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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
03 Dec 2015, 11:21
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Hello all,
First post here, and my question for everyone is on Pre-MBA Career Experience. I understand that there is not a single career path that is right for every individual (or MBA Ad-Com), but thought I would throw this out there to see what people think.
My background, I went to a top 5 national public university where I was a double major in History and English. I played basketball in a high major conference and was involved in a few athlete/leadership oriented clubs. I had to declare majors at the beginning of sophomore year and at the time I was thinking law school. By the time I realized I was more interested in a finance track it was too late. I was able to get an internship at a regional boutique wealth management firm before my senior year, and networked my way to an analyst position at a regional, boutique healthcare investment bank, where I have now been for a year and three months. Since graduation, I have also taken three quantitative courses through the local community college & will take on the GMAT next Spring. The trajectory at my current firm is a long and slow process and I have determined that it's in my best interest to move on in the next 6-12 months.
Now my question: where do I go from here? My long term aspirations are to work in the strategic development department at the NBA's league office (not necessarily this role or company exactly, but something similar), where 90% of those currently in that department hold an MBA. I understand that wherever I go next, I will be there for 2-3 years until I matriculate to business school. At this point, my targets are Tuck, Darden & Yale (understanding that these are subject to change as I do more research on fit).
A mentor recently told me that he would look for a brand name firm where I can prove my worth on a more "big-time" stage. On my perspective, I have a few options:
-corporate finance (I've been in the healthcare field on the sell-side and could continue that route with another firm)
-hedge/PE fund (try to switch over to the buy side, which may not be easy but worth a shot)
-consulting (management/strategy consulting could be valuable with what I'd like to do down the road)
-sports/sport related company (possibly a sport sponsor, ie Coca-Cola)
Again, I understand that there isn't just one route that is right for everyone, but I'd be interested to hear everyone's perspective on my situation and other's experiences/careers paths. How can you most help yourself in pre-MBA career path, and what have you done to help yourself?
Have been a fan from afar of these forums for awhile--I look forward to joining in on the conversation! Thanks.
First post here, and my question for everyone is on Pre-MBA Career Experience. I understand that there is not a single career path that is right for every individual (or MBA Ad-Com), but thought I would throw this out there to see what people think.
My background, I went to a top 5 national public university where I was a double major in History and English. I played basketball in a high major conference and was involved in a few athlete/leadership oriented clubs. I had to declare majors at the beginning of sophomore year and at the time I was thinking law school. By the time I realized I was more interested in a finance track it was too late. I was able to get an internship at a regional boutique wealth management firm before my senior year, and networked my way to an analyst position at a regional, boutique healthcare investment bank, where I have now been for a year and three months. Since graduation, I have also taken three quantitative courses through the local community college & will take on the GMAT next Spring. The trajectory at my current firm is a long and slow process and I have determined that it's in my best interest to move on in the next 6-12 months.
Now my question: where do I go from here? My long term aspirations are to work in the strategic development department at the NBA's league office (not necessarily this role or company exactly, but something similar), where 90% of those currently in that department hold an MBA. I understand that wherever I go next, I will be there for 2-3 years until I matriculate to business school. At this point, my targets are Tuck, Darden & Yale (understanding that these are subject to change as I do more research on fit).
A mentor recently told me that he would look for a brand name firm where I can prove my worth on a more "big-time" stage. On my perspective, I have a few options:
-corporate finance (I've been in the healthcare field on the sell-side and could continue that route with another firm)
-hedge/PE fund (try to switch over to the buy side, which may not be easy but worth a shot)
-consulting (management/strategy consulting could be valuable with what I'd like to do down the road)
-sports/sport related company (possibly a sport sponsor, ie Coca-Cola)
Again, I understand that there isn't just one route that is right for everyone, but I'd be interested to hear everyone's perspective on my situation and other's experiences/careers paths. How can you most help yourself in pre-MBA career path, and what have you done to help yourself?
Have been a fan from afar of these forums for awhile--I look forward to joining in on the conversation! Thanks.
04 Dec 2015, 17:14
Kudos
Bookmarks
Welcome to GMAT Club TR30!
First of all - you have a great background. Your school ranking and athletic career are a great differentiator when contrasted with other bschool applicants. It seems sports is something you want to do long term potentially and would suggest that you stay involved via volunteering or any other engagement opportunities so you have a track here.
It sounds like you have just graduated and have a number of years ahead of you before the MBA. It is great you have such a long term plan (I did not have it at your age). My suggestion would be - be natural. MBA is a career stepping stone that you may or may not pursue; don't make your decision solely on that. Having said that, the best option for the MBA and pre-planning would be to show as much passion, as much determination, maturity, and progress as possible, which should still align with your other goals. I don't think you want a dead-end job or career track that is boring - take the most interesting, opportunistic, and exciting path. The one that has the most opportunities, most growoth potential and most important - the one you can add the most value or enjoy being in. If it is something forced, the results will be quite poor but if you are passionate about what you do, there is no stopping you (you already proved that with your undergrad and sports results; you just have to maintain the course).
Good Luck!
BB
First of all - you have a great background. Your school ranking and athletic career are a great differentiator when contrasted with other bschool applicants. It seems sports is something you want to do long term potentially and would suggest that you stay involved via volunteering or any other engagement opportunities so you have a track here.
It sounds like you have just graduated and have a number of years ahead of you before the MBA. It is great you have such a long term plan (I did not have it at your age). My suggestion would be - be natural. MBA is a career stepping stone that you may or may not pursue; don't make your decision solely on that. Having said that, the best option for the MBA and pre-planning would be to show as much passion, as much determination, maturity, and progress as possible, which should still align with your other goals. I don't think you want a dead-end job or career track that is boring - take the most interesting, opportunistic, and exciting path. The one that has the most opportunities, most growoth potential and most important - the one you can add the most value or enjoy being in. If it is something forced, the results will be quite poor but if you are passionate about what you do, there is no stopping you (you already proved that with your undergrad and sports results; you just have to maintain the course).
Good Luck!
BB
07 Dec 2015, 11:52
Kudos
Bookmarks
Thanks, bb ! Your words are kind and your advice is insightful. I will take this into consideration moving forward and I look forward to being a more active user of the forums!
Best,
TR
Best,
TR
