Escaping from a back-office Finance job

Graduate School Business School - MBA
1

<p>I've been following these forums for a while and I could really use some guidance....</p>

<p>I am 23 years old, graduated in May 2011 from Penn State with a degree in Finance and minor in International Business. I had an offer for a consulting role with PwC for $58K starting salary, but I had to turn down the PwC offer for geographical reasons at the time. I have been working in a back-office Finance role one of the largest US banks for about 20 months (I didn't know the stigma of back-office finance roles when I took the job) and now I think I sold myself short taking this job. I just got promoted but the raise was still only 2% (making $52K now in a cheap city, with no bonus). Now I am willing to relocate for the right career (I would even go abroad since I love travel, preferably a warm place though). I also have a strong technology background so I am trying to find out if something like technology consulting would be a good fit for me, but I am open to other opportunities as well. Current jobs I am considering applying for:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Financial Analyst at Google in Mountain View California (I know this is actually still back office, but I heard that Google competes with the likes of GS for analysts and carries a much higher pedigree with much higher pay. Is that correct?)</p></li>
<li><p>Technology or Management Consulting at Accenture (how hard do you think it would be for me to switch into consulting now?)</p></li>
<li><p>Technology Architect for Financial Performance Management Pre-Sales at IBM (I don't know a ton about this role, anyone have some insight?)</p></li>
</ol>

<p>GPA: 3.86/4.00
SAT I: Math: 790, Writing: 700, Reading: 650 SAT II: Math IIC: 720
GMAT: 650 (I scored 720 on the practice test so I plan on studying more and retaking it)</p>

<p>Another thing to consider is that I am thinking of applying to a top European MBA (IESE or ESADE) eventually.</p>

<p>Are the 3 roles I'm considering all good options? Are there other types of roles I should be considering?</p>

<p>Any advice is greatly appreciated!!</p>

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<p>The management consulting at Accenture will be a better bet. A. Exposure to different set ups will help you learn more. B. After you do that, you can get a MBA / MSF and improve your prospects. C. Accenture folks generally end up in top corp. positions.</p>

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<p>It will be more helpful if you have the job offers in hand, rather than speculating.
And no, not all financial analysts are the same; it is a generic term for those working in the business-related department across all industries.</p>

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<p>I think attending b school makes sense for you.</p>

5

<p>I should add, a top business school may open a lot of doors.</p>