MBA from not top tier university - looking to get MSF at top tier. Advice please
My background: I am from the United States, I have a B.S. in Engineering and have one year left of my MBA. My MBA program is not top tier and I am looking to do an MSF after working for 1-3 years post MBA graduation. My undergraduate GPA was 3.2, my MBA GPA is currently 3.8, and I currently have a 670 gmat score but am planning on retaking it. I have had many internships throughout my college career in engineering, consulting, and quality coordinating. Currently I don't know exactly what I want to do with my future but I am interested in consulting or maybe banking (any input on interesting career paths are much appreciated). I am also interested in working internationally if the opportunity presents itself.
If I get a MSF from a top University will that help "rebrand" myself since my MBA is not top tier?
What would an MSF mean on my resume for future applications?
As I stated before I am not clear about what exactly what I want to do but at this point I am interested in working for a top consulting firm like McKinsey. Would I be a strong candidate for a company like McKinsey with a top tier MSF degree?
What are the best schools to consider for a top tier MSF degree? I am planning on retaking the GMAT, I think I can get about a 720ish next time around. What GMAT score do I need in order to get into a top MSF program and are the rest of my credentials (stated above) sufficient?
I am stressing out about getting my MBA from a non top tier university but it was paid for and I wanted to change the scope of my resume from engineering to more business orientated so I took the opportunity. Did I make a bad move by doing this?
My goals: I want to make a lot of money and enjoy my work while doing it (who doesn't). I also am interested in working internationally (Europe perhaps).
So far from my research of US Universities, Berkley and Vanderbilt are my top choices but I would love to hear your input. I also don't know very much about international universities so please feel free to throw out some suggestions.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and don't worry about answering all of the questions I posted here.
Thank you.
all I know is the top MSFs are MIT and Princeton. both which typically require 750+ gmat....you can get it in with lower stats, but harder, plus the mba on app will hurt you. Idk, wait for other posters.
I might be able to get around a 750. What about Vandy or Berkley? Those are good programs aren't they? You think the MBA will hurt me?
Princeton has people pursuing their MFin who have MBA's, but I would caution that these people tend to have 700+ GMATs and strong work experience.
I really don't know what advice to give. The MBA GPA is very good, but MBA classes (especially from non top schools) aren't really that hard. MFE programs will look at the engineering GPA which is lower and probably factor that into the equation a lot more than your MBA GPA.
I'd probably focus on working right now and maybe studying for the CFA if you want a career in finance. If you want to do consulting then look at the Big 4 or something like that.
Sent you a PM Ant, please read it all:)
Work for a bit then look at london business school's masters in finance program. In my opinion its exactly what you'll be look for since its not a MFE type program (like princeton), not regional (vandy), or geared at fresh graduates or people for junior positions (most of them). The only comparable one would maybe be MIT but I dont know (for what you're looking for). FYI they have students who were MBA's
You sent me a PM? I didn't get it (also new to this site)
Not saying you should, but I wonder what would happen if you just dropped out of your current MBA program.
Would it be on record if you were going to apply to another top MBA program down the road? It's probably worth looking into.
I wouldn't drop out now that would be taking a step backwards.
Not necessarily. Having a non-top MBA is probably not going to do shit for you anyway (given your goals). Sunk cost man.
Instead of finishing another year in your MBA program, then going to do ANOTHER year at a MFIN program, it may make sense just to get an MBA from a top school with a heavy focus in Finance.
Sure, you'll have to redo some of the classes, but that's the sacrifice you may need to make.
what idragmazda said.
Might have to just restart at a better mba. Vandy or Berkley are good, but they are for younger people. You would come in at analyst level...which is fine, just that finishing your mba is honestly a wast of time. since its may, Might be too late to apply, but see if you can start fall at one of those schools
Give us an idea of what this MBA might be. Like pick 4 schools of approximately equal value and include your school or something. Maybe this isn't as bad is it seems.
An MSF isn't the answer all the time. You might need to simply recalibrate your career goals in the near term.
Here are a few schools that are approximately equal value to my MBA (including my school), it is usually ranked around the 60s: Northeastern Rutgers University of Delaware Tulane Baylor
Did you go for your MBA right out of college, because I do not see work experience in your post? You might be better served completing your MBA and networking with people who work at the companies where you eventually want to go. Again, any more info on your professional experience prior to going for your MBA would help.
Yes, I went for my MBA right out of college. All of my work experience is through internships. I have an internship now that equivalent to a real job and they are paying for my MBA. I also have no obligation to work for the company after I graduate.
If that is the case, time is on your side. Rather than focus on a MFIN 2-3 years down the road, get as much as you can from your current classes and focus on a post-MBA job that ultimately looks good on a resume and is something you enjoy doing and where you can excel. Having said that, if you want an int'l opportunity as well as MFIN, I agree with Vagabond85 that LBS outstanding both in terms of curriculum, networking and job opportunities. But another degree should not be your focus right now.
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