Are MSFs worth it?
Hi everyone. Thanks for your help so far
I graduated with a major in liberal arts and I’m having trouble finding finance jobs. I went to a nontarget (Big 10 state school) and graduated with a 3.5 GPA.
The application cycle has started for MSF programs and wanted to get your opinion on whether MSFs are worth it? My goal is IB then hopefully the buyside so ideally I’ll like to get into as an analyst. So I’m considering getting some finance experience then apply to a T16 MBA program.
What are your thoughts?
If you get an MBA prior to entering IB you will not really have any worthwhile buyside exits
Thanks for pointing that out
I've seen this mentioned before -- why is that? Logically I'd imagine a PE shop, large asset manager, or hedge fund would want someone with more experience, right?
They want young people with IB experience, not an MBA
Only if IB
From what I know, MSF's are helpful if you've already got a competitive background (top GPA/GMAT, relevant experience and so on), since they give you a better brand name & another chance at recruiting.
No. If you have no IB experience on your resume, an additional degree is not going to make a difference for FT recruiting. If you struck out during FT recruiting, an MSF is a very expensive way for an other shot. I would save the money and start applying to boutiques.
How likely can one move from CF/ ER/ RE/ Valuations/ TAS / AM directly to IB without needing an MSF or MBA?
You can easily move from those groups.
Whether you can get in without doing the MSF is the bigger issue. If you can get in without the degree, do it.
It depends on what you have on the table after undergrad and what your goals are. Will say that just because of the way IB recruiting works (Junior SA -- senior year -- full time usually at the place you did SA) it is difficult to get in out of an MSF (Vanderbilt/ MIT are probably exceptions here). Other finance careers that can lead to FT IB (CF/ ER/ RE/ Valuations/ TAS etc.) are more attainable.
The answer is “it depends”. If you have zero experience and a limited network from UG, the degree can have a lot of worth. It ultimately comes down to what you do with it and how you capitalize on it.
Expecting IB from an MSF with no relevant internships or experience is a bridge too far. You can definitely set yourself up with a good first step job and move closer to your goal, but go into the degree with an open mind.
I’ve seen MSFs succeed and fail. Honestly, the difference is preparation and networking. Also, having a concrete plan and how you’ll achieve that plan is important.
If you can't find a job and you're interested in finance then yes, the MSF is for you. This is the function of the program/degree - to help the helpless. Crush the GMAT, get into a top program and you'll have approximately a 35% chance of IB success. There are other, more roundabout avenues available if you strikeout in IB (TAS/Bval/AM, etc.).
Take the gmat and see what you get. If you don't get into Princeton, MIT, Vandy, or WUSTL you won't break into IB and will probably get a job paying around 60K a year that is about as cool as taking a shower with your dad. Keep in mind MSF coursework is hard as shit and you have a bad gpa in a liberal arts major from an easy school. Honestly, 90% of people should abandon the finance career track. If you dont get one of a few highly competitive jobs you will live a miserable life making shit money. High finance is basically a way to work the pussy ass nerds like slaves and give them a decent enough salary to possibly attract a female with their car. If you're a likeable guy thats just kind of smart go into sales or something.
So I'm assuming you don't currently work on the Street. You should get off this forum and let the knowledgeable ones guide this lad. FYI, if you think MSF coursework is hard, I seriously doubt if you will ever land a gig with a firm. Peace out!
The MSF curriculum is very hard at legitimate schools. It's effectively a PhD lite. I had to take courses with DBA's. 2nd year MBA's with finance concentrations take entry level MSF courses. Lots of math, some programming, statistics, etc.
Spot on +1 SB
If IB is your goal then you're better of with an MBA
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