Doing an MSc in Finance after 1-3 years of IB?
Currently in last year of undergrad and returning to a top bank in Canada as an IBD analyst (Ie. RBC/BMO/TD). Working in the UK has been a goal for me so i'm considering doing a masters. Im aware that these are usually done right after undergrad in the UK (with few exceptions such as LSE), but I am planning on working after graduating, as well as taking the GMAT before starting work (gpa is average/low-average)
My current options seem to be
1) Internally transfer to London office as Associate
Pros:
- Dont need to rerecruit
- option to return to Canada easily
- team would know me (assuming I work with/network with them)
- option to rerecruit once in UK(?)
Cons:
- Not the same status in UK
- Smaller deals
- Potentially stall career?
2) MSc After 1 Year
Pros:
- Build UK network and have social circle in place before starting work
- Easier to recruit in school than working, think I'd get into a top school since I have work exp. and GMAT (most dont require)
- Options to explore other options in finance outside of banking
- Would help with MBA admissions later on if I get high GPA
Cons:
- Opportunity cost of taking a year off work to go to school
- Delaying career progression by 1-2 years
- Concerns on if this would harm me? Coming from a business undergrad --> IB --> Finance MSc, I probably wouldn't learn too much unless I get a specialized degree, which would probably take me away from the IB world.
3) MSc / MBA after 3-5 years
- I would probably be an senior / experienced associate by now so would only make sense as a switch out of finance
Would appreciate help, guidance, or thoughts, I dont have a group who's familiar with the UK banking / education space so anything would be helpful
As someone who is also considering doing a masters in London, I would opt in for the second approach. Can't speak from career progression POV but building your social circle and networking first can go a long way. If i understood correctly option two includes working for a year which is also nice since it makes you more competitive when you start recruiting in London. If financing the degree isn't an issue I would go with that. Doubt 1-2 year delay will hinder your career long term.
Ofc take my words with a grain of salt since I am not speaking from extensive experience - just a guy in similar position. Good luck.
I would just ask them to transfer you after you earn your stripes in Canada. The MSc is risky and only works if you slap it on right after undergrad.
Only right after undergrad? I thought more experience gives you an edge in London? Is msc not simply to give the desired specific graduation year?
I don’t know about London but my premise is you use school to get a job and you already have a great job with mobility. Just use your job to move you to London on the L1 transfer. It’s way easier to stay there.
bump, im also in the same position. Returning FT in the M&A group at RBC/BMO/TD. I wanted to recruit for the U.S., but wasn’t able to do so and am now considering getting a masters after doing my 2 years as an analyst here and then recruiting for US roles. Did consider lateral but that isn’t an option for me since I’m not a Canadian citizen.
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