I've just about had it with the back-office (okay, I've absolutely had it with the back office) and I'm looking to get a Msc in Finance somewhere (preferably Europe) to make the jump to the FO. Here are my stats:
B.A. in International Relations (international trade concentration), 3.5 GPA, at a top 30, tip-top international relations program, but complete non-target. GRE 680V 800Q 5.5 AWA GMAT 48V 41Q 6.0 AWA (720) Native speaker in French/English, some Spanish 2.5 years of fund accounting experience at a major custodian bank
The two biggest things going against me are probably the fact that I didn't major in a business field or econ, and that my quant score on the GMAT is weak. I might still retake the GMAT but $250 is rather steep, particularly if I screw the pooch again. A lot of programs, such as LSE or Stockholm ask for an undergrad in finance/econ. I can't go back and fix that so I'm hoping the fact that I took a decent amount of econ undergrad and have experience in financial services will help me.
What do you guys think would be a realistic list of schools to apply to? I'm thinking LSE Accounting and Finance, SSE Finance, Bocconi, perhaps MIT ans Warwick. I want to get into an S&T role with a macro-oriented product (rates, fx and maybe commodities). I'm not picky on where I would work, whether it be at a BB S&T, commodities trading house or even a prop shop. These programs are more geared to corp. fin. and IBD but there is no way I'm getting into a top-notch econ or quant finance program with my background.
Regardless of what happens, I need to quit my job by the three year mark. I've been wasting away for way too long and it's killing me. My plan is to try and trade a futures product during the Spring, which could help me during interviews while at school, or get into a prop shop if I don't get accepted anywhere.
Anybody have any suggestions?
Why don't you look into an MBA from ivy schools in the US. I know you said Europe but I think you can get into a lot of good schools here
I don't want to get an MBA quite yet ( if I ever do) because my experience blows, barring me from H/S/W and making even other M7s a long shot (plus I have only 2.5 years of experience). Can you elaborate on why you don't think I would get in?
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I would definitely retake the GMAT before it changes in a year. I only got a 790 on the Q GRE, and a 50Q on the GMAT. With an 800Q on the GRE, I don't know how you scored so low on the GMAT, but definitely retake. 770+ should be easily in your range with better math.
Probably a combination of good luck on the GRE and bad luck on the GMAT. Yeah, I was pretty shocked. What I'm wondering is if a beast GMAT would compensate for my major.
I don't know about Europe but I don't think in the US your undergrad major would hurt you. Just as long as you know basic finance. Take CFA Level 1 to put any concerns to rest.
How to spin a non-standard background for Master's of Finance? (Originally Posted: 08/07/2017)
Hi, I'm a rising UG senior getting ready to apply to Master's of Finance programs, including MIT, Oxford (MFE), LSE, and LBS (Fin. Analysis) and am looking to go into consulting and then PE down the road. However, I don't have a typical background for a MFin application...
Not looking so much for a "chance me," but I'm struggling with how to write an application for a Master's of Finance. Like I mentioned, I'm looking to go into consulting and I think this degree would help me with financial analysis, corporate dev, etc. Anything is greatly appreciated regarding essay, CV, etc!! Thanks!
yes you do sound confused for a bit. To me, it makes no sense that you're doing a MFin for consulting
try this: draft a statement that says something like the following.... I want to do MFin because I like to.... and use the same why for I want to do consulting because I like to....
Honestly man, with your background and accomplishments I don't think the MFin is necessary to get into consulting. Even though Villanova isn't a strong target I think you'll get interviews if you just apply online.
But if you really do want the MFin I really think your story writes itself. You have finance related internships and founded a venture-backed startup. You're on track when you say you want an MFin to develop technical skills such as financial modeling, etc.
Resurrecting this thread because interested to hear an update from OP.
Did you end up getting a consulting offer or opting to get an MFin first (which I don't think is necessary)?
Searching for MSc in Finance with engineering background (Originally Posted: 11/21/2012)
Hello, i am currently an undegraduate student, i am studying electrical enginnering and i am looking for a master degree in finance/quantitative finance/financial economics in europe.
The problem is that i dont have the money to pay around 20k euro or more, thay many bussiness school want, so i am looking for something cheaper.
i found some interesting programs in netherlands, sweeden, switzerland, denmark and austria, but i didnt found any in france.
-->does anyone knows a good and cheap program in france??
i heard about the cqf program in 7city learning,
-->does anyone have an opinion about this and if it worths?
thanks in advace
Whats your GMAT? St. Gallen is extremely cheap (MBF), and so is Rotterdam.
both require business courses at undergraduate level if as far as I remember
If you're looking at Scandy go either for Stockholm School of Econ or Copehagen Business School (in that order). If you go with CBS (which is free for EU citizens) I'd be prepared to learn Danish as when recruitment comes along the BBs (that visit from London) heavily favor Danish/Swedish/Norwegian speakers (as they look to place them on the Nordic desks- in S&T and IBD)... Do you speak a few languages already?
and dont do a 7city learning msc- you're basically doing an msc for recruitment and as far as i know 7city is just an educational program
i havent done gmat, thats why i cant apply for st.gallen. i will apply for rotterdam, stockholm, zurich and lausanne.
but i have no idea abou france and germany. are there any cheap programs without asking for gmat score?? i found nothing in germany but i am not sure about france.
What about IE, ESADE, HEC Paris?
they are very expensive. around 20-30k. is there something cheaper??? i dont know the educaton system very well. with grand ecoles, business schools, economic school etc
You don't need the GMAT for St. Gallen - they have their own entry test as far as I know.
yes they have their own test (in case you dont have gmat or gre score), but my problem is that i dont have time to study for these tests now. :-/
btw if somenone begins working at 26-27, is considered old for the financial section???
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