u/ApartmentNegative165

​

Hey r/FinancialCareers,

19F, final year BCom with a dual degree Data Science from India, currently interning at Carlsberg India.

Skills: SQL, Python, Power BI, Excel, Tableau.

Plan is to start in FP&A or financial/ data analytics, build a few years of experience, then pursue a US MBA or MS Finance/MFE to break into the American market — open to explore corporate finance, FP&A, strategy, investment management, PE/VC, hedge funds, or quant roles long term.

I've gone through most threads here on breaking into finance but i want to ask — specifically what does it take to be a competitive candidate for US programs and roles when you're coming from a non-target school outside the US entirely?

Questions for anyone who's hired internationally or made this transition themselves:

What did you do in the 0-7 years between your home country undergrad and your US admit that actually moved the needle — specific roles, companies, or achievements that made you competitive despite a non-target background?

MS Finance/MFin/MFE first or straight MBA — which route is more realistic for someone without a US or target-school undergrad, and what's the experience window that works best for each?

Which industries or company types built the most credible profile for US applications — Big 4, large MNCs, high-growth startups, prop trading firms, or something else?

What certifications — CFA, FRM, CPA, FMVA — actually moved the needle for your application or early US career versus ones that just looked good on paper?

For those now in corporate finance, PE/VC, hedge funds, or quant roles — did you pivot during your US program or did you need relevant experience before the admit? Also how did you build that experience up in India?

What's the one thing you wish you'd prioritized earlier that would've made the international transition faster or easier?

Not looking for generic advice — specifically interested in people who've hired international candidates or made this move themselves.

What actually works vs. what people just assume works. Thank you.

Used AI to be concise.

Tldr: Same as Title

​

Hi everyone,

I'm 19 and currently in my final year of a BCom (Hons) with a dual degree of data science in India. My long-term goal is to build an international career in finance, analytics, data, strategy, or consulting, and I'm trying to make decisions now that will best position me for that.

---

my_qualifications:

19 years old

Final-year BCom (Hons) student with a Data Science specialization in India

Currently interning at Carlsberg India

Planning to start my career in finance/data analytics after graduation

Current skills: Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, and Tableau

Interested in FP&A, corporate finance, strategy, consulting, and business analytics

Long-term goal: Build an international career and eventually pursue an MBA abroad

---

After graduation, I plan to start in a finance or data analyst role while continuing to build my skills in analytics/ data and finance.

The biggest decision I'm struggling with is my MBA path.

Option 1: Work for about 2-3 years, do an MBA in India (IIM/ISB if possible), work again, and later pursue an MBA abroad.

Option 2: Skip the Indian MBA, work for 5–7 years, build a strong profile (possibly including the CFA), and apply directly to a top MBA abroad.

I'm hoping to understand which path makes more sense if my end goal is studying and working abroad.

Some questions I have:

- Is doing both an Indian MBA and an MBA abroad worth it, or is it generally considered unnecessary?

- Would an Indian MBA strengthen my application to top global MBA programs, or is high-quality work experience far more important?

- If you were in my position, would you invest the time and money into one MBA abroad instead of two MBAs?

- Does the CFA meaningfully strengthen an application or career in finance/analytics for someone aiming to work internationally?

I'm also curious about career progression. If I start as a data or financial analyst, what paths typically lead to international opportunities? Are there particular industries, skills, or experiences that make candidates more competitive for both top MBA programs and global employers?

If you were 19 again with my goals, what roadmap would you follow?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's studied abroad, applied to top MBA programs, or built an international career after starting in India. Thanks!

Used gpt to clean up my ideas ><

Tldr: Same as Title