Hello!
I currently work for decently successful tech startup and am applying to business schools. My credentials are pretty good: strong GMAT, good liberal arts college, work experience and promotions that show progression.
I'm planning on using an MBA to break into banking- with the hopes of getting into a technology/TMT coverage group. I don't plan on being a banker forever, I'd like to move back into an operating role at a tech company, but on the financial side (CFO-track).
A few questions:
1. Schools: for getting into a tech group: should I aim west coast (Stanford, Haas) or the traditional east coast finance schools (Columbia, Wharton, etc.)?
2. Its my understanding that banks typically want you to be a banker first, and then to express an industry interest. Is that a reasonable assumption? How does that play into the recruiting cycle at a top 10 school? Given my desire to be in a specific group would I just have to network with the groups before recruiting?
3. Other than being Ruth Porat or Anthony Noto- how attainable is it for a banker to switch into a CFO track role? At what age/title is it most reasonable to make such a move?
4. What banks/groups are the best for this type of ambition? Are they in NY or SF? I've heard GS, MS, Qatalyst, Evercore. Who else?
Thank you!