NormalGuy88

This fall I will be transferring to Ohio State and will be a junior. I am currently a finance major. Since I'm about half way through college, I feel it's about time to narrow down exactly what field I would like to enter in the finance industry, so I can learn as much as possible before I graduate. I am hoping you guys can give me some suggestions on what to do pre-MBA and post-MBA. Here are some things about me that might help:

- I plan on getting my MBA. I am trying to get some decent work experience in after undergrad so that I can get into a top-10 program when the time comes
- I don't want to do anything "boring." I'd rather not sit on a chair all day looking at the same papers over & over again. I'd like to go to work every day excited about what the day will bring or whatever. Also, I don't mind traveling and would actually prefer to have traveling involved in my job; in moderation as I plan on having a family one day.
- As far as salary and hours go, I would like to make a decent amount of money while not working "tons" of hours. I had previously looked into IB but was turned away from it because of the high amount of hours required. I don't necessarily need a salary like IBankers get, but want to live well if that makes sense.
- As for location, I used to be interested in living in NYC, but with the cost of living there, a place like Houston or Seattle seems like a pretty safe bet. I'm not saying I wouldn't move there in a heartbeat if the right opportunity arose though...

I'm sure I'll think of something else. If I didn't cover anything and any questions arise, just ask. Thanks.

seleman

Well based on what you have said, I can advice that you go into consulting. There is management strategy consulting, which includes firms such as Bain, Mckinsey & Co, Bostom Consulting Group. However, you could also work in a big 4 accounting firm doing Advisory which is also consulting.

Firms like Bain, McKinsey and BCG are hard to get into but they fit what you want very much. You need to be aggressive because they focus most of their recruiting on Ivy League schools. If you can get into any of those companies you will be in a good position for grad school.

As for Big four accounting firms, I worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers last year. The hours are not bad and it is also consulting moreover most of the consultants in the Advisory division get to do their MBA at Wharton and PwC pays for it.

In addition to that you can look into a company like GE that is large and has many division and encourages mobility.

cbreeze

Some people are just grateful when they have a job offer. In view of your criteria, I'm not sure you will find anything that makes you completely happy.

NormalGuy88

Consulting actually seems pretty interesting. Any other suggestions?

NormalGuy88

What about something that involves the stock market?
I'm open to other possibilies though.

cryptography

That sounded a bit harsh but it's true. The economy right now is pretty crappy and most people are not going to have their top three choices. My advice would be to apply to anything and everything possible, including investment banking, sales & trading, research, management consulting, prime brokerage, private wealth management, accounting, operations...etc

Hopefully you will get one of them and will be able to then lateral onto a good path. Whoever mentioned McKinsey and Bain, sorry but those options are most likely not going to be available to you... neither are a majority of the bulge bracket investment banks, but you should apply to a bunch of small places and network a lot at OSU.

If you are interested in the stock market, want short hours, a lot of money, and interesting work, then trading seems to be the right path. You have to be good with numbers and get hired though. Good luck.

arpster55

hey seleman,
I was wondering if you have to have a accounting degree to work in the advisory division at PwC? Personally, I have the option of doing both accountancy and finance but I rather just do finance. I go to U of I, btw.