Do I need an MBA? (Asset Management)

I am 22, recently graduated from undergrad, and will begin working for BlackRock (Asia) soon. I intend to study for the CFA when I start working. If I intend to stay in asset management, is an MBA useful? What are the chances for people trying to get into a top MBA program from major AM firms (3.6 GPA, UC Berkeley Applied Math and Economics Double Major)? This will determine when I decide to take the GMAT.

Probably. I’d recommend learning about the credentials held by folks in those positions, not just at the top but in the middle and just starting out so you know what limitations you might have without an MBA. Working at Blackrock and having your CFA will help for sure. At a certain point, experience trumps all, but when a firm is managing other people’s money, they also like to touted the credentials of their managers. In any case, top MBA programs want you to have several years of work experience, so you’ll have time to see how you like the field and better understand what’s required to succeed. And to complete your CFA.

I concur with gardenstategal. Get your CFA first and then decide if you really need an MBA.

No. You don’t NEED an MBA. Most MBA programs teach the same thing you would learn from the equivalent amount of hours working in that field. Using the time you would spend getting the MBA working instead has the advantage in that you will be making money instead of spending it. If given the choice between the guy with the experience and the guy with the theoretical buisness knowledge but less experience I will always hire the experience.An MBA is like a Corvette. It’s expensive, it looks good, it can accelerate you (in some careers) but at the end of the day no one NEEDS one. Just saying…

Agree with @j0etheundergrad No, you don’t need it. Get your CFA and get experience. After you have your CFA and a bunch of experience, you will know what we are talking about. If later on, Blackrock will pay for you to get your MBA, and you have lots of extra time (not- because you’ll be busy working and having a life) then you can get your Masters. P.S. no one cares where your MBA is from, so don’t worry about this “top school for an MBA” nonsense. What is your undergrad degree in?

This is coming from someone in the exactly this line of work who actually ** does ** have a Masters in Finance, paid for by her firm. Its pretty useless in practice and looks interesting for about 2 seconds on my resume. The CFA trumps all in Asset Management.