I've been thinking about doing an MBA at Berkeley because the place sounds fantastic to me, and I'm really not a huge fan of NYC (other schools I would apply to would be Tuck, Columbia and Yale SOM for NY IB jobs). But what are the key difference between California IBDs and New York? Are work hours more relaxed, is the work focused on certain product groups, is there very little potential for regular private equity exit opps and more VC stuff? Just general opinions/insights would be great. Cheers!
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why not Stanford?
Because I'd never get in. They seem to want people who were Buddhist monks who then went on to found multi-billion dollar companies after making associate in 6 months. I only have emerging markets IB experience at a local investment bank. It's good experience, but not enough for Stanford's 9% acceptance rate.
was your IB experience at Dubai? Thats pretty solid work experience man and its different from the typical NY-BB IBD guy, I would definately apply to Stanford regardless. A $200~ investment for the app. fee is peanuts if you get in.
Yes, I'm in Dubai. How'd you guess?
I have the 'cultural' aspect down, I think. I'm Indian by birth, I grew up in the Middle East and I went to university in England. But my GPA would equate to around 3.5 I think, which isn't exactly spectacular. My current bank's definitely the market leader in investment banking in the country, and I could easily make a move to a BB here by the time I'm 24 (I turn 23 in June), but I really want to start my MBA just after I turn 25 (that's August 2010).
The idea of NYC doesn't appeal to me, though I know that's where most of the jobs are. Thus the West Coast angle. Is the experience nowhere near as good? Are rents just as ridiculous? Will I take home $20 a month after tax? I ask you these questions because I am clueless, my Yank friends!
Mostly it's the industry focus.
Basically there are 2 major centers for West Coast banking: LA and SF. LA is more focused on leveraged finance, gaming (as in casinos in Vegas, not videogames), and media/entertainment while SF is more focused on tech, healthcare and related industries.
The atmosphere does tend to be more laid back but as always there are exceptions (see: UBS LA, at least the former UBS LA).
Both LA and SF sound good, product-group wise. I don't mind the long hours since I'm already a slave to the grind. Is compensation generally comparable to NY? And is job hunting any harder? There seem to be a lot of interesting boutiques working in the area, which sounds very interesting. I'd also like to look for something in VC, but I don't have a tech background at all.
Taylor, are you at EFG or Shuaa?
I'd rather not mention where I work, but you're on the right track.
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