CBS J-Term vs CBS/Wharton/HBS 2-year

Question

Hi Guys,

I have been admitted to J-term class 2022 at CBS. I initially planned to do the normal 2 year program but due to Covid decided to wait a couple of more months. I applied very late and CBS was the only option back then due to timing. I want to apply to value investing program at CBS.

My profile:
- 4 years working experience: 2 years in M&A IBD at Bulge Bracket Bank in London and then moved to McK as Corporate Finance Consultant
- Post MBA Goal: HedgeFund or PE in the United States
- McK would sponsor me but I do not plan to stay with the firm post MBA
- Strong academic background in business: graduated among top 1% of my bachelor and master in European Top Business School
- Scored in Executive Assessment 164, I would need to retake GMAT (only have old score of 700 from 4 years ago), feel optimistic to score above 720 within next 6 weeks
- Already 31 years old, German

Now I am doubting my decision and would like to get your feedback. I see two options currently both with advantages and disadvantages:

Option 1: Go with the J-term
Advantages: I do not lose one more year given my age, I do not necessarily need summer internship given I am quite experienced, less expenses, clear plan for the next months
Disadvantages: given I want to break into different industries (PE, HF) i would need to do semester internships, due to covid no real b-school experience at least for spring semester, not sure if J-term is regarded as prestigious as regular 2 year program, i have no previous working experience in public and private equity investing

Option 2: Wait until September 2021 (also apply to HBS and Wharton)
Advantages: Covid hopefully over by then, Regular 2 year program makes it easier to change industry, could also apply to Wharton and HBS, potentially could get some working experience in PE, Investing prior to MBA
Disadvantages: Lose 1 more year, more expensive, no clear plan on what to do until September 2021 (stay with McK versus interviewing with PE and HF in Europe)

I am kind of lost with my decision. I am obviously concerned about my age also. I know I want to break into public or private investing. My profile allows me to get interviews at tier 1 funds here in Europe. I am currently in a couple of process with both HFs and PEs to have optionality.

I am looking forward to your feedback guys. Thanks so much!

Regenerate · Answer

Do you need an MBA to make this career change?

How long would you need to stay with McK in order to get a free $250,000 MBA from an elite program?

Posted from my mobile device

Daniel1987 · Answer

Since I want to work in the US I probably need the MBA. However, I see a MBA as investment throughout my career (network, alumni, broader horizon) and not only as way to land one target job.

To your second question: One more year post MBA. However, this is not the decision maker for me

Regenerate · Answer

I'd probably wait to broaden my search, see if you get some scholarships ... OR ... apply to any of the world-class Executive MBA programs that pique your interest.

Daniel1987 · Answer

Okay thanks for your answer.

EMBA does not make sense forme with only 4 years experience.

Regenerate · Answer

Ok. Maybe this will help: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmatclub-off ... 35846.html Posted from my mobile device

Daniel1987 · Answer

not really...this is the latest MBA ranking. thanks anyways

GMATSlayer1914 · Answer

I had a guy from my school get accepted to HBS. He mentioned that a lot of people out of his class had to go to NY just to network for jobs in the VC/PE/IB industry. CBS is on my list as well and they have a strong network there.

If there is a way to save costs and make it to your destination by going into the J-Term, do it and don't look back. Just go with what your heart says

bb · Answer

Congratulations on your admit! Sorry I missed this topic during the MBA Spotlight craziness. Did you do military service or do you have additional degrees? You mentioned four years of work experience at 31. Just curious if you omitted other experience which is totally fine. The reason I’m asking, is your age and it would be totally fine if you have military service or were working on other degrees but if you’re pushing 10 years of work experience, Harvard and Wharton may not feel you will be a good fit.

It’s great you half confidence and feel confident about your admission and chances. I think you have a fantastic and solid profile besides the question of work experience I already asked.... At the same time, I would not assume a guaranteed admission. It is a risk still.... And to offset that risk, you will have to apply to probably five schools around two just to have some safety options.... and take the GMAT. That’s potentially a good chunk of work for the next two months.

Ultimately, the best jobs are secured through networking. There are companies coming in on campus or zooming in to campus these days 😂 and they have some solid opportunities. But the most interesting and exciting jobs usually don’t get tossed to the hundreds of grads like meat to the lions. It is more tactful. Anyway, the success of networking for a job really depends on your networking skills and not so much on the business school. The only thing that business school decides, is the door. Approaching alarms and which position and firm they are in. It seems you know pretty well where you want to go, and where you want to work, have you looked through company profiles and spotted the new patterns for Harvard, Wharton, booth or Columbia?

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

Forgot to add, the main point and recommendation 😂... getting old.

if you’re serious about around two, taking the GMAT and applying to five schools, I will talk to Columbia about giving you an option for deferral. I have no idea how it would work with a J term but I think you could argue that you really would like an internship. There’s likely to be also political unrest next week so that could work cause an argument in your favor.

I am not doubting your abilities or your profile caliber, I’m just trying to secure the ground that you have already gained. This has been a crazy year with a lot of things happening that nobody had expected so having a Columbia admit in your back pocket while applying to other schools would be helpful and worth the effort to secure.

If you’re switching industries, I highly recommend getting an internship. It’s helpful for many reasons so that would be another reason to get a regular full-time MBA.

Posted from my mobile device

CBS J-Term vs CBS/Wharton/HBS 2-year

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