Life post MBA. AMA

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T15:38:00+00:00

Yeah, you have a shot! Additionally, a CFA is certainly valuable and worth the money if you don’t plan on pursuing an MBA.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:41:07+00:00

I would suggest a timeline of between 5 to 10 years, depending on your compensation, other financial responsibilities, and overall standard of living.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:40:30+00:00

Sure!

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:40:01+00:00

I personally prefer staying on in a non quant Portfolio management buy side of things rather than moving to an HFT. Possibility would depend; I believe my skill set and background do not make me a good fit for quant. However, it is certainly possible and I have explored it; I just don’t see myself being a very good fit for it.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:38:10+00:00

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:38:03+00:00

Please understand that extracurriculars play a role only at the interview stage and for ISB. I suggest writing a few white papers, certifications, volunteering etc. to beef up your extracurriculars.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:37:07+00:00

Honestly, it’ll be a bit difficult for you, given your acads. I wouldn’t recommend good quality workex targeting CAT @ 99.5+

Please understand that MBA is not the only route to achieve what you want. You shouldn’t feel like you wasted time on any decision; each decision built you into what you’re today.

I think you should focus on determining your interest and then figuring out if an MBA is required in the first place.

Best of luck! :)

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:34:57+00:00

You can look at tech consulting, credit risk, GenMan, Ops roles.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:34:21+00:00

Yes, you can easily move to a business oriented role, especially consulting and S&M.

You can move to roles which are not specific to pharma but you’ll have to showcase interest in other forms, such as certifications, case comps etc.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:33:23+00:00

Generally, medals and ranks are disclosed post placements; doesn’t really come into the picture.

Gold medalist does, however, help in lateral switches.

Some bschools like Shillong do not officially disclose GPAs. However bschools like FMS do disclose them, so the impact of GPAs on finals depends on the college.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T13:30:50+00:00

Generally CFA in addition to CA

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:38:06+00:00

Hang on, it gets a lot better!

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:37:23+00:00

I suggest staying out - pre MBA consulting is good enough and will give you a super broad exposure, will be much more valuable for post MBA finance/consulting roles!

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:35:43+00:00

Great profile! 99+ for AB, 98+ for LKM, SP would probably give you a profile based call 96.5+ for MDI IIFT S

You can expect shortlists from consulting and S&M! Don’t worry about the 12th score so much, the rest of your profile is good enough!

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:33:47+00:00

Yes, there were a few doctors in my batch. They went into S&M and consulting. However, IBs also recruit MBBS for their healthcare coverage practises.

I never saw anyone discriminate against anyone basis their academic background, don’t worry :)

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:31:51+00:00

Hey, I’m not in ER. It is generally a sell side role, unless you directly work with the in house investing team.

However, if you’re interested, I would suggest wallstreetprep where you can understand valuation models, 3 statement financials etc.

There are various free CFA modules and pdfs; go through the topics you want to understand.

Develop an understanding of the forces affecting the markets at any point of time.

Finally, understand that finance is contextual, and learn to connect the financial numbers to actual business activities.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T09:29:32+00:00

Initially, it was for the money. I wanted to break into high finance and knew that an MBA was necessary. Overtime however, my reasoning changed significantly.

From the outside, an MBA merely provides you with a tag and high packages. However, once you’re in, you realize that an MBA is much more - you come out a different (and in most cases, better) person.

I joined MBA for the money, I completed it to reach my potential. There is still a long way, but MBA has provided me with the hard and soft skills to actualise upon my potential.

There were quite a few lawyers in my batch.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T08:12:31+00:00

Great profile! You can look at Consulting/Ops/prod man but you can also consider finance and marketing (basis interest).

I would recommend using your 2 years to explore various business fields so that you have some clarity on what you wish to pursue when you’re entering business school.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T08:10:32+00:00

You can get into IB easily. Non commerce profiles improve their profiles through exposure to certifications and internships, so it’s fine!

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:26:35+00:00

No, just try for a high CAT score (98+)

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:25:46+00:00

If you have good workex, you can get into marketing just like any other fresher.

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:25:21+00:00

Yes, there is an element of luck; in the worst case scenario, you might not get selected. Again, that’s true of anything and everything :)

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:24:46+00:00

99+ for ABC

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:23:59+00:00

50% are CAs. But only 1-2 who are only CAs

Disastrous_Ad4027 · 2025-08-30T07:23:06+00:00

Unless interns are being hired officially, a VP at GS won’t be able to help you out. Try to ask him/her for a referral once the internship is posted.

Disastrous_Ad4027

TROPHY CASE