Advantages of CFA

marine1300
Sun, 27 Jul 2008 19:36:03 +0000

Vins,

Remember that getting into a top MBA program doesn’t mean that you have to have some extracirriculars related to finance. It could be anything. I think the classic rule of thumb is quality over quantity. I’m still several years off from B-school but I am lucky enough to have the type of thing the adcoms are looking for. I have been in the marine corps for 7 years with about 3 on active duty and 4 in the reserves. I’ve deployed to all the usual dumps(Iraq, Afghanistan) and am currently an E-6 Staff Sergeant. When it comes time for B-school, this type of experience should be looked upon favorably since it is in addition to my primary career. First off, don’t set a strict timeline for when you should attend B-school. 4 years or 5 years of experience might be average for the top schools but that doesn’t mean that 6 years would be a bad thing. Try not to rush the thing. For someone coming from engineering, a top MBA and a few years in investment banking will be a lifechanging experience. As for suggestions for EC’s that will really help you get accepted, why not start your own foundation or non-profit organization focused on something you believe deeply in. Again, my plan is to start a N-F-P providing graduate level financial assistance and scholarships to military veterans. No such organization exists right now. Although I would never advocate joining the military to help with B-School admission, it would certainly double or triple your chances of acceptance. Some branches of the military have reserve officer programs where you get a commission without ever really having to spend time on active duty. I realize this stuff may not be an option or may not interest you. But I if you were to keep kicking ass at your company, get a commission and serve 1 weekend a month in the military for a few years, and do some extra stuff with non-profits, you would likely have a good shot at top 3 schools and be a better candidate for banking afterwords. This is just one out of a hundred possible ways to improve your CV and really just an example.