Switching domain from IT to Finance

Question

Hi Jon,

I am Software Engineer from India working in an IT firm. I am interested in perusing MBA in Finance, is it possible? I am planning to clear CFA level 1 before applying for the B-schools, will this make my candidature stronger?? will a experience of 3+ years in IT have negative impact during my placements??

Looking forward for the reply.

Thanks and regards,
Aashay

Admissionado · Answer

Aashay,
Well a few thoughts here.
1. It's possible, but this is essentially the move that EVERY Indian applicant wants to make, so the competition is tough.
2. The change from IT to finance is neither logical nor probable, so I advise against presenting them as your goals in your application.
3. It becomes more possible if you have any or all of the following:
a. a very high GMAT
b. CFA Charter
c. any other finance certificate
d. contacts in finance who can get you interviews
e. some sort of finance experience before you apply for a job

I hope this answers your question,
JF

notYet · Answer

Thanks for the reply Jon.

I am glad that you responded.

Now here is the exact things I wanted to know -
My GPA is 3 and I have a work ex of 3 years by Feb. 2014. I am pretty much optimistic of getting a very good score say 730-740 in GMAT and I will get my CFA level 1 done. What are my chances of getting into top B-schools considering the fact that every Indian applicant wants to have this move from IT to finance.

What else I need to have to make my candidature stronger. I am planning for the Jan.2016 intake so I am thinking of leaving the job as soon as I complete my 3 years of work ex and have a full fledge preparations for GMAT and CFA for say 5 to 6 months before applying to schools. What are your thoughts on this?is it adviseable.

Also I would to like to thank you from the core of my heart as you are the first person to reply to my post(of course this is my second post considering the fact that I am new to this place

)

Regards,
Aashay

) Regards, Aashay

Admissionado · Answer

Aashay, Do you mean, what are your actual chances of landing a finance job? Hard to say. If you mean what are your chances of getting into a Top Bschool with those goals - very low. Because like I wrote those goals are totally unrealistic!

What you need to do is present other more plausible goals... and then once you get in... well.... With a 3.0 from a non-IIT school, probably your sweet spot for schools will be in the 10-30 rankings. And there are plenty of good finance-strong schools in these rankings. Next, if possible do NOT leave your job to study for the GMAT. Thousands of students do the GMAT and applicants while working, and it is not looked upon well by the AdComs. The LAST thing you want to have happen is to apply while unemployed... Although if you have away to take a break for a few months and then return, that can be totally great! I hope I have helped you answer your questions, Best, JF

notYet · Answer

Thanks for the reply Jon but don't you think CFA Level 1 and GMAT along with your full time work will be a tough nut to crack?

Regards,
Aashay

angelfire213 · Answer

i think he is saying it is hard but a lot of people make it work. Enough that it no longer becomes a valid excuse and does not add to your profile. If you can take a leave of absence or holiday (while staying employed) then that's probably the smartest thing to do

notYet · Answer

Yup I got it

Admissionado · Answer

Yup, that's exactly what I was saying..

Good luck dude,

notYet · Answer

Thanks Jon <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" />

Admissionado · Answer

Woot.

Switching domain from IT to Finance

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