Best path to take as an undergrad aiming for a high paying "business" job?

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Just go to the most prestigious college possible (In your case Dartmouth), major in econ or IB (if there is no finance).</p>

<p>Get a GPA above 3.5, do some decent ECs, then do internships during your summers, especially the summer after your junior year.

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<p>This is much easier said than done.</p>

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Apparently getting an MBA isn't always more profitable, in fact it might make employers doubt your credibility?

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<p>BS. Having a MBA from a top 50 school will land you a $85,000+ a year career, no problem.</p>

<p>Hazmat has the best idea of the entire thread. </p>

<p>I think economics is a great way to go.</p>

<p>For business school, as well as IB and consulting, the basic academic foundation are as follows:</p>

<p>Calculus I
Statistics
Economics(Macro and Micro)</p>

<p>Aside from that, major in anything that interests you. You'll get higher grades that way! In addition, a summer internship is a must. I hope this helps.</p>

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BS. Having a MBA from a top 50 school will land you a $85,000+ a year career, no problem.

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I've been told you can make just as much without a MBA. My step-brother, who used to work for JP Morgan (just found out today), told me as an entry level worker you can make $50-60k per year, and after the first two years (assuming you work your ass off) you can advance to $100+ and a hefty bonus.</p>

<p>So what's better? Taking 2-3 years off from work get an MBA costing $55k+ per year or advancing with the job you're currently making $100k+ in? Not getting an MBA is sounding VERY profitable to me right now.</p>

<p>I'm also interested about Corporate finance, if anyone has any information on that. Do any of you know anything about the work load, credentials needed, salary, ect?</p>

<p>If i was getting 100k plus a year salary i wouldnt bother with the MBA</p>

<p>Put 50k in the bank for expenses and I would invest the rest into stocks/options.</p>

<p>Get some May ATVI call options =)</p>

<p>Here is ONE notion to remember: If the majority tells you ONE advice, do the OPOSSITE. Get your MBA. Don't do it for the job. Do it for you piece of mind and the people who you'll meet from different industries that you would not get to meet. At least this is true at some of the top business schools. Forget about the money. The knowledge that you will gain as a result of attending these schools will be invaluable. Especially if you want to change business fields.</p>

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I've been told you can make just as much without a MBA. My step-brother, who used to work for JP Morgan (just found out today), told me as an entry level worker you can make $50-60k per year, and after the first two years (assuming you work your ass off) you can advance to $100+ and a hefty bonus.

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<p>It isn't easy to make that much without the MBA; with the MBA you've got a sure shot at it. Think about it, if you can advance to $100K that easily anywhere you go, why are MBAs so popular? There's plenty of studies out there that show MBAs are well worth the investment.</p>

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So what's better? Taking 2-3 years off from work get an MBA costing $55k+ per year or advancing with the job you're currently making $100k+ in? Not getting an MBA is sounding VERY profitable to me right now.

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<p>Who in the world takes two or three years off of work to get a MBA these days? Most programs are 1.5 years and part time you can get one in two years WHILE working. Besides, you don't need to base your decision of what you've heard about one company, anyway. Once again, if it was that easy to make that much money, then why are MBAs so popular? You've got to keep your options open because you might not work for Chase.</p>

<p>MBAs from top schools are a sure thing.</p>

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Going to business school is a way for people to try to open the door, to try to get into a company or hedge fund. But if you’re already there, it doesn’t make sense to go."
...Mr. Hammond says, the upside no longer outweighs lost salaries and bonuses they would have earned. He calculates the cost of going to a two-year business school to be at least half a million dollars for the average bank employee — $250,000 or more each year in lost salary, plus $50,000 a year in tuition and living expenses.

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<p>Who is this Mr. Hammond and what makes him such a credible source. As far as I am concerned, some 40 year old bus boy could have written this in his mother's basement.</p>

<p>No kidding, Mr. Hammond doesn't have a clue.</p>

<p>MBAs can be nearly useless in many situations, including if you are interested/in Sales and Trading. The nature of S&T is that things are not as hierarchical as in Corporate Finance, and an MBA will really not help you at all. If you are already in, I'd suggest staying in, you will gain little if any advantage (more likely nada). It would be a waste of money.</p>

<p>As someone who hasn't even applied to undergrad schools, you have no reason to be worrying about your MBA...or even your job yet.</p>

<p>That said, once your accepted, making a decision might involve the career prospects factor, but MBA is a long ways away...</p>

<p>what is the best path for a high school student ( as in terms of school) to get a HIGH paying business job?</p>

<p>The best option is work your ass off in HS and hope that Wharton accepts you.</p>