Hi, I would really appreciate getting your views on my situation.
My profile real quick :
- Bachelor in Physics/Math (engineering)
- Master in Music Production & Artistic Direction at the National Conservatory of Paris (unknown in the finance world but most prestigious musical academy in France by far)
- Planned for US MF applications right after that, started studying the GMAT (think 700 at diagnostic test without finishing, aiming for 750 with proper preparation) and soon realised I would have pretty much no chance of getting anything in the top 5 with no experience. Didn't think so at first but a quick look at class profiles convinced me otherwise.
- Decided to do first year of finance master, CFA lvl 1, off-cycle experience and then apply at US MFs.
- Right now finishing the OC internship (went through 250 applications)
- Recently met application consultant to apply for MF but he suggested a top 5 MBA might be a great idea for my profile.
- I'm 26 years old
Basically here is how I can invest my time this year :
- Off-cycles internships
- CFA lvl2
- Finish University master
- GMAT (can be postponed if no MF next year)
And then, either :
- MF in 2020-21 (will be 27y old then)
OR - Get more experience => MBA in 2/3/4 years (will be 28-30y old then)
My end-goals being :
- Coming to work in the US
- Having a shot at tier 1 BBs
Some thoughts :
- I would prefer doing an MBA : My current master is really technical and theoric, so I assume the wide coverage and coop project approach of MBAs might be way more beneficial to me than an MF
- At the same time I am worried that my opportunity window will close if I don't do a top MF now : I am worried that deciding to do an MBA might be a trap to getting stuck on the prestige ladder. My master won't allow me to have a shot at tier 1 BBs right after graduation. If the experience I get is way lower in prestige (think BnP, SoGe), won't that kill my chances at getting an M7MBA later and ever getting to climb up the ladder ?
- Lastly, would you have suggestion on where I can find valuable information to determine the best academic programs for me other than employment reports and curriculums ?
In advance, thank you so much for your inputs.
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