- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
B-School or no? Looking for some advice...
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:48 pm
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:48 pm
I am currently a financial advisor employed by a regional bank. I started working here immediately out of college and I've been here for almost 3 years. I enjoy my job and the money is great (about $85k/year). I am 24 and it is likely that I will be a "senior" advisor in the next 2-3 years ($150k-$250k+). I've got my life & health, Series 6, Series 7, and Series 66 licenses.
On the B-school front, I graduated from a directional school with a 3.4 GPA and a major in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. I took the GMAT in the summer of 2009 and scored a 740 (50/40 quant/verbal). The only school I applied to out of college was Harvard, but I was not accepted.
So, here is my predicament. I want to have a job I enjoy (check) where I have significant upward mobility (semi-check). I also want to make as much money as possible (surprise). If I go the MBA route, I'd like to do it full-time. I've spoken to my employer and it is unlikely they would pay for the MBA as it is relatively useless in my current career. However, they are confident I would be welcomed back to my current position if I chose to do so, albeit I would have wasted some money and a few years in the process.
In your opinion, should I leverage more out of my current career or should I pack up and go get my MBA? Gather ye rosebuds while ye may? If so, any advice on where I should look to apply? I think I would enjoy being an analyst, but that opportunity is not present with my current employer.
Let me know if I'm leaving out any relevant information. I'm single with no children and relocation is not an issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
On the B-school front, I graduated from a directional school with a 3.4 GPA and a major in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. I took the GMAT in the summer of 2009 and scored a 740 (50/40 quant/verbal). The only school I applied to out of college was Harvard, but I was not accepted.
So, here is my predicament. I want to have a job I enjoy (check) where I have significant upward mobility (semi-check). I also want to make as much money as possible (surprise). If I go the MBA route, I'd like to do it full-time. I've spoken to my employer and it is unlikely they would pay for the MBA as it is relatively useless in my current career. However, they are confident I would be welcomed back to my current position if I chose to do so, albeit I would have wasted some money and a few years in the process.
In your opinion, should I leverage more out of my current career or should I pack up and go get my MBA? Gather ye rosebuds while ye may? If so, any advice on where I should look to apply? I think I would enjoy being an analyst, but that opportunity is not present with my current employer.
Let me know if I'm leaving out any relevant information. I'm single with no children and relocation is not an issue. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:51 pm to slackster
If you're going to be making 150-250k before age 30 why in the frick would you even consider going to b school unless you hate your job?
Considering you're making good money now and are setup well to continue the only way I would go to b school is if you can go to a top 5 school. You're simply not going to get a great return compared to your current outlook from a top 25 b school.
Considering you're making good money now and are setup well to continue the only way I would go to b school is if you can go to a top 5 school. You're simply not going to get a great return compared to your current outlook from a top 25 b school.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:52 pm to jso0003
quote:
If you're going to be making 150-250k before age 30 why in the frick would you even consider going to b school unless you hate your job?
This is what I was thinking.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:59 pm to slackster
At 24 you are in a great place from a financial sense. If you like and want more formal education,
I would suggest part time and keep your job and cash flow. The double up trial will expand you and
perhaps lead to better decision in a few years. No need to rush into dropping everything and being a student again, unless you miss the old gig.
I would suggest part time and keep your job and cash flow. The double up trial will expand you and
perhaps lead to better decision in a few years. No need to rush into dropping everything and being a student again, unless you miss the old gig.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 7:59 pm to slackster
quote:
I am 24 and it is likely that I will be a "senior" advisor in the next 2-3 years ($150k-$250k+).
I certainly don't know the answer to this but you should strongly consider how much longer there will be senior financial advisors at regional banks making decent money. With the personal flexibility you have, think about the value of a few years at a regional bank vs. a top 20 mba. UT is still a top 20 program if you can get into it.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:00 pm to jso0003
quote:
If you're going to be making 150-250k before age 30 why in the frick would you even consider going to b school unless you hate your job?
This, unless you are on track to make upper management at your firm. If so, you can probably get them to pay for it. And yes, at a top school. Given that you're in Houston, UT would probably work out. Otherwise go to NYC.
That is very much a career change though. You won't be an FA anymore, you'd be aiming for running a part of the business. Rigging LIBOR and explaining to Congress in such a way that you get away with it, that sort of thing.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:02 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
If you're going to be making 150-250k before age 30 why in the frick would you even consider going to b school unless you hate your job?
Greed?
I'm in a good situation, I understand that, but there is a sense of finality in the possible promotion. It is great money, but there is no where else to go and my job is not very mentally stimulating. As much as I'd love to be actively managing money, my clients are not remotely interested in things of that nature. I don't know how long I can sell fixed annuities and still enjoy myself, but the money helps for sure.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:03 pm to LSUTigers00884
quote:
Hey look at me!
Thank you for your contribution!
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:04 pm to jso0003
quote:
You're simply not going to get a great return compared to your current outlook from a top 25 b school.
That's my worry.
quote:
the only way I would go to b school is if you can go to a top 5
How well does my profile set up for a top school?
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:08 pm to 11thACR
quote:
I would suggest part time and keep your job and cash flow. The double up trial will expand you and perhaps lead to better decision in a few years. No need to rush into dropping everything and being a student again, unless you miss the old gig.
Thanks for the advice. I'm not sure if I want to try both at once, but it makes sense strategically.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:09 pm to foshizzle
quote:
That is very much a career change though. You won't be an FA anymore, you'd be aiming for running a part of the business. Rigging LIBOR and explaining to Congress in such a way that you get away with it, that sort of thing.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:21 pm to slackster
I would stay on the same track you are one. You are way ahead of the game if you are making 150-200k by your 30th birthday. Get your MBA on nights/weekends if you want to add something to your resume to increase the number of places you can work.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:22 pm to saderade
quote:Yeah I don't know why he would choose to be a full time student when he can have his cake and eat it too. There are plenty of decent programs that have this option. Unless he can get into a top 5...
Get your MBA on nights/weekends
This post was edited on 3/4/13 at 8:24 pm
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:28 pm to GaryMyMan
quote:
Get your MBA on nights/weekends
Seems to be the consensus around here...
I guess I should look into that route a little more.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:36 pm to slackster
Look into taking the CFA(if you want to be an analyst) or CFP(if you want to stay in your current profession). You could do either of those while working and not have to sacrifice a ton of income over it.
Posted on 3/4/13 at 8:49 pm to slackster
quote:
How well does my profile set up for a top school?
Gpa is meh, but your GMAT is elite.
You would need to have killer extracurriculars, civic involvement, something that really makes you stand out. Honestly if you're something other than a white male that would REALLY help
Your job while very well paying isn't exactly going to do you any favors. Especially considering the bankers that are going to top 5 b schools are mostly coming off Wall Street firms like Goldman, etc
Posted on 3/4/13 at 9:43 pm to jso0003
quote:
Honestly if you're something other than a white male that would REALLY help
Damn.
quote:
Your job while very well paying isn't exactly going to do you any favors.
I figured the same.
quote:
you would need to have killer extracurriculars, civic involvement, something that really makes you stand out.
I'm proud of my other activities, but I don't think they stand out in regards to a top school.
quote:
your GMAT is elite
Wish it was more important...
Posted on 3/4/13 at 10:15 pm to slackster
Hey man I don't have any advice for you (because I'm younger) but I'm on the same track you are and want to do exactly what you do so seeing this helped me out a lot. Best of luck in whatever you decide
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News