I work in the tier one investment bank as associate (GS), operations area, now I am at a career crisis and desperate for a change, I have below options:1. Cont to stay in my bank, in 2-3 yrs time to be promoted to VP2. I want to do consulting in MBB, but found it hard to get in. got an offer from KPMG ,can I go to MBB via KPMG?I know nothing about consulting so I only got an offer from KP as advisor level instead of executive advisor, they said if I proof my consulting skills, in a years time they will promote me. I don't know how promising is that.3. Quit banking, do an MBA then apply for MBB. This is not for definite that I can get into MBB eitherWhich option looks better? On CV & experience front

Let me get this straight, you are considering CHOOSING to leave GS but one of the big 4 aren't sure if you're good enough for them?Big 4 is fine but GS is in a totally different league, surely?I say stay at GS for another 5 years then you might be able to put two fingers up to them from your 100ft yacht.

Oh and by the way, big 4 might not recognise the value of your time at GS but MBB will...

[quote]Oh and by the way, big 4 might not recognise the value of your time at GS but MBB will...[/quote]I have already been in GS for more than 5 yrs and needed a change, I want to do consulting but I think my University merit will hold me back cos I have not done a MBA or master or doctor of any sort.Yes I am choosing to go because I don't even have time to find jobs or do GMAT for MBA, so I think why not going to KP so I can have a bit of time to think and act , but worry it is going to hold me back, say, if I quit and go of an MBA in a years time.Plus I am not the golden pig in GS, I am working in the Middle office roles which doesn't pay me well, KP pays me better in a sense that I would consider to move over.Would that be a step down from a CV point of viewNeed advice cos I was not seeking job for a looong time, got in after Uni and know nothing outside.

[quote]I say stay at GS for another 5 years then you might be able to put two fingers up to them from your 100ft yacht.[/quote]What BEP said, although I'd consider your command of English a barrier to 100ft yacht status at Goldmans (or is it RBS GS? sorry couldn't resist :) I think KP's assessment of your understanding of MC is probably fair, especially if you expect MC to offer you a lifestyle with 'more time to think and act.'I'd say stay where you are (given its Godmans) and find it in you to prepare for a top-tier MBA while you're there - it's a familiar environment, and one that you're looking to leave anyhow.What you'll get: a) a relevant CV for MBB b) you'll pretty much know what it feels like to work in MC.

Thanks for your comment, really appreciate it and will take that on board. I do know my command of English is not good, it's my 2nd language, I am working very hard to improve that at the moment.I am thinking of leaving as I never find time to prepare my GMAT.In essence, the question is:If I have KP on my CV , would that look bad, or,drag me down? what I am saying is, if I do one yr in KP than go for an MBA, would this experience help me to knock on the doors of MBB, or would this experience actually hold me back?Thx

Didn't mean to come across as cruel re: your english - I think you should have a peek at some test GMAT questions for a reality check. To answer the 'essence' of your question: KP is a reputable firm, and it stands no chance of devaluing a CV containing a top-tier MBA and 5 years in GS. Your real objective should be a top-tier MBA and it sounds like you need to choose a lifestyle that's most conducive to obtaining one. A word of caution on your assumptions. Given that you have never changed jobs you shouldn't underestimate the fact that:a) a new jobb) in a new industry c) an industry well known for its long work hours, is likely to be a [b]greater hindrance[/b] your preparation for an MBA than your current environment.

While KPMG is a reputable firm I don't think it will particularly help. He/she needs the top-tier MBA, and I don't see the benefit of a stint at KPMG:1) KPMG experience would be rendered somewhat obsolete by the MBA as far as applying to MBB goes. 2) Additional pre-business school experience would increase his/her age by a couple of years which, particularly for US schools which favour younger candidates, will move him/her towards the top end of the age range.With ~5 years experience, now is the time to be applying to business school. Goldman is obviously a great name, but working in the middle office is not. He/she has a chance at a top business school, but it will depend on application execution (the story) and other factors (education, grades, extracurriculars) which are now fixed.I would suggest:1) Apply for business school from Goldman - if you can't find the time to apply then you're kidding yourself that you have a chance at top consulting firms anyway. Make the time.2) If you get in, then that's your best path to the firms to which you aspire.3) If you can't get in to a top business school then you are unlikely to ever make a top-tier consulting firm by another path. In which case, you received an offer from KPMG once, you can do it again.

holy cow, that is genius advice. do the MBA whilst at goldman!!Then, when you finish it, you will be a GS employee with an MBA looking for a career move!!Frankly the credentials don't get much better than that

Did you even read the post genius?

yes, I did...

Ok, then I guess you didn't understand.Let me know what was confusing and I will clarify for you.

I wasn't being sarcastic, if that's what you thought...

I have at least tried to provide the OP with some feedback.Am yet to see any constructive advice from you on this thread. Is it coming?

BEP, the above post was in response to your post which has since been deleted, in which you said that I didn't understand and that my attitude stinks.If you were not actually being sarcastic, then I agree on one point - I don't understand your post at all...

conversation's getting a bit dark. bbisme, abandon thread and for the love of baby jesus - stay at GS and get yourself a top-tier MBA

[quote]conversation's getting a bit dark. bbisme, abandon thread and for the love of baby jesus - stay at GS and get yourself a top-tier MBA[/quote]I tried to do that last year, but finding time after 10 pm each day is v. difficult, I do hope in KPMG, it is not going to be as bad.....8pm each day is better... Or ...Am I just too naive ........I heard the US schools normally accept candidate below the age of 30... I am 29 already, a bit tricky nowBeside, KPMG pays me better ...lol..believe it or not

Talking about top MBA schools, is LBS good enoughHarvard Standford Columbia....if I can get in I will sell my soul..

LBS seems very American... Right from their "LBS.edu" domain through to phrases like "How can we impact your career" on their website and use of accreditations from organisations such as Bloomberg.I think they must be going for the international market.Nice place, next to regent's park though.Personally I would try and cash in on the GS brand a bit more. Could you wriggle your way into a better role in GS? Or bail out and play on the GS brand and experience similar to what many of those ex-Big 4 and big-brand IT consultancy folk with no MBAs or other business qualifications do?

http://gmatclub.com/forum/top-consulting-school-by-placement-at-mbb-138975.htmlDownload the spreadsheet from this thread and update the data. Do some of your own research on an MBA, there's plenty of data online, and schools can be a good source of information on career change etc. Targeting a few of the top ones with a strong GMAT score and checkbook at the ready will get you in. BEP - frown (haha) as much as you like at the americanisms, but LBS remains the best business school in the UK. Yes I remember there being more than a few americans, most of them on an exchange from partner schools.

yes, I would agree that LBS is the best of them in the uk. I hear that warwick is good too?I do think that with an MBA, the school's reputation is the all-important thing so if he's going to do an MBA, do a good one

I would second what Bushy has stated.I once worked with a Consultant who had an MBA... remember - that means he probably spent £40k+ on it and finished off with a posistion one above Associate/Grad Entry.However, if it was LBS or Warwick etc things might have been different - who knows. Its harsh, but unfortunately thats just the way it is with employers especially MCs. Unless its a top school then its best you do it on the understanding that you enjoy studying rather than it doing masses to further your career. There are exceptions no doubt, but in general if you want entry into MCs then its best to make sure it is a v good Uni.

Yes it is all about the MBA brand (mind you even the top ones produce some appalling graduates - I had to do an assignment with this neurotic Americano who constantly seemed on the verge of mental breakdown.) I [b]wouldn't consider[/b] non-target MBAs however good they may be. Top tier are the only ones worth the 100k investment. They are most likely to give you a faster (and assured) ROI with, or without MBB career move. Lesser MBAs are IMHO a complete waste of money - wholly substitutable by strong personal brand, consulting IP and good project experience.