Should I stay or should I go?

[wpc2d]

I have a small dilemma. I can't decide whether I should stay at my job or leave. My main goal is to get into a top 5 school, but I don't know what path to take. I understand that there is no set path for getting into b-school, but I just want to make sure I don't make a mistake.

Right now I'm working for a top ibank, doing corporate finance. I've been working here for 2 years now as an analyst. I'm pretty sure that I will be promoted to an associate sometime next year based on the responsibilities given to me. Overall, my superiors have been happy with my work, but personally I'm uninspired.

Eventually, I want to go into media and entertainment -- maybe business development. I had a media/finance internship my senior year of college. I've tried looking for jobs in M&E, but as expected, those jobs are unadvertised and usually require an MBA on the business side. The only jobs in M&E that seem to be available are creative assistants or internal accounting positions, which seem unchallenging and a major step down in responsibility and experience.

I want to go back to school in 1-2 years, which means I'll have to start applying this fall or next year. I know that people like me are a dime a dozen so competition will be fierce. A few people have told me to follow my heart, but I'm not sure working in as an assistant for one year is a good idea, esp. since I'm gaining quality experience where I am. On one hand, I'm on good terms with my co-workers and the longer I stay here, the harder it's going to be to do a good job. On the other hand, a promotion will help establish my leadership skills (being paired up with younger analysts) and my career growth. Furthermore, I don't want to be pegged as one of those finance guru's who are pushed out after 2-3 years as an analyst. Basically I want to be as marketable as possible and can't decide to 1) stay and apply after 1 year, 2) find a new job and apply in 1 year, or 3) just apply this fall.

[GMATbong]

Applying top-5 schools will be a time consuming process. The uninspiring and/or boring job will be a big motivator for you. If your new job is too busy and more fun, then you will drag on applying. Also, keep in mind that top 5 doesn't really help in M&E. Location of the school matters more. More ppl from UCLA and USC get into M&E than say, Kellogg or Stanford.

[BOC]

wpc2d,

Mind if I ask your profile? I'm doing M&E too, so its interesting to get a grasp of who else is into it!

[khushi2020]

Don't stay in a job where you feel uninspired unless you have unavoidable financial obligations or visa issues. You are wasting precious time of your life. Apply for a school this Fall and take recommendations from your current company. Then quit. This is what I would do.