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I’m a manager at a Big 4 public accounting firm, specializing in M&A advisory (former auditor), with 6 years of client service work experience. Currently seeking an MBA in order to make a lateral move into an investment banking associate position. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years through undergrad, and also play classical & electric guitar.
Target School: UCLA Anderson
Considering: USC Marshall, Berkeley Haas
See More Profiles For: UCLA Anderson
Application Status: Open
Undergrad School: Claremont McKenna College
Undergrad Major: Economics-Accounting
GPA: 3.39
GMAT: 710
Age: 28, Ethnicity: Asian or Indian
Other Degree/Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CA)
Extracurriculars: Varsity swim team for all 4 years at Claremont McKenna College, Member of Emerging Leaders Council at a local nonprofit, Study classical guitar and electric guitar with weekly lessons for the past 5 years
Title: Manager, Transaction Services
Industry: Accounting
Company: Top Firm
Length of Employment: 2 yrs, 6 mos
Title: Senior Associate, Audit
Length of Employment: 3 yrs
Passed CPA exams in 4 months out of school. Received a performance-based early promotion from associate to senior associate, one year ahead of standard. I also transferred into transaction services by navigating a highly competitive interview process, securing 1 of 2 spots out of a Superday applicant pool of 20+ candidates.
Looking to use my existing M&A and transaction background to make a lateral move into an investment banking associate position. The long-term goal is to use my combined accounting and banking background to move into an executive corporate development role at a F500 or high-growth startup.
Join in! Click here to assess the odds of Mr. Dodgers Geek
So after the sweep of the Padres, your team is going on to face the Braves. It will be quite a matchup. The big question, however, is can you sweep your way into Anderson. I like your odds. Your Big Four experience will obviously count for a lot, especially because of your early promotion and your early passage of the CPA exams. The fact that you were a competitive swimmer for 15 years through undergrad shows remarkable discipline and focus. Add in your passion for music, evidenced by your skill at playing classical & electric guitar, and you are a well-rounded, highly desirable candidate. I would really be surprised if UCLA passed on you.
Hi Mr. Dodgers Geek! This is Kate Richardson with mbaMission. I agree with John that you’re a well-rounded candidate. I’ve worked with other competitive swimmers in the past and they often share a work ethic, drive, and team spirit that I think will be very attractive to UCLA. As a former Big 4 person, I also really like that you switched from audit to transaction services. And your post-MBA goals are a logical outgrowth from your work background. Your stats are in range for UCLA too. I think with a well-executed app and some solid research/networking to show your interest in the program, you’ve got a great shot. (Btw, would put your odds at USC a bit higher, and Haas a bit lower).
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