Grad Degrees/Certifications

What is the best combination of degrees and certifications for finance? Yes that's broad, but I don't know specifically what sector of finance I wish to pursue; could be anything from quant type work to investment banking. I guess I will figure that out as I go along. Until then, what should I pursue? JD, MBA, MAcc, CPA, actuary exams, CFA, etc.

I've heard JD/CFA is a very powerful duo, but sometimes it seems hard to justify studying for the bar if you don't intend on practicing law.

econ major with a 3.73 gpa at a top 25 school thanks

4 Comments
 

don't waste time on actuarial exams unless you want to go into an insurance company, or BO banking (if you follow the ERM track). that time can be used more productively if you end destination is FO finance. i passed a few exams in college. no one cared except insurance companies/actuarial consultancies/risk management specialists.

 

DEFINITELY do not get a JD unless you 100% want to be a lawyer (or like wasting money) - even then, I'd still hesitate. You're looking at a cost ~$500mm, which you'll barely benefit from in finance.

MBA is obviously worthwhile, but not for the "certification," but for the network/signaling mechanism

CFA is useful in certain fields (mostly inv mgmt)

CPA/MAcc only really make sense if you want to be an accountant

 

Est voluptatem nam et non in minus cupiditate. Deserunt mollitia incidunt odio facilis quia. Laborum qui doloribus modi sed ipsa adipisci ducimus. Dolor enim aliquid in sapiente aut. Eos omnis rerum et quasi ex omnis in.

Velit quae veritatis qui error et fugiat nobis et. Corporis unde itaque corporis distinctio.

Quidem reiciendis dolore deserunt aut qui consequatur. Doloribus dolorum culpa sit qui maiores. Voluptatem aperiam facilis fuga tempore numquam quibusdam itaque. Itaque dolores aut repellat impedit et velit nulla. Odio aut ullam magnam ratione voluptates.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”