Chrisb2345 wrote:
Hello,
I am 27. I started my career at a buyside firm (small boutique) in Chicago in energy equity research, but unfortunately had lyme disease and had to move home to Boston in order to be close to family. I did this job for two years. Then, in 2013 I took a job in technology/operations at a quantitative hedge fund in Boston (where I grew up). I did this for another two years and was unfortunately laid off (technology is honestly not my strong suit). After two months, I got a job in financial software sales which is where I am at right now and I have been doing it for 4 months. I really like it so far, have not made a ton of sales yet, but my brother is in this field and I know it does take time to get going. I know that if I get an outside position it can be lucrative.
The reason I am writing is twofold. I am debating whether I should stay where I am at or go back to get my MBA to get a job back in equity research or PE/VC, etc. I am on level 3 of the CFA, I take it Saturday. Also, I have a solid undergrad background majoring in Finance at the University of Notre Dame. My first attempt at the GMAT was a 680 and if I decide to go back I hope to crack 700 obviously. My GPA was a 3.62.
My goal is to make a lot of money- like everyone else, but with my profile, if I can get into a top 10-15 school can I get a good job in equity research PE/VC. I know these are super competitive and if I can't I would hate to take the time money and energy to get an MBA when I could have stayed in sales and done fairly well.
Sorry for hearing about your diseases. I wish you recover back soon.
I think you should try to ask yourself some questions:
1- why I should do an MBA?
2- What skills do I lack?
3- Which schools fit my goals?
From my perspective, you are working in interesting field and you have been taking it deeply in finance. What about marketing and operations aspects? Have asked youeslef what if I knew more bout this topic, would it help me to do my job now better. do you have experience in them? Maybe you want to study more about Entrepreneurship. What about your strategic vision? More importantly, PE/VC is famous in big schools such HBS, Wharton, Booth, Tuck where you can go to labs and practice and also those schools provide you with good connections and network. MBA is changing experience. It does not mean changing career but means your way of thinking.
You have great GMAT start, you need to hit above 700 to go to big schools. In addition, you need to show off your achievements.
good luck