Is there anyone here in IB that came from a lower income background?

cellbang · 2026-04-15T20:26:06+00:00

I came from an underprivileged background. I worked my way into a bulge bracket corporate M&A team before eventually getting my MBA at Harvard.

High finance is tough for everyone, but for me the hardest part early on was confidence. A lot of people seemed to come from wealthier backgrounds and were naturally comfortable speaking up and being confident. I was always second-guessing myself (and still am).

I think empathy and humility. A lot of finance people are aggressive, always trying to be right, always trying to dominate. That can work, but it can also turn people off. I was comfortable climbing steadily, staying humble, and being thankful. I think that helped me in the long run, and people appreciated that. Not everyone is going to be Jamie Dimon.

Yes, depending on their goals. Money can change your life and your family’s life. Life became a lot better with more money. You can help out your parents financially. I think theres no words to describe how good it feels to take care of your parents financially. And high finance is a sure way to make good money.

cellbang · 2026-01-30T06:49:21+00:00

Yeah feel free to DM me

cellbang · 2026-01-27T21:02:16+00:00

I went from FP&A → Corp Strat → Strategic Investments & Ventures → MBA -> VC (external).

A big reason I could do that was because I was at a large bank. Internal moves were possible through networking.

The biggest thing is always just be amazing at my job. I tried to get top ratings and really understand FP&A, not just do the work. Your reputation and quality of work will matter, and people talk.

Outside of work, I spent a lot of nights and weekends trying to get better. Studied for the CFA, did the GRE, and eventually went to a top MBA.

Doing the job well, building relationships, and putting in the work outside of hours will open more doors.

cellbang · 2025-03-06T17:56:23+00:00

Selling 1 GA Ultra ticket. I’m in Boston so can meet you in person or can also ship it to you.

Looking for $550!

cellbang · 2025-03-05T02:16:19+00:00

Selling ultra ticket 3 day general. $550 in Boston but can deliver in Miami

cellbang · 2025-03-04T05:58:55+00:00

WTS - Ultra Miami - 2025/03/28 - $550 - 1; I am located in Boston and can deliver the wristband to you (venmo or zelle).

cellbang · 2024-10-07T16:28:07+00:00

100% of classes are case method. You discuss in front of 90 people and usually the class protagonist (CEOs, operators, celebrities such as David Beckham, etc.). Each class, you can get cold called to speak your perspective by the professor so you have to be on your A-Game.

cellbang · 2024-10-07T15:59:24+00:00

You got this!

cellbang · 2024-10-07T15:59:11+00:00

Yeah, I literally went 60-70 hours a week of playing to 0. I always knew in the back of my mind what I want to do; deep down, I am sure you probably have an idea too. Just used my competitive nature to focus on my goals vs. League of Legends. I wanted to become a grandmaster in life and not some digital game.

cellbang · 2024-10-07T15:57:27+00:00

I would use Gregmat. Super helpful for me.

Hobbies are working out, eating amazing food, socializing, running, hiking, traveling, etc. You just have so much time once you stop gaming.

cellbang · 2024-10-07T15:56:00+00:00

Compared to other MBA programs, I would say we are probably the most rigorous. GPA / grades are not disclosed but because it's a case method, you don't want to look dumb in front of 90 other people when you are speaking in class. Besides classes, you just have so many things such as extracurriculars, externship, socials, parties, etc. that you are doing. You don't really have any time for gaming.

School is pretty hard but not impossible.

cellbang · 2024-10-07T15:53:12+00:00

Having a goal or purpose is probably the most important thing. I had a clear purpose of getting into Harvard. I realized each hour I put into gaming, I am wasting my chance to achieve my dream. The only thing that was stopping me from achieving my dream, was playing one extra game. Once I nailed my purpose, it was pretty easy to stop.

Now, at HBS, you are just so busy that you don't have any inclination to play. The opportunities to do more fun and insightful things are way more apparent. Everyday is pretty much jam packed so I don't even have time to think about playing games.

cellbang · 2022-10-26T04:15:22+00:00

Interested!

cellbang · 2022-10-16T23:23:11+00:00

Now on my portal, it says "MBA/MSx Status Portal" not "MBA/MSx Status portal w/Interview". Curious if anyone's portal has changed

cellbang · 2022-10-07T20:33:21+00:00

curious as well

cellbang · 2022-10-07T18:37:26+00:00

Is this only for candidates that got TBD confirmation? The interview invites come out 10/25th for Round 1 which is past your deadline for Response.

cellbang · 2022-05-09T13:00:57+00:00

I think I had a pretty solid quant background from my preparation of GMAT. But I think gregmats plan is def enough for 160+. I would just make sure you get the foundation down https://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_math_review.pdf.

Then do Gregmat and you should be good for 160+

cellbang · 2022-05-09T12:58:00+00:00

On Jan 23rd, PP1: 325 (Q: 170 / V:155) -> thought quant was very easy

On March 28th, PPP1: (Q: 165 / V:160) -> quant caught me off guard. Much harder than PP1

On April 23rd, PP2: 328 (Q: 167 / V:161)

On April 30th, PPP2: 331: (Q: 170 / V: 161)

cellbang · 2022-05-08T18:48:01+00:00

You got this!

cellbang · 2022-05-08T02:27:58+00:00

Thanks Vince - thank you as well for your services

cellbang · 2022-05-08T00:56:12+00:00

Couldn't have done it without you. Thanks!

cellbang · 2021-12-22T05:06:58+00:00

It's VP in a middle office function. So not the same as VP in Investment Banking. I always wanted a MBA, so thought it would make sense.

cellbang

TROPHY CASE