geauxtigers wrote:
sailtheworld wrote:
Programs: USC MAcc (+ Certificate in Financial Analysis), maybe UT MPA
Undergrad: UT-Austin, BA Biology, 3.72 cumulative
GMAT: 670 Kaplan practice (43Q, 42V); have yet to take the real one.
Work Experience: Weak, but working on improving it this year to prepare for recruiting next year.
I compressed my studies into 3 years, so my 2nd year was not hot, but I recovered in my final year. Should I write an addendum or would that seem unnecessary given my GPA as it stands?
I've read that the firms at UT go beyond just the Big 4, including big 3 consulting, and some of the top investment banks. As an undergrad, I know the really lucrative firms only recruited the Business Honors Program students; most of the people that did the 5-year MPA sequence are doing either accounting or some boutique investment banks. Do you think it's worth it to attend Texas MPA for a shot at these competitive opportunities? I also noted that Texas's program is meant to be completed in 1 to 1.5 years so there's a different opportunity cost between USC and UT. However, with that summer in-between, I could intern in something like finance or consulting before starting the following year.
Your GPA is great, I don't think it'll hold you back at all. You could definitely mention that you finished your undergrad degree in 3 years though, not so much as an "excuse" for your GPA, but just because that shows dedication and motivation.
I have also "heard" that UT MPA grads have a shot at some of the BB IB's and MBB's of the consulting world...but I really have to wonder how true this is. I'm sure they recruit for accountant/internal audit/back office positions, but analysts? I would honestly be surprised. If you're still at UT though, you could help us all out and ask around
ROLL CALL PG UPDATEDI know of two that were 5-year sequence that got into top boutique banks in NY. They definitely showed interest in investment banking (finance/investment club, internships). Another couple are at lesser known banks - middle market type. I don't think I know anyone that entered consulting (a few go from Business Honors Program and Plan II Honors [Liberal Arts]). A glut of them went into Big 4, mostly audit I think, but I would think if you wanted transaction advisory and do well, you could get it. Big 4 is definitely the path of least resistance
. I really don't have a clue about people that didn't do the 5-year sequence since I was in undergrad and associated mostly with fellow undergrads.
I think if you really want to go in the direction of consulting or banking, you have to be aggressive now and start getting any related experience (both work related and organization related) to demonstrate that that's what you want to do. The program is so short relative to undegrad, you don't have a leeway to mess around like in undergrad where you have 2 years prior to junior year recruitment). It's definitely true that the big names give interviews to top MPA students. From that point on its up to you to impress. I think besides the Business Honors Kids (firms are in love with them), everyone that got banking at UT as an undergrad really pursued it from the beginning.
If I were to guess (...don't restate this as fact 'cause I'm not certain), an MPA student would be viewed in the same light as a regular (non-Honors) undergrad. I know of plenty that majored in Finance in undergrad with good GPAs; they got into Bulge Bracket banks in the state of Texas (energy-related) and top boutiques around the country (L.A., San Fran, Chi, TX, NY). But I'm just in the dark as much as you regarding the traditional MPA recruitment