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Do you always need an MBA to get into MBB?
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Only go to SMU if you want to work in Dallas. The school has excellent connections here. If you want better portability outside of DFW, go with McCombs. The honest truth is that the SMU name holds no weight outside of Dallas so if you plan on moving at any point I would look elsewhere.
As an SMU Cox grad who moved away and did other things… SMU has a special place in my heart but ffs don’t expect anyone outside of Texas to recognize the name. Our glory days are long passed.
Highly recommend the McCombs DFW Weekend program.
Looks like I can get GMAT waived. I’m a CPA, have a masters in accounting from top 50 business school and undergrad in geology from a top 30 liberal arts school. 3.9 and 4.0 GPA respectively.
Might still make sense to take the GMAT cause I should apply to higher ranked schools outside of Texas.
Thanks on the answer about networking.
I got my MBA at SMU and don’t regret it but agree with the others that its primary use is limited to Dallas. I had to stay in Dallas due to family obligations, so I didn’t consider anywhere outside of Dallas. I also had a very good scholarship when I went; and I would not have gone otherwise.
Congrats!! Good luck with your new job.
OP, why do you want an MBA? Imo, SMUs MBA doesn’t check any boxes. If you’re just looking for a check the box MBA, there’s a lot cheaper options. If you’re looking to pivot careers, I’d be more T15 or bust. And if you just want a stronger network, it’s Mccombs or Rice are much stronger degrees (if staying in Texas)
I don’t think I said anything about salary - sorry didn’t think that was in the equation. You don’t need a top school if you just want a job with a wage at a great salary. McCombs easily does that. SMU does too.
Honestly I’m surprised you want to get an MBA. I have a masters in accounting and that’s all I’ve ever needed. I’ve worked in accounting, FP&A and treasury so far. It’s so much more about building a network and selling your skills for the next role than a specific degree imo.
I have one friend who went back for an MBA after MAcc but that’s because he wanted out of tax- transferred to large consulting firm post-MBA and doesn’t touch tax anymore.
Many that I graduated with from a TX college MAcc degree are now controllers, CFOs of small companies, finance or accounting directors, public accounting partners, etc. We all make good money and no one did an MBA.
It’s a weird job market right now so companies can likely be picky to only hire those with FP&A experience already. I moved companies to start as a financial analyst after working in accounting for 2 years. So it’s definitely possible to transfer right into FP&A.
I’m not saying that an MBA is inherently bad, but I do think it’s costly and doesn’t add a lot of value. I’d keep applying to jobs and reach out to a recruiter. They’ll be able to sell your skillset for an FP&A job and convince hiring managers to interview you at least. Honestly, I’d reach out to 2-3 just to chat and see what jobs they have. In the meantime, see if you can get any finance experience within your current company (even if it’s just partnering with Finance on a project).
I went to SMU MSBA program but know a lot of people in MBA. Most of my cohort stayed in Dallas but I have moved around. Out of SMU I got my 1st Job in NYC then I moved to Chicago then back to Dallas and now in Charlotte
Great school and invaluable for connections in the DFW market if you plan on making a career here.
I graduated a while ago and the diploma still opens doors today,
My sister went there for her MBA and she has nothing but good things to say. She highly recommends the program to anyone who will listen so I would say that it is a good choice.