Non-Traditional MBA hopeful

I'd like to use an MBA in the future to break into IB, or even ER. Failing that, I'd like to use the MBA to move up the career ladder in my current profession. I realize my background is non-traditional, but it is what it is. I'm looking at top tier programs, but any insight into which schools I'd be competitive at would be welcomed.

Profile:

-32 year old Latin Male.

Work (post-undergrad):

-1.5 years as a Financial Analyst in the Public Sector -Current Financial Analyst (mid level) at a Fortune 500 Company. Fairly new in the role, I'd like to promote up to a senior level within a couple years before applying to grad schools in the future (2~3 years from now).

School:

-Coming from a UC undergrad school with a bachelor's in Economics. GPA 3.3, Major GPA 3.7. Low general GPA due to a death in the family and financial hardships during undergrad. -Have studied abroad twice in Italy. Speak/read/write Italian, German, French.

Volunteer:

-Volunteered for a previous current local campaign and was promoted to precinct captain to take a more active role in the campaign. -Ran my own campaign for State Delegate for my district where I live. (Didn't win) -Current political volunteer for California State Senate elections coming up. -Member of the biggest professional political group in my state. Planning to run for board member in the future. -Volunteer as a musician for a non-profit that provides creativity and art to children with terminal illnesses in hospitals.

Extra (not sure if relevant):

-Releasing my debut demo LP this summer, something I've always wanted to do. -Developing an app to be released soon. -Planning on writing a book after my album is finished.

gmat score: -Have not taken it yet, but I plan getting at least a 700. Getting anything lower isn't really an option.

Thanks!

4 Comments
 
"LongandShortofit"

What is non traditional about this I have no idea

Non-traditional in the sense that I'm a little bit older, coming from a non-target background without IB/PE experience for the career I want to break into and the schools I want to get into.

 

none of your profile are nontraditional to any extent. being a Latino helps though - they like diversity in minorities, less Asians.

for good-ranked MBAs, about 45-50% will come from Financial Services and Consulting - But almost all the rest comes from Corporate roles. you'll be one of them.

UC undergrad isn't the worst non-targets.

Relax and think about what you wanna do.

 

Laudantium aut quia blanditiis sint aut ullam. Qui quibusdam error itaque. Nihil perspiciatis ipsam nulla et eaque placeat occaecati. Odio quis ad voluptatem expedita et ut. Necessitatibus consequatur non qui magni voluptas a.

Aut odit corrupti facilis quia nesciunt nemo. Voluptates quam minima culpa repudiandae quasi quo. Dignissimos dicta aliquid magnam unde a maxime.

Praesentium ducimus sint libero illum et cum excepturi. Enim blanditiis consequuntur eum vero voluptatum veritatis. Cumque odit aut veniam. Omnis molestias ipsam delectus et quod cumque atque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”