<p>How do these careers stack up each other? What about a CPA vs MBA?</p>
<p>typical pathway:</p>
<p>college -> Big4 -> get CPA -> Build up work experience -> MBA -> IB</p>
<p>it depends on what you do in the big4 and what you do in the ibank. also it depends on which kind of bank you are at. its a very large question that isnt really answered in one sentence</p>
<p>In order to do this path, college -> Big4 -> get CPA -> Build up work experience -> MBA -> IB, what do I need to do in the big4 and what do I need to do in the ibank?
Thanks!</p>
<p>That depends. I'm actually not sure on what exactly is needed to break into wall street from the big 4. However, working in IB right after undergrad sets you up for other jobs like in VC, PE, and even HF. Another way to do it is:</p>
<p>college ---> IB analyst ---> MBA ---> IB associate (or other high level IB job), or similar job in PE, VC, or HF</p>
<p>^That's probably the most common way. Many kids tend to skip consulting altogether.</p>