Hi All,I'm contemplating a move from management consulting into financial services/banking e.g. corporate finance, risk management, etc. Still undecided exactly what I'd be best suited to - but I'm not really interested in trading.I'm unsure as to how best instigate this change of career path. Perhaps someone here might be able to advise? This is my background: - First class Master of Engineering degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from a well-known UK red brick university (not Oxbridge however). - 2 years work experience as a management consultant at one of the big business transformation consultancies. This is my current job. I work at a "consultant" level i.e. the first grade when you're no longer considered a graduate. - 2 years work experience before that (straight after graduation) in engineering at a well-known, global, provider of mobile networks. I worked in product development. I have absolutely no experience in finance. If I was to do an MBA at a top Business School and focus on Finance related electives, would this be enough to allow me to take this change in career path? Would you advise such a change? If so, why, if not, why not? Would I have any chances in making this change without shelling out for an MBA? From a renumeration point of view, if I earn £42k now, how much would I expect to earn after MBA? £60k? Any thoughts, comments, advice, constructive criticism, etc. would be most welcome.Many thanks in advance.

You'd be better off with a MiF (a specialist Masters in Finance) than an MBA.Your main barrier at the moment though will the economic situation. Lots of people who have equivalent skills and qualifications, plus finance experience and networks, are competing for a decreasing number of jobs.Your best option is likely to be to sit tight in your current job, apply for Masters in Finance courses to commence September/October 2009 or 2010 (depending how the economic picture pans out) and, if you have time, do CFA Level 1 on the side.

Thanks for the advice - I've looked into MiF a little bit and at least at LBS it seems to be intended for those with a couple of years work experience in Finance and who want to move to a different function therein. Apparently it's not suitable for those with no finance experience at all as they want people to be able to contribute and share their own experiences in the course of studies. And as you say, it's not the right time really....Many thanks again

i would really suggest you to the CFA exams. it's a very well-respected qualification and with a level or two under your belt, you will definitely increase your chances to find a decent job in finance. they aren't easy, though.

If u manage to get into a real top MBA program and if you want to apply for Corporate Finance positions, then go for it. Obviously u need to focus on Finance courses. If you want to work in Capital Markets, then an MBA may not be the best solution. However, the CFA alone won't be enough. Either you find a top MBA with a strong reputation in finance (e.g. Wharton) or u should consider a MiF.Last, if I got it right, u should have 2 years of work experience after graduation. Probably, you best shot if you dont manage to get into a real top MBA is to apply for entry level positions!!

Thanks for the tips everyone! The way I see it, if I don't get into a top school, then it's simply not worth paying for the tuition fees. I would probably prefer a one-year course from a financial point of view e.g. INSEAD, Oxford Said or Cambridge Judge. I've actually got 4 years work experience: 2 in engineering, 2 in management consulting. I'd rather not apply for entry level positions as I've already done 2 grad schemes! Then, of course, there's the old can of worms around when, if ever, you would break even if you do an MBA vs. if you don't, etc......