur velit. Ea ut quia doloribus necessitatibus quis commodi inventore. Non optio neque ut qui qui aut dolore.

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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
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...”