Going to tackle some questions that related to my previous post -
What are the chances of a CPA finding work in the financial sector without an MBA? And is the learning curve manageable, going from accounting to investments?
It's really hard to do so unless you have contacts in the investment world. You can always become a controller at one of the hedge funds or investment bank and then use your political skills to get into the investments side.
It is very rare to see someone go from public accounting to an investments type job without an MBA.
Don't worry about the learning curve. Heck, the ibanks love hiring from liberal arts colleges - most of these students have taken nothing in finance - just a few economics courses here and there.
If you really want to go into banking, get out - NOW!
Do auditors place well as far as top MBA schools go? Life/Work experience is THE most important factor in MBA admissions. You see banking/consulting people place at top institutions all the time. What about auditors?
I've seen auditors get into top schools, absolutely. You actually separate yourself from the bankers and the consultants since they comprise the majority of applications to these top schools. A big 4 name is nothing to sneer at. While we may not work the insane hours that bankers do, we get enough client experience and technical experience to conjure up a solid application to the top schools.
Are partners and senior managers willing to write a letter of recommendation, knowing that your intention is to leave and go to b-school?
Absolutely, but this is subjective. It really depends on your relationships with the partners and senior managers. While I'm sure they don't you to go, they'll certainly understand.
What are the chances of a CPA finding work in the financial sector without an MBA? And is the learning curve manageable, going from accounting to investments?
It's really hard to do so unless you have contacts in the investment world. You can always become a controller at one of the hedge funds or investment bank and then use your political skills to get into the investments side.
It is very rare to see someone go from public accounting to an investments type job without an MBA.
Don't worry about the learning curve. Heck, the ibanks love hiring from liberal arts colleges - most of these students have taken nothing in finance - just a few economics courses here and there.
If you really want to go into banking, get out - NOW!
Do auditors place well as far as top MBA schools go? Life/Work experience is THE most important factor in MBA admissions. You see banking/consulting people place at top institutions all the time. What about auditors?
I've seen auditors get into top schools, absolutely. You actually separate yourself from the bankers and the consultants since they comprise the majority of applications to these top schools. A big 4 name is nothing to sneer at. While we may not work the insane hours that bankers do, we get enough client experience and technical experience to conjure up a solid application to the top schools.
Are partners and senior managers willing to write a letter of recommendation, knowing that your intention is to leave and go to b-school?
Absolutely, but this is subjective. It really depends on your relationships with the partners and senior managers. While I'm sure they don't you to go, they'll certainly understand.
Comments
While you do differentiate yourself, accountants are lower-tier when it comes to high quality b-school candidates.
You might see a few accountants at top schools, but I personally have never seen/heard/met of any at Harvard Business or Stanford Business (arguable the top 2). And even other schools, you still rarely see accountants because they have no creativity, lack social skills, develop no soft/hard skills in their job, emotionally unstable, contribute ZERO value to their firms, etc.