So here's a little bit of background on myself
Age: 23 Graduated from a Top 3-5 undergrad B-school GPA: 3.6/4.0 Was previously at a MM Investment Bank for 8 months, before fear of layoffs forced me to leave Currently at a Long/Short Equity hedge fund, AUM ~ 100MM (and dropping), been here for 10 months Foreigner, so work here on a work visa, limits the pool of firms I can apply to
I'll be honest and admit I made a mistake with the direction I took with my career, but at that point I was just trying to survive, so I took the hedge fund job.
Right now, I'm basically looking to make the transition to a consulting firm or corporate strategy at a F500 or even a startup, long shots would be PE or VC, but I realize I'm unqualified for those right now.
Problem is, I've been applying to consulting positions and corporate strategy roles for a few months now and have received no responses. I realize that recruiters pigeonhole me as soon as they see the hedge fund experience, but I thought that since I have only 18 months of full time work experience, some people might overlook it and give me a chance to start afresh.
So my question is: Is it going to be impossible to make a career switch WITHOUT going to B-school ? I never had plans to get an MBA, I don't think it suits my temperament, but my hand might be forced here.
Thoughts ?
A couple more years of HF experience will really boost your B-School App. Can you wait a little longer?
Yeah, you're not getting responses back from consulting/corporate because you haven't stayed at a job for even 1 year post-undergrad. You might have good reasons, but in their eyes, you look unreliable. I would stay with the HF for another year, and apply to enter B-School for Fall 2010.
The world has changed. And we must change with it.
Lucky bastard! Doing hedge fund and your not even a citizen. I say stay for a little longer and then make the transition to MBA. Coming from a good MBA program will make your chances of getting into consulting much more favorable.
joemontana: I don't think I can take a couple more years of this, lol. The comp is not great and I don't really enjoy what I'm doing. I guess I should be happy I have a job, but somehow that doesn't do it for me.
pennypacker: I thought about that. I'm sure some of them think that I'm a bandwagoner, just chasing the money. Do I have a shot at good consulting firms after 2 years of b-school ? or does my Pre-MBA experience hamper those chances too ?
Monster: Believe me, I'm not lucky at all. I'm living off a low base and no bonus when I could be living in the lap of luxury back home, but I wanna make my own way so I'm being persistent.
You're not as competitive as you would be in 2 years, but you may get in if you get a 700 gmat. Top 5 is out of the question, but it is conceivable (though not very likely) that you get into a good program. People understand what many bankers have gone through recently, so leaving your first job may not be a killer. HF exp is respected.
Its worth a shot. Also, it may be easier to land a better ER/AM gig than consulting given your current position.
Earum sunt et numquam aperiam. Fugiat sed amet aliquid necessitatibus adipisci qui qui.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...