Hi, I am from India. I am currently an IB Analyst at a "less" known mid-market investment bank. My role is front office (client facing). I have an opportunity to work for a bulge bracket investment bank (think JPM/GS/CS) as an IB Analyst. The role involves supporting the front office foreign team with financial models and IMs.
I would like your opinion on whether a transition from a front office boutique to a back office bulge bracket would reflect poorly on my future MBA application.
I do have valid reasons for the transition though,
a. Low current deal flows with no closure in my current experience and spending most of my time providing valuation services at the boutique;
b. Much higher pay than the current role. Current CTC in line with those earned by fresher IITs. New role will have CTC in line with those earned by fresher tier 1 Indian MBAs;
c. Opportunity to work at a bulge bracket with 1 year of work exp for a role which requires at least 2-3 yrs of work exp, stellar academics and a top undergrad (or b-school MBA);
d. Brand name on the resume with front office training (India office) and/or possible full-time front office (abroad) opportunity at the bulge bracket.
FYI, my Engineering GPA at a US Big ten university is 2.9/4, cleared all levels of CFA and FRM exams and a 730 GMAT. Given my target MBA programs like US Top 11-25, LBS, INSEAD and ISB, will such a possible transition help my future MBA application or hurt it. I plan to enter b-school 4-5 years from now. Also would like to know if b-schools consider the pre-MBA salary progression as a factor in the decision process and will it weight more than the role played within the firm.
Your input here will greatly help me. Thanks.