MBA

I'll cut to the chase and save ya'll the 'yOu ShOulDn'T hAvE gOtTeN yOuR MbA" comments. -I'm well aware of the fact that i've been finessed by stony brook university (remove college name**) into enrolling in their non-target, bullshit 1 year MBA program. I graduated there with my bachelors in business management and a concentration in finance in 2019. Unfortunately, Stony Brook (OMIT NAME) is a top tier school in every fucking major except....you guessed it Finance. This essentially made it extremely difficult to find any internships relating to IB, PE, or any analyst position since there are

23 Jan 2021

Hey everybody, I'm a current IB analyst at a top boutique bank--think PJT/CVP/EVR/Qatalyst/Moelis. I've recently been extended an offer at a very good, but small L/S hedge fund with about $3bn in AUM and a long track record of very consistent returns. It's an amazing fund with great culture, but isn't exactly a "name brand" hedge fund. While the fund seems like a perfect fit, I'm hesitant to take the role because I'm afraid that it will negatively impact my chances of getting into a top MBA program (namely H/S), as well as future recruiting prospects since it's not a name brand fund

03 Feb 2021

When you're in college, everyone acts like as soon as you land an IB offer you'll be happy. As soon as you hit the IB desk, everyone acts like as soon as you get that PE offers you'll be happy. As soon as you hit PE, you've got 2 years to figure out MBA or lateral to an LMM or corp dev position and you can be happy. If you stay the golden course and go to Harvard/Stanford/Wharton, mostly you end up right back in PE or IB in roles you had sought to leave to pursue some unmet satisfaction. From there, most in PE can't really climb to the top and get stuck in the middle somewhere. I see this

04 Jan 2021

These are my top 5 schools. Do I need a reality check? 1) MIT 2) Columbia 3) Tuck 4) Oxford 5) Fuqua I want know with my profile what are my chances at a M7 or T10. School: No-name state school. Finance degree(change degrees around a lot) Demographic: White male GPA: I received a 3.71 GPA, Only took 12 credits a semester as I had to work while in school. One semester I got a 3.2 GPA the rest I was around 3.5-4.0 GPA. Took me 4.5 years and I had to drop 1 class due to COVID and one semester due to health issues..(7 W's on transcript) Intern Experience: Accounting role at a Asset Management firm

14 Sep 2020

Just graduated from ASU with an EE degree and business minor and am becoming increasingly disenchanted with working as an engineer. Finance appeals to me because of the high ceiling on career growth and performance based compensation. I went to high school in AZ and got a 90%+ tuition academic scholarship which means I essentially went to school for free (cheaper than community college). Big difference in my opinion between kids at ASU that are from in-state on scholarship and those that are from out of state and at ASU just to party. Learning that employers tend to not make this distinction

13 Oct 2020

The last thread on this is five years old now, but mentioned GI Partners, GTCR, Madison Dearborn, and BainCap. Are there any other PE firms that are known to consistently sponsor MBA for their associates in 2020?

03 Sep 2020

Hi Guys I'm currently a first year analyst in an international corporate finance consultancy, specifically focusing on real estate (appraisal, asset management and disposals). After qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2021 (UK equivalent of a CRE Broker) I intend to study an MBA in the US, preferably within an ivy league university. I particularly like the look of Cornell's one year MBA, although those from others look great also. I love the US and would much prefer to work somewhere such as New York upon completing the MBA. I still intend to work in real estate, although I would prefer to

02 Dec 2020

Hi monkeys, I'm starting to look at potential MBA programs (US only), planning to matriculate in 2021. Here's my profile: American female Went to large medium-tier school known for its business program (think UT, UNC, IU, UIUC) - 3.75 GPA. Accounting and Finance Currently working at a large tech firm in corporate finance (Google, Amazon, FB, Apple). Promoted twice in 3 years - this is my first job out of college Decent EC both in and outside of college (research, club prez, company-sponsored involvements), still volunteering and doing some alum stuff GMAT - 740 Perhaps my biggest "in" - I've

02 Sep 2020

Currently in a FLDP at a top tech firm. Curious about how it translates to MBA placements - is it possible to go to a top MBA program from corporate finance at a tech firm? Or would I have to try and switch to corp dev for a few years before applying to MBA, to increase my chances? I've read that it is possible to switch into VC after a substantial number of years at a tech firm - will this improve the chances of landing an M7 school, as opposed to just staying at a tech firm? Thanks.

12 Sep 2020

So I haven't yet decided if I'm going ahead with applying for MBAs (currently weighing if the total cost is worth it). In any case, I'd like to get an honest opinion on which schools I should be targeting if I do push through (and which schools I shouldn't bother looking at). I worked in AM BO for 3 years right out of school and secured a FO rotational program at the same bank. Gained significant transaction experience. Now at a boutique which offers far more visibility and promotion potential. The goal after doing the MBA is most likely to stay in finance but move from AM to REIB or REPE

09 Sep 2020

Hey Guys/ Gals, I have been following WSO for a few years now. This is my first post and my goal here is to seek advice, as well as extend it in anyway I can, given my situation. Situation: I went to a non- target in the south for undergrad and managed to get a F150 corp dev job right out of school this year. I went through a pretty extensive networking effort to obtain an IB role these past few years, but nobody wanted me as their slave. I am super grateful for this position during a pandemic-- and although I am only a few months in-- I am receiving great exposure to senior executives

20 Aug 2020

Hi all, I am a Junior PM at a large AM based in London. Due to several causes, 4 years ago I had to move from my role as a market maker on the sell-side (spent 2 years there) and I made the transition to the buy side earlier than I wanted, hence taking a Junior PM role which I now hold for 2 years. *my background: bachelor degree in Milan, master's degree in London, 2 years as market maker in credit, 2 years as Junior PM. I was wondering whether an MBA (at LBS ?) would speed up my career to advance to PM role. Thoughts welcomed

07 Sep 2020

As the title suggests, I was admitted to Yale SOM and NYU stern for the full-time 2 year MBA starting fall of 2021. I am interested in going into IB and have been leaning towards picking Stern due to its strength in finance and wall street. It appears that Stern places well at most top groups in BBs and has great representation at EBs. However, I really like Yale's energy and the lower COL in New Haven and more collegial feel is a big draw. NYU obviously is a big draw for those who already live in NYC and I worry that I won't be able to make the same connections that happen when everyone is

18 Dec 2020

I did not go to a target school nor have I had a finance internship. I went to the University of Victoria in Canada and my background is in entrepreneurship and sales. I am currently the sales manager for a painting company. I want to work for a top private equity real estate company to gain experience and then eventually do my own value-add multifamily deals and developments. How do you break into a top private equity real estate company like Trammell Crow Company, CBRE Global Investors or Greystar without an MBA or prior experience? Has anyone done it? What are the possible routes to get

12 Oct 2020

Admit to the deferred MBA program at MIT Sloan and I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on matriculating with only 2 years of WE. Currently working in strategy and really just want to get my post-MBA goal ASAP since the hours are no joke and I would much rather get to the other aspects of my life sooner rather than later. I ain't looking to get something wild like PJT RSSG or Qatalyst and I am not looking to go into PE; I'm just looking to do IB at a mid-tier BB, and top-tier BB if I can swing it(no hate towards MMIB). Thanks for y'all input

09 Dec 2020

Wise souls of WSO - I need some advice! I've been working as an IBD analyst at a BB in London for 18 months. I am deciding whether to take an offer for the in-house corp dev / finance team at a big tech unicorn or continue recruiting for PE (in the early stages of several processes, but no concrete offers yet). On the one hand, the tech job would likely be fun / exciting and provide a broader set of experience on the strategic and operational side that would be interesting. On the other hand, my long-term ambition is still to become an investor. I would view the tech role as an interesting

02 Dec 2020

Hi All, I'm currently a senior engineer and have been working in the semiconductor industry, albeit a very niche segment (RF and Microwave electronics), for over 10 years now. Over the past few years, my interest in finance has turned into an obsession and I've been reading a lot of mathematical finance, financial engineering, capital markets, money markets (Stigum's Money Markets is on my bookshelf) stuff. I'd like to make a career transition at some point and have considered getting a part-time MBA or MS in finance. Is anyone here on the same boat, or has made a similar career transition

01 Mar 2021

Hey guys, hate to beat around the bush, so I will need your most blunt and honest replies. I've been accepted to a top-20 MBA program in the US as a straight, white European male. Goal is to break into IB, with no prior IB work experience. The school is no top-feeder to IB roles but it usually manages to send some students every year. Problem is, after contacting all international current students/alumni who were successful, it became clear early on that they all checked the same diversity criteria (PoC, women, etc.). So the question is: am I heading towards a dead-end as an international, non

28 Feb 2021

I'm a penultimate year student who secured an IBD SA role at a American Bulge Bracket Bank for this coming summer, and I'm planning to apply for 2+2 programs at leading B-schools later in the year. I'm considering engaging admissions consultants now so that I will have more time to work with them, but I haven't taken the GMAT yet and I'm not sure if I'll get a return offer. Would hate to waste the free consultations that most Admissions Consultants offer, so is it okay if I start the conversation now or should I do it later?

26 Feb 2021

I work as an AM equities execution trader for the last 2 years, came up from a tech background, 5.5 years total work experience after undergrad, same company through and through (bulge bracket) . I am also a CFA level 3 candidate and want to eventually become a portfolio manager at AM or a hedge fund. I work in a firm where promotions are harder to come by, given a strong hierarchical organisational structure that prioritises years in the seat over potential. Given that backdrop, I want to go for a MBA with a focus on quantitative maths/finance to eventually do portfolio management (open to

21 Feb 2021

When should I do an MBA? "As soon as you can, after at least 1~2 year of work experience. There is no need to wait to have 3-5 years experience or more to do an MBA. In fact, the younger you are, the better, and the more attractive you will be to investment banks. After 32~33, even with an MBA, it gets very hard to get a job in investment banking. The main reason is that the lifestyle is unlikely to appeal to people with families, or people that don't have the physical stamina to work extremely long hours. While some people in early or mid thirties can still make the switch, it will require a

16 Feb 2021

Hi all, I have been thinking a lot lately about pursuing a dream of mine and being the first in my family to obtain a master's degree, but I also want to prove my dedication to my industry while switching to a new role within the field that I work in. A little background on me - I'm 25 y/o , attended an SEC school for 4 years and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Marketing, I was about a 2.8 GPAish student. I farted-off a lot in college and now completely regret having a lackluster, uncharacteristic GPA. I fell in love with Real estate during one of my RE finance courses and started working

04 Feb 2021

Hi all, I have been thinking a lot lately about pursuing a dream of mine and being the first in my family to obtain a master's degree, but I also want to prove my dedication to my industry while switching to a new role within the field that I work in. A little background on me - I'm 25 y/o , attended an SEC school for 4 years and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Marketing, I was about a 2.8 GPAish student. I farted-off a lot in college and now completely regret having a lackluster, uncharacteristic GPA. I fell in love with Real estate during one of my RE finance courses and started working

02 Feb 2021

I've been working at PwC New York as a auditor in the alternative investments industry. I'm trying to break into IB in Madrid, Germany or Amsterdam via an MBA. Currently I'm applying to US target schools and the IESE in Madrid, which school would you recommend? And what would be my best shot of breaking into IB in Spain?

30 Jan 2021

So I'm working at KPMG Deals Advisory(associate currently but AM in like 2-3 years) in Asia. I'm a chartered accountant and want to know if I should prep for an mba or any other msc strategy etc. My goal is partner at a consulting firm preferably pure strategy. I'm indifferent about mbb or b4. (will go with the highest paying firm as long as there is pure strategy). I want to know if I should continue in the firm and rise thru the ranks(perhaps enter US, Canada or Europe) or go for an mba etc after 3 years and get in an mbb firm. I'm leaning towards the 2nd option as they offer higher pay

30 Jan 2021

I currently am deciding between two paths: 1. BB Non-IB (e.g., S&T, etc.) > Corp Strat at @ BB > (?) 2. BB Non-IB > Corp Strat > M7 (non-HSW) > MBB > (?) I still don't know what type of company I want to work at longer term (F100 vs. F1000 vs. large tech company vs. startup), though I will probably stay within broader fin services world (banking, payments, fintech, etc.). A lot of people in corp strat at my bank join at manager level with MBA + consulting experience. At startups, the majority of mid-level openings for bizops, strategy & operations, and strategic finance roles ask for either IB

24 Jan 2021

Looking for some opinions here. Even if nobody responds I guess it's helpful to get my thoughts out! TL;DR: work at top firm, considering part-time MBA, does it make more sense to do T15 part time or shoot for M7 full time if plan is to transition from acquisitions in one asset class to development or generalist acquisitions? I currently work for a well known firm on the level of Hines, PGIM, CBRE GI in NYC/LA. I currently work on acquisitions for one asset class. I'm 2.5 years in, love the culture/company and overall fit in really well with the team. I went to a (very) non-target school and

23 Jan 2021

So I'm working at KPMG Advisory(associate currently but AM in like 2-3 years) in Asia. Our work comprises mostly of corporate finance m&a feasibilities, fin. modelling, fdd etc. I'm a chartered accountant and want to know if I should prep for an mba or any other msc strategy etc. My goal is partner at a strategy firm (only if work satisfaction is high which depends on the assignments.). I'm indifferent about mbb aur b4 currently as my long term goal because if I study further I'll probably have to start from associate consequently raising the opportunity cost. I want to know if I should

16 Jan 2021

Fellow aspiring monkeys and experienced gorillas, I'm currently weighing the options on whether to pursue an MBA or a Master degree in order to break into Investment Banking (BB, EB, MM) and would like to hear your thoughts. I graduated in 2018 from a non-target on the east coast with a few finance internships (PE and IB) and a 3.6 GPA. Upon graduation I returned to my home country (developing country: not yet recognized as an emerging or frontier market) to work in a small (10 people) family owned government supplies business. I'm planning to give my GMATs soon in order to apply to the

12 Jan 2021

What are your thoughts on getting a JD/MBA? I've heard mixed reviews across the internet whether it's worth it or not but wanted to throw it out there anyway. For a little context, I currently work at a startup accelerator & am about a year out of college. I've done several different roles & have been promoted twice since starting, but am currently running most of our networking, partnerships w/ other companies, programming, events + valuations. I like my current company but would consider applying maybe 2/3 years from now (assuming we aren't acquired sometime in between). As for college, I

11 Jan 2021

Hi All, Hope everyone is well. I am getting to the point in my career where I want to make a change and head in a different direction. I am currently assessing different business schools and wanted to list my "stats" and hear what people think. Goal is to transition to MBB/Tier 2 consulting (want to be in the Texas area after school, but could see myself moving back to the New England area after 3-5 years). I realize some of these schools are stretches, but I would appreciate any feedback! GPA: 3.54 (non-target state university in New England) GMAT: Based on practice tests, assume around 720

06 Jan 2021

I am currently a college junior who has recently been reading about the deferred MBA programs. I would like some advice. 1. When should I take the GMAT? I want to just get it done this spring since I'll be bored sitting at home all semester and I want to enjoy "normal" senior year. If I do not get into the 2+2, should I be worrying about my scores expiring before I apply for the normal admissions? 2. Given that I am such a typical MBA applicant (ORM, Econ major at a T25 undergrad with a 3.9+. I have an internship at MBB this summer)., would I even have a shot at the deferred programs, which

06 Jan 2021

Hi All- Was considering Deferred MBA programs. I am a senior undergrad who interned within an IB group at a BB and will be returning full-time this summer. Was wondering what others thoughts are on Deferred MBA programs - especially for a college senior who will be an IB Analyst after grad. A lot of these deferred programs allow me to work a while before i begin the MBA program so my thought process was stick a few years in IB (2 or maybe even more as an associate).

05 Jan 2021

Hello! I've read countless forums on this topic but am trying to solicit some perspectives unique to my circumstances. Today, I'm a MM IB Associate, with a good reputation at my firm. Prior to starting in banking, I was fortunate enough to score 750+ on my GMAT. I've long flirted with the idea of getting an MBA but as I get closer to pulling the trigger, the opportunity cost and "why" are really starting to hit hard. While I have generally enjoyed my experience, I know I do not want to be in banking long-term. Mostly the hours but as many can relate, the work really isn't especially

04 Jan 2021

I find myself feeling more and more like an MBA (even from a top school) would not be worth it. While I have plenty of time to decide before applying, it would be nice to have a better sense of whether I want to set my sights on one before starting work full-time. For background: I'm starting full-time at an MBB (post-undergrad). I spent last summer at a top EB and decided to switch industries. I'm at a top 10 undergrad school now. Right now, I feel like (1) I'll already have brand names on my resume without an MBA (2) an MBA would completely wipe out all my pre-MBA earnings and put me back in

30 Dec 2020

Hi All, I'm currently an analyst at a EB (EVR / CVP / PJT) and business school has always been something I've wanted to do for various reasons, one of which is the optionality it provides for going abroad (originally from Asia). I know from personal sources that CVP sponsors MBAs, although I'm not sure what the clawback is / how long you have to stay after you come back from the MBA. I've been hearing EVR and LAZ also sponsor, although lesser known - although not from a personal source so not too clear on that. Do people have more visibility into who sponsors / what the terms are for

24 Dec 2020

Hello, What are your thoughts on pursuing an MBA after 2-3 years at MBB? As a physician in my 30s turned consultant at MBB with no formal prior business education, I am contemplating whether it would be useful to pursue a top MBA (if I can get in) after a few years at MBB (let's say after I reach the manager level). I have heard some mixed opinions, from "yes absolutely necessary, positions at/above that level are rare if you don't have a top MBA", to "not needed in your case, too old to rebrand yourself with an MBA, plus MBB already provides some legitimacy as far as brand recognition"

15 Dec 2020

Hi guys, Got into GSB today! Background was the traditional IB / PE path. Any chimps have some info / thoughts on tacking on a 3rd year to knock out a MS CS while I'm there? Thought process would be to take advantage of the sunk cost of leaving the workforce to tack the CS degree on - honestly not sure if I'll return to PE or look for something more tech-focused but it does seem like people having skillsets on both ends could be something of a differentiator / future-proofer for the rest of my career. In exchange, happy to answer any questions on my background! Cheers, amistupid

09 Dec 2020

Applying to top MBA programs Senior- I have some lower grades (B range) this semester due to getting COVID around midterms. My overall GPA is pretty solid but this semester would bring it down, and my school offers the ability to take classes P/F due to the pandemic. I have two elective classes with As but the other grades aren't great and would lower it. I'm worried if I took my major classes P/F but left a couple (the easy electives) as grades it will look more suspicious to admissions than just pass failing everything. Would it be better to just pass/fail the entire semester and then note

09 Dec 2020

Hi all, I'm very interested in pursuing an MBA in the US. Credentials: - ~4years working for the biggest company in financial data working as a buyside consultant. UG in Finance/Business at a top university in AsiaPac (low GPA ~3); PG at a top 4 uni in the UK (GPA 4.0). No GMAT attempted yet. Very good professional/academic references. Wanted to see based on the experiences of the users here what my chances are. BS of interest are HBS (probs at 0% chance for me); Booth; Haas; Wharton; Kellogg; Yale; Dartmouth; Columbia. Thanks!

09 Dec 2020

I received deferred admissions to M7 as a senior in college and currently work at an operating company. As I'm planning ahead and considering various post-MBA routes, it occured to me that my GMAT score (which I took junior year) will have expired by the time I enroll to my M7. I imagine that this could raise eyebrows since I won't be able to officially back up my score. Will firms be understanding? Really don't want to dig up my Manhattan Prep books to take the test again, so I'm hoping someone here can speak to this - especially for MBB/BB.

07 Dec 2020

Looking for some advice... Background Been working ~10 months at an insurance company in a FLDP (rotational program). I am not based in US but the size of the company ranks around 250 if it were in F500. Recently offered a position as a Strategy Analyst. It is a fairly new team (established around 2 years ago) with only a handful of people at the moment (previous experiences include consulting and corp. strat. roles in other companies). From my experience on the team, they interact often with the c-level and have good exposure across the business, on the other hand you tend to be a 'jack of

30 Nov 2020

25, Asian M. Humanities background from a Russell Group uni in London (strong 2:1) and strong a-levels (AAA). I work in a global FTSE 15 listed financial institution. In the space of two years I've been promoted from executive, associate to senior associate in various market analytics/ trading analysis roles. Completed a coveted government internship prior. I would like to pivot to a more business development role within my existing firm or similar, and feel applying for an MBA in 2 to 3 years will help. Noting my limited quantitative background, I expect to probably end up scoring in the

29 Nov 2020

Hi all - I really wanted to break into a mid/large cap PE fund/HF and I am currently drafting a career plan. However, I am really stuck in terms of where I should spend my time/resources to achieve my goal and would like to hear your thought before I make any decision. Intro - Got an engineering degree from one of the T5 world's leading universities - Started my IB/PE career at a boutique and stayed for 2 years (not a well-known shop but gained a few live deals experience) - Now working for a family office that focuses on small/mid cap PE investments and I am going into my third year (not a

19 Nov 2020

Graduating in 2 weeks with Bachelors in Finance, only had 1 internship for Financial Advising, want to get into Investment Banking. Debating on going to grad school since my chances of landing an IB job are slim to none at this point, how much weight does an MS in Finance carry? I know it's not an MBA but how much would it help me get into Investment Banking considering I lack experience and missed the recruiting cycle? Also how much would it help my career from a growth standpoint? I feel like like it's one of my only options unless i start dating a girl who's dad is MD at a big firm

16 Nov 2020

I graduated from Schulich BBA four years ago and I'm currently working in FP&A. I would like to do a part time masters and was wondering which school/program would be the most suitable. I'm not planning to switch industries, but I would like to gain more knowledge in strat and finance to help with my career. I might consider working in Asia in the future. - Schulich Accelerated MBA - Queen's MFin - Rotman MFin I personally feel Schulich MBA would be the most suitable since it is the least costly and allows me to specialize in strat and finance. Queen's MFin would be a good choice too, even

08 Nov 2020

In need of some advice/guidance from anyone who might've made a similar jump, or knows someone who has. I graduated from a top tier school with an Economics degree, and the desire to join the Navy through OCS and then enter the Special Warfare community. Covid changed things and made this "plan A" not possible. I am now working at a Big four in their Tech Assurance practice (this was my "plan B" and yes I know they couldn't be more different from each other), and am looking to switch into either Management or Economic Consulting. Does anyone have any experience in making this transition, or

03 Nov 2020

I am currently starting my journey to break into IB/PE I am 24 will be 25 by January 2021. I am currently enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign iMBA programme and have about 1/3 down, good GPA so far over 3.5 and probably can close with a 3.7. Just took the decision to break into BB. I already have a BA degree with a minor in Finance from a Non Target (Actually studied in Guatemala, Central America) and I am currently working in Guatemala, Finance focused mainly FP&A, some M&A(1 transaction) and Equity Research (4 companies) experience. With my background and this iMBA do you

01 Nov 2020

Questions for all IM or buy side professionals who went to b-school with the goal of landing a gig in a different market: Did you find job opportunities limited since you were planning to move to a different market after graduation? How did this affect the way you developed your network? Did recruiting become more difficult? Any reliable salary data on MBA grads working in IM in your market? Schools usually report salary data for location or industry, but not location and industry. My goal: land AM role in Boston directly after graduation. T15 schools report salaries between $130k-$150k for

30 Oct 2020