Experienced MBA options?

[Anonymous]

I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

First off, make use of your school's career office - since the recession, they have been also geared towards helping graduates in the same situation as you. I went and got the CPA because I had a finance background so the needed course work was already done. And the good thing is, CPAs are in demand with not as many as you think also having a top 15 school on their resume, which is the level where I went.

If this is not your interest, how about a smaller CPG company? With ops and strategy, combined with the MBA, that might be an option. I understand what you mean about not wanting the kind of position only found at large firms as these organizations really weed people out after the late 30's.

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts for a JD who has a finance undergrad (from a Wharton/Stern kind of school). Like many others I regret going biglaw litigation -- I love the work, but it's up and out and in this economy and with my firm's current issues, I am not making partner and moving to another firm is not proving easy (or palatable). I am so wishing I had gone down the business road because there are options even if you don't make MD at an investment bank and you don't necessarily need to be in NYC. Any thoughts of how to make the undergrad degree useable without shelling out 2 yrs worth of tuition for an MBA? I would like to think I have an "advantage" over other JDs who have a history background because I have something "different" but I don't know how to set myself apart.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any thoughts for a JD who has a finance undergrad (from a Wharton/Stern kind of school). Like many others I regret going biglaw litigation -- I love the work, but it's up and out and in this economy and with my firm's current issues, I am not making partner and moving to another firm is not proving easy (or palatable). I am so wishing I had gone down the business road because there are options even if you don't make MD at an investment bank and you don't necessarily need to be in NYC. Any thoughts of how to make the undergrad degree useable without shelling out 2 yrs worth of tuition for an MBA? I would like to think I have an "advantage" over other JDs who have a history background because I have something "different" but I don't know how to set myself apart.

I know someone with your credentials who worked at a small buyout firm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

First off, make use of your school's career office - since the recession, they have been also geared towards helping graduates in the same situation as you. I went and got the CPA because I had a finance background so the needed course work was already done. And the good thing is, CPAs are in demand with not as many as you think also having a top 15 school on their resume, which is the level where I went.

If this is not your interest, how about a smaller CPG company? With ops and strategy, combined with the MBA, that might be an option. I understand what you mean about not wanting the kind of position only found at large firms as these organizations really weed people out after the late 30's.

OP here, I did think about the CPA route. I will call the grad school to find out but for what I'm reading in VA I need an accounting or finance major. How long did it take you to work towards becoming a CPA and were you working at the time?

I'm open to other suggestions and appreciate all feeedback.

[Anonymous]

The firm I work for is hiring. Full transparency: biggest challenge I suspect will be comp. If you are at near-partner level at your firm and are seeking > $500K a year+, the options are far more limited than if you are in the $100-$200K range. Thats probably no surprise.

That said, Good jobs, good pay, excellent work-life balance and generally a lot of flexibility when it comes to atypical backgrounds. Happy to put you in touch with our recruiting team. [e-mail]

[Anonymous]

OP here- I'd really appreciate some feedback to the topic of having an MBA (not a JD- perhaps JD can post seperately so they get their answers). I'm at a cross-point and wuld greatly appreciate advice on using my MBA but in a field that is more flexible/transferrable. I am currently stuck with experience working for mostly larger firms - I need a specific functional area.... Hoping for some stories/advice.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I'd really appreciate some feedback to the topic of having an MBA (not a JD- perhaps JD can post seperately so they get their answers). I'm at a cross-point and wuld greatly appreciate advice on using my MBA but in a field that is more flexible/transferrable. I am currently stuck with experience working for mostly larger firms - I need a specific functional area.... Hoping for some stories/advice.

Thanks

Sorry, wish I could be of more help. I'm top tier MBA but I'm only 3 years out, so different ball of wax. But in terms of flexible transferrable, why not just make a leap to McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, etc in one of their strategy groups? Its a bit of a jack of all trades kind of path but if you seek optionality down the line, there's little that would more flexible than that. If its specialization you seek, perhaps something like PRTM for operations, or one of the boutique consultancies?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any thoughts for a JD who has a finance undergrad (from a Wharton/Stern kind of school). Like many others I regret going biglaw litigation -- I love the work, but it's up and out and in this economy and with my firm's current issues, I am not making partner and moving to another firm is not proving easy (or palatable). I am so wishing I had gone down the business road because there are options even if you don't make MD at an investment bank and you don't necessarily need to be in NYC. Any thoughts of how to make the undergrad degree useable without shelling out 2 yrs worth of tuition for an MBA? I would like to think I have an "advantage" over other JDs who have a history background because I have something "different" but I don't know how to set myself apart.

I did this, but it was tough. The difference is that I had an undergrad degree in Econ and a Master's in Public Policy. I worked for 5 years before going to law school. After law school, I practiced at big firm then eventually worked for an investment bank in Capital Market Structured Finance doing derivatives work. The undergrad degree didn't help me as much as the actual work experience before law school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

A few things. Family friendly jobs can come from family-friendly companies or specific divisions in whatever company.
Your background seems quite diverse functionally so I'd hope you could pitch yourself for several different roles. Have various resumes ready to go.
Do you have a specific function (biz dev, ops, fin, marketing, M&A, etc.) that you enjoy and have some experience? Go for that one.
I don't think add'l training or "certifications" matter - you need to find a position or be networking and then pitch yourself with a customized resume, background, shpeal. Especially if in timbuktu - prob then matters who you know and fit/match.
In general, it is easier to change either industry or function, but not both. Most companies will not totally marginalize your experience if it's not 100% relevant. Networking and being positive and value-add when meeting people goes a long way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

First off, make use of your school's career office - since the recession, they have been also geared towards helping graduates in the same situation as you. I went and got the CPA because I had a finance background so the needed course work was already done. And the good thing is, CPAs are in demand with not as many as you think also having a top 15 school on their resume, which is the level where I went.

If this is not your interest, how about a smaller CPG company? With ops and strategy, combined with the MBA, that might be an option. I understand what you mean about not wanting the kind of position only found at large firms as these organizations really weed people out after the late 30's.

OP here, I did think about the CPA route. I will call the grad school to find out but for what I'm reading in VA I need an accounting or finance major. How long did it take you to work towards becoming a CPA and were you working at the time?


Sorry for the delayed answer, but I was out for a few days. Each state has different requirements. Yiou do not necessarily need an accounting or finance major, but what you do need is a certain number of combined credits in accounting/tax/audit/business law. And again it varies by state. Don't think you have to be a Virginia CPA just because you live in Virginia. As long as you are not doing audits, who cares which state it is from.

It took me 12 months to pass all four parts and another two for references, state board meeting, etc. I took a review course at a local college (met twice a week for about six hours total) and they refreshed and focused me on what I needed to know. And yes, I was working in a job that involved travel and had one, small child. Not the easiest situation, but I got my daughter excited about her dad passing and it went fast.
I'm open to other suggestions and appreciate all feeedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here- I'd really appreciate some feedback to the topic of having an MBA (not a JD- perhaps JD can post seperately so they get their answers). I'm at a cross-point and wuld greatly appreciate advice on using my MBA but in a field that is more flexible/transferrable. I am currently stuck with experience working for mostly larger firms - I need a specific functional area.... Hoping for some stories/advice.

Thanks

Sorry, wish I could be of more help. I'm top tier MBA but I'm only 3 years out, so different ball of wax. But in terms of flexible transferrable, why not just make a leap to McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Deloitte, etc in one of their strategy groups? Its a bit of a jack of all trades kind of path but if you seek optionality down the line, there's little that would more flexible than that. If its specialization you seek, perhaps something like PRTM for operations, or one of the boutique consultancies?

He should also check Ernst & Young, Accenture, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went to a top MBA ten years ago- I have been working on so many areas from operations, business development and strategy (was Director and VP). I want to focus on one area (hopefully family friendly). I wonder if any other MBAs moved towards other areas while still not losing all of the years of experience. I'd love to work in an area that let's say we moved to timbukto I can still find work- not just large firms. I'm open to additional classes/certification.. hoping it doesn't mean another 2 FT years for another Masters. Thanks for all constructive feedback.

First off, make use of your school's career office - since the recession, they have been also geared towards helping graduates in the same situation as you. I went and got the CPA because I had a finance background so the needed course work was already done. And the good thing is, CPAs are in demand with not as many as you think also having a top 15 school on their resume, which is the level where I went.

If this is not your interest, how about a smaller CPG company? With ops and strategy, combined with the MBA, that might be an option. I understand what you mean about not wanting the kind of position only found at large firms as these organizations really weed people out after the late 30's.

OP here, I did think about the CPA route. I will call the grad school to find out but for what I'm reading in VA I need an accounting or finance major. How long did it take you to work towards becoming a CPA and were you working at the time?


Sorry for the delayed answer, but I was out for a few days. Each state has different requirements. Yiou do not necessarily need an accounting or finance major, but what you do need is a certain number of combined credits in accounting/tax/audit/business law. And again it varies by state. Don't think you have to be a Virginia CPA just because you live in Virginia. As long as you are not doing audits, who cares which state it is from.

It took me 12 months to pass all four parts and another two for references, state board meeting, etc. I took a review course at a local college (met twice a week for about six hours total) and they refreshed and focused me on what I needed to know. And yes, I was working in a job that involved travel and had one, small child. Not the easiest situation, but I got my daughter excited about her dad passing and it went fast.

OP, this site is very helpful if you have questions about the CPA route.

http://www.nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/

I'm open to other suggestions and appreciate all feeedback.

[Anonymous]

CPA?? In addition to the course and test-passing, don't you have to work like 5 years as a grunt before you are formally and accountant and can charge more?
That's a major career change. But if you like accounting, numbers, documents and want a job anywhere, go for it.

[Anonymous]

I'd really take advantage of your career center. i have an MBA from a top 5 school and the career center seems pleased to work with alums. And alums are happy to network and do informational interviews. That's one of the benefits of going to a top school!

Can't help you on the function focus front. I do management consulting with an industry concentration so end up touching on a number of functional areas.