I’m strongly considering going back to school for my graduate degree in Finance. I’ve always intended on completing it, but have held out for an employer to subsidize some of the tuition, instead of having to take out a loan for the whole cost. When I was studying for the CFA exams, and after ultimately getting the charter, I did not think an MBA was all that necessary in landing a job in equity research or portfolio mgmt. That’s where I want my career to progress towards. But with my experience as a Sr. Financial Analyst in industries outside of financial services, and a project manager earlier in my career, I’m thinking an MBA will be necessary. As a charterholder, I’ve been overqualified for all my past experiences as an analyst - I know that’s because I don’t have actual real world experience in asset and wealth management. An Finance focused MBA program feels like the only way to go to get into that field.
Would love some feedback on this. Also, have you completed a graduate program? What materials did you use to study for the GMAT?
Welcome to Analyst Forum. Allow me to advise of the official AF stance on MBA programs.
Here, we strongly urge people to attend the top two MBA programs in the nation. Of course, the #1 program is Harvard. #2 is a tie between Stanford, Chicago (Booth), Wharton, and UT-San Antonio.
If you find yourself eligible to attend any of these universities, it is highly recommended that you take any such opportunity, as it will only increase your chances of success in the world of high finance.
If you do not qualify to attend any of these universities, then cut your balls off with a rusty hacksaw.
I didn’t go to business school, but I did take the GMAT with a relative degree of success. Here are the books that I used. I recommend the “GMAT Premier” book first, and the rest depending on your weaknesses.
Just make sure to let the MBA program know that you have a passion for finance and that you love, love, love options speculation. Like, really love it.
Can we change up the hacksaw mantra. Can it be based on absolute earnings as opposed to education. So if you make more than X amount of dollars per year you are free from castration but if you make
MBA from a top school is so expensive, i don’t know if it’s wise to have more debt in this economic condition. although if you can afford it, then go for it, education is always helpful.