I agree with Nana on this one. A really good MBA (like any of the four that BChad mentioned above) probably have a really fabulous career, make tons of money doing it, and really enjoy doing it. Think–how big of a pay cut would George Soros or Warren Buffett take if they were to teach Finance 101 at the local state university? This is of course a greatly exaggerated illustration, but the point should be worth noting.
I think the majority of the MBA’s who teach are examples of the old axiom, “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach. And those who can neither do nor teach, teach management.”
I have received call from HR that I successfuly completed recruitment process but they decided to offer me much below than my expected salary.
I said that I need to rethink the proposition and I will give them answer after the weekend.
On the one hand my salary would be much lower than as blue-collar and probably the lowest one in the corporation (I feel like I was not appreciated thus poor offer), on the other hand it would be my first relevant experience in finance industry…
Do you think I should accepted the offer or try to negotiate?
given that a few days ago you were considering working as a labourer i would say that it would be prudent to take the job.
Perhaps have a chat with HR and tell them that you like the job and the company (if that’s the case) and state that you think the offer is a bit low and you’d like to enquire if the remuneration package can be discussed. worst case scenario is that they say no but at least they are aware of your demands and what it would take to keep you if you turn out to be successful there. they are unlikely to rescind the offer based on you enquiry as long as it is worded appropriately.
Either way, It’s a foot in the door so i’d take the job, get in there, absolutely nail it and prove your worth, when it comes time for salary review, seek a raise and demonstrate how you’ve added value to the company. if that doesn’t work, at least you have experience and you can make a move somewhere else much more easily than you would if you took a blue collar job.
disclaimer. i have no knowledge of the polish employment market so can only give advice based on my experience in the uk.
This is my first post on here (actually found ya’ll guys on linkedin…) and I thought I’d share my insight. I disagree with you. I graduated back in 2007 with a degree in Economics and a low GPA (sub 3.0). I networked, went to every single alumni social, applied to literally hundreds of jobs online. I spent over 4 years in car sales. Economics and my 7 semesters of pre-med, and sub par mcat scores were not of any use. What I learned in sales is (and this may be very obvious to some…) someone will not buy what you are selling if it does not bring them value. The CFA levels I think gives a person a set of skills that is very useful. After I passed 1 and 2, that was the only time that I had non sales jobs calling me. And when they did, I pitched myself hard. An attractive car will get someone to be interested in buying it, the salesman will close the deal. What’s also great is I did the entire thing in 2 years and for around $3k. Where else can you find that deal? Though chances various, through all vicissitudes, we make our way… like you said, 80% don’t belong? That’s great; that is your competition. If you put in the time and effort, you should be able to clear them easy. It’s ultimately what you make of it. I know 100% sure that I would be sitting right now at my old job and not in a finance one (business valuation if anyone is curious) if I did not sign up for the CFA program.
So, let me get this straight. You have a degree in Economics with a less than 3.0 GPA. You also took 7 semesters of Pre-med (meaning, “before medical school”, right?), then scored poorly on your Medical assessment test? Out of curiosity–what did you plan to do in life? Be a psychiatrist for the Federal Reserve?
I planned to be a doctor… And yes, I did poorly. The mcat is incomprehensibly difficult, for me at least. Some of the premed classes, the exact same. We all have our talents and that definitely was not mine. The reasons I did that were: Separate myself from the huge crowd when applying (which I ended up not doing in the very end) To hedge, if I didn’t get in med school, I figured a degree in economics would be worth more than one in biology. I do have a minor in bio, which is kind of useless (though I did see an biotech equity analyst a few weeks ago that had a bio background as an extra qualification) And lastly, if you actually look at the stats of majors to get into med school, you’d be very surprised, economics, engineering, math… Have solid acceptance rates. You’d be surprised where biology ranks. Also I was working in a pharmacy most of the time, for experience, just like finance guys do an internship for experience. Didn’t work for me, but that’s okay. Point is, if someone with my background can use the CFA program to get a job, I think others should consider it as well, as long as they really want to do it and are willing to put the effort in.
I guess only other Polish members here can answer your question because according to you, no one else can offer advise unless they have direct knowledge in your country. Good luck
Thanks bchad. It was indeed tough. The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory!
I wish the same thing sometimes. At least we got a unique story to tell. I feel the scientific method and thinking processes, among other things have served me well. When someone ask, it’s all in how you tell the story, and end the end, how it can benefit them.
I’ll add this for those not in the field and looking to start. From my experience, don’t bother with large co’s. They don’t care. HR will play it safe and screen for someone who studied finance all the way through, it’s like the “buy ibm” principle.
You have to get in front of decision makers who own their own firms. When they started out, they had to do IT, HR, manage, and finance… you have more in common with them.
Dude…CFP is good to have, but it is a cakewalk v/s CFA. Also, not globally recognized, and not a very good use of study time, and not sure if actually cheaper. Just my two cents…
Best: Being well-networked or having a rich dad/uncle/grandfather, a dad/uncle/grandfather who is well-networked, or a very important/famous dad/uncle/grandfather. Females work just as well, of course.
Second best: Some degree from a prestigious university
Third best: CFA or some other designation
If 1 or 2 is within you reach, probably should go with that. By default, it isn’t for most people. So CFA is excellent to go for generally spealing.
