FT TMT (Mid-Market) vs Cambridge MPhil Finance

Hi everyone.

I have a FT offer for a boutique similar to Torch Partners (dont want to name firm specifically but generally very similar in terms of EV and brand-recognition) working in TMT/Software which I have accepted.

Long term goal is an MBA in the States so want to spend the years in between with more responsibility at a small-ish boutique (which my offer would provide).

On the other hand, received an offer for Cambridge’s MPhil Finance. Got into a few other schools which I turned down (LBS, Imperial, LSE) because I didn’t really see the ROI given I have an offer on the table which has a decent track record for lateral opportunities upstream. Cambridge was always my dream growing up and the brand name would stick for the rest of my career, but at this stage I’ve detached a lot from the prospect of continuing academia and just want to start working.

Any thoughts or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Went to MFE oxford. Not exactly similar situation but here are my 2 cents:

  1. i don't see why you would get MBA after MPhil. just like you have mentioned, the ROI in a lot of the master programs have been pretty low. I can only imagine the ROI for mba to be lower (more expensive, no significant better exit). The majority of people in my program wouldn't do another MBA after MFE as most of us think that is just redundant.
    unless your end goal is to work in the US so that can be a good pivot.
  2. I don't think how MPhil would place you significantly better than what you have right now given the shitty job market.
  3. You have also mentioned that you don't want to pursue academia and just want to start working so I think instead of being painful and miserable might as well start early.

Overall, my advice is start at your boutique, lateral to BB/EB with more well-known name (i would assume it shouldn't be that hard for you to lateral if it is on par with torch) and the decide. Once you are there, the bigger platform can also help with your recruitment for MBA given bigger brand name.

 

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