Hi AF, seeking some wisdom here. I currently am in a weird place in my career. I have 5 years of asset mgmt experience (most of this at a tax/fund research/portfolio mgmt firm, high nw clients, etc.) and got my charter about 1.5 years ago. Because of a decision I made a year ago to move away from my hometown to a place I’ve always wanted to live (very competitive area and real estate is becoming like SF area) I had to take a pay cut and take a job as a cost analyst for an engineering firm. Could be a huge mistake as I’ve been applying to investment gigs here to get back into investments. I’ve had some luck - went to the final interview for two large asset managers, but wasn’t chosen. My current employer will pay for MBA, but I don’t know how long I’ll be there. I guess my question is if I’m trying to become more marketable, would you pursue getting CPA or MBA at this point if my long term career goal is to be in the investment industry. Or do nothing? Maybe I just need the damn job before deciding to do anything. That’s what’s killing me, feel like I’m stuck in glue right now. Thanks for your thoughts.
Does your current employer have stipulations on paying for the MBA like you have to work there after for a certain amount of time or anything like that?
I feel like I see a lot of MBAs in the investment world. I don’t see too many people with CPAs working in investments.
I think an MBA would be the most marketable and help you find more opportunities, assuming you aren’t finding any luck getting chosen right now.
I’m not too sure on the requirements. I don’t think they have any. It is only a portion paid for, so Id still be forking over about $12k and it’s not even a top 20 school. I’m not in a position to move somewhere to go to a solid mba program, so that’s the only drawback.
If your long-term goal is investments, then do not pursue the CPA. You may be better off with an MBA, but there is no guarantee there.
I wouldn’t do CPA for investments. My suggestion to you is to keep applying for jobs; also for MBA I strongly suggest that you do a top 20 or even top 10 even if you have to quit work, it is still worth it and It will pay off quickly versus if you do a low-ranked MBA. You probably won’t have a problem getting into a top MBA program with your background.
Find a job