Masters in Finance / MFE as a way to kickstart career
(Chimp, 5
Points)
on 5/14/12 at 4:45pm
I am a corporate banker (6+ work experience). Have worked with a few big name banks, but recently quit because I was bored and my career seems to have been derailed.
I am looking at getting into IB / Asset Management - of course, into the top firms (who doesnt?). I already hold a management diploma (it s the equivalent of an MBA). Being from an Asian college, it doesnt have the cachet of a US / UK school, but is still well regarded.
Would a Masters in Finance or MFE help me move my career along? Or am I chasing a pipe dream?







Can't speak to an MFin, but I
Can't speak to an MFin, but I can tell you that a MFE won't help much with IB. S&T, definitely, and it can't hurt with AM/HF (quant ones in particular).
With that said, for an MFE, you will need a certain background in math/statistics to be able to get in and do well in the program. If you post some academic stats and list some math/stats coursework, I can give you an idea of what schools you're competitive for.
-MBP
^sorry just to clarify. so
^sorry just to clarify. so MFin/MSF = good for S&T?
nubsauce: ^sorry just to
^sorry just to clarify. so MFin/MSF = good for S&T?
MFEs can help with getting into S&T. Not sure about MFin. The Princeton MFin is really just a MFE.
-MBP
I would suggest going for
I would suggest going for either an MBA or MFE. An MBA would strongly position you for the more people oriented roles found in AM/IB/PE/Consulting/F100. An MFE would position you the quant side S&T/RiskMGT/QuantAM.
In my opinion, an MSF is more of a middle ground between MBA and MFE and doesn't strongly position you in either. MSFs focus on hard-core finance/statistics while not getting into the leadership oriented parts of an MBA or the Stochastic Math/programming skill sets of an MFE.
At your stage in the game, you really should chose one path or another rather than a muddled path to send a strong brand message about your skill set and aspirations. Also, I don't think completing a top 10 US MBA program would be a step backwards because it will give you the opportunity to realign your career.
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xatanic666, a MSF can
xatanic666, a MSF can definitely help you break into banking at the analyst level, but with 6+ years of experience I think that you have too much experience for an MSF, and you'll be way overqualified for any recruiting opportunities out of the MSF program. At this point in your career the MBA would suit you better than a MSF would if you wish to rebrand yourself and transition into banking or asset management. Do your best to crush the GMAT and get into a top MBA program.