4 ms·

I don't quite see the appeal of "Do It Yourself" strategy. Most people in top MBA or MFE programs are also "doing it themselves" on the side but have many more

by equark 16y ago

I don't quite see the appeal of "Do It Yourself" strategy. Most people in top MBA or MFE programs are also "doing it themselves" on the side but have many more resources to draw upon. If you know for certain you want to be in business or finance, why not simply attend a top school. It only takes two years, which is nothing in the grand scheme of things. You'll make great friends, expand your network tremendously, and learn a lot, particularly if you go in with a very clear idea of what you want. Of course, there is a downside -- tuition and opportunity cost. But it doesn't sound like your opportunity cost is that high and tuition, while expensive, is often worth it. I know plenty of people who were earning $40k pre-MBA and $160K after. They are also doing much more interesting work. It's absolutely essential, however, that you know exactly what type of job you want and what is required to get it. If you want to go to McKinsey, you essentially need to attend a top five school. Schools are definitely not worth it if you fritter away your time or decide you don't like the career path you've chosen.

jvillal 16y ago
Unfortunately, my GPA got hit pretty hard in college because of some choices I made (attempted to double major in fairly difficult fields). While I'm certainly confident in my ability to score well on the GMAT/GRE and perhaps generate a couple of interesting items on my resume, I fear that my GPA would be enough to keep me from getting in. So, this is my way of asking how to get accredited without going to an accredited school.
- equark 16y ago
  You have two options: try to get accredited enough to get hired directly or try to get accredited enough to get into a feeder program. I suspect that the latter is easier. Many good schools will give you a chance if you signal you have your act together (i.e., by scoring well, getting good letters, have some interesting experience, and maybe getting a few As at some local University). I really depends on the exact job you are trying to obtain though. MFE is very different than an MBA. Also remember to be patient. You may need to apply multiple times, for instance, or spend a year at a local university taking course work to prove you are capable. But don't forget that 40-65 is a 25 year career, optimize that.

by equark 16y ago

jvillal 16y ago

Unfortunately, my GPA got hit pretty hard in college because of some choices I made (attempted to double major in fairly difficult fields). While I'm certainly confident in my ability to score well on the GMAT/GRE and perhaps generate a couple of interesting items on my resume, I fear that my GPA would be enough to keep me from getting in. So, this is my way of asking how to get accredited without going to an accredited school.

equark 16y ago
You have two options: try to get accredited enough to get hired directly or try to get accredited enough to get into a feeder program. I suspect that the latter is easier. Many good schools will give you a chance if you signal you have your act together (i.e., by scoring well, getting good letters, have some interesting experience, and maybe getting a few As at some local University). I really depends on the exact job you are trying to obtain though. MFE is very different than an MBA. Also remember to be patient. You may need to apply multiple times, for instance, or spend a year at a local university taking course work to prove you are capable. But don't forget that 40-65 is a 25 year career, optimize that.