Industry/Function aspirations changed?

Question

Just wondering how many of our career goals have changed?

I know I have done a 360: from Finance to Brand Management! What about everyone else?

lepium · Answer

I am quite clear about function (general management) but haven't figured out industry yet.

L.

johnnyx9 · Answer

Consulting to asset management to sales and trading and now back to consulting (and think I'm done changing my mind now.)

squali83 · Answer

That seems to be the trend of almost all MBAs, changing their minds often. It is humorous how we had to sell schools on short term and long term goals, most of which never will come to fruition.

aaudetat · Answer

i-banking.

johnnyx9 · Answer

I don't believe you. For real?

aurobindo · Answer

may be she is expecting that NGOs would diversify into i-banking

lepium · Answer

btw, I had a meeting with my career team today and have changed my mind again: head hunter or advisor.

L.

aurobindo · Answer

Lepium, I am not sure of high profile head hunting jobs. But I had a friend who was a head hunter for middle-level managers and managers a little above that. I heard a lot of negative things about this profession. Of course, it also depends on the fit. Knowing you a little bit on the forum, I feel you can be a great general manager. Just my humble opinion

Have you read the book "Who says elephants can't dance?" by Louis Gersnter? I found some good insights on general management in this book.

aaudetat · Answer

nah, just seeing if you guys are paying attention. I am considering a rotational program in consumer banking though. Citi, BoA, that kind of thing. For me, that's drinking the kool-aid.

johnnyx9 · Answer

Okay, for a second there I was worried.

3underscore · Answer

Still on exactly the same career path - it was my reason d'etre for actually coming to school, so I am happy I haven't drifted.

I can't believe how many recruiting events I have been to in the past two weeks. Being in NYC is full of advantages and evils. The number of visits to potential employers is going to be quite savage.

pelihu · Answer

I've been attending investment banking events; seems to be a good fit for my personality. If things work out this year and I come back with an offer, I might look at an equity fund next year. It seems that most like to delay recruiting till the last possible moment. I might also look into raising an equity fund for investment in China.

GMATT73 · Answer

Consulting to venture capital and now back to consulting. My social capital network basically consists of consultants, managers and junior/senior partners. I even got lucky and was chosen as a mentee by an up and growing boutique firm liasioning with Seattle-Shanghai trade operations.

Problem is, I think I'm too pigeon holed in the industry. I need to branch and out and sample a few other functions.

Ozmba · Answer

Just curious

Isn't it too early to come to a conclusion?

squali83 · Answer

I think that it is good to have a goal in mind right now since recruiting is really starting to get in full swing. There are just too many events and without focus you would not have enough time to attend them all. I wouldnt suggest ruling out everything except one function/industry. But having an idea of what you want to do is a great help!

johnnyx9 · Answer

I think most people would argue that it's too late to not come to a conclusion. There are certain industries which, if you haven't been showing up for recruiting events since they started in October, you've missed the boat.

pelihu · Answer

Yeah, I agree with Johnnyx9. If you're interested in banking and you haven't decided yet, it's too late. Pretty much all the big banks have been on campus already, and some will be making their 4th visits next week. I think the prevailing opinion is that if you don't land a banking internship, it's really really tough to get a full-time offer as a second year. So, depending on the field, you have to decide pretty much right away.

On the other hand, most general management and marketing recruiters just come to campus once to make a general presentation, and schmoozing is not required, so you can decide much later and just drop a resume. For banking, and the top consulting firms, you must schmooze. Some banks have even come straight out and said that even if someone successfully bids for an interview with them, they will not make an offer unless they know the candidate well (aside from the interview).

Industry/Function aspirations changed?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards