INSEAD Executive MS Finance

All, 

I'm currently working as an associate for a IB boutique focused on Energy. My background is as a CEO, having sold a PE backed company for a 4-handle. I went to a top 30 MBA Program and graduated top 20% of my class and went to a non-target liberal arts school. I am taking the CFA L1 in February and plan to try to work through that program in it's entirety. 

I'm curious how a program such as INSEAD's Executive MS in Finance would be viewed as an addition to my resume. Here's the link- thanks in advance!  I work with a bunch of top B-School kids so always trying to differentiate myself, especially if I choose to jump to another bank at some point. Thanks 

https://www.insead.edu/master-programmes/executiv…

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

It really depends on why you're doing this degree, as your work experience is probably more than enough to differentiate you. 

I get the issue about going to a T30 MBA, you don't have the brand or network your M7-T15 peers have. INSEAD in theory will fill both gaps.

But would going to INSEAD give you a legs up in your next recruiting process? It shouldn't matter much at this point.    

If you're consistently unhappy you went to a T30 MBA and want a branded business degree and b-school network, INSEAD will fill this gap. It's more about how you feel about your educational background. Keep in mind the INSEAD network is going to be strongest in Europe, outside of Europe you may want to consider EMBA alternatives that offer the same brand impact but stronger and more localized networks.

Another route I strongly suggest exploring is going for a non-finance part time degree that gives you an edge in energy/related industry. You'll get the brand impact from a better school, but will also get a different skillset. Having 2 grad finance degrees may come off as a bit repetitive, but having an MBA and an MSE type degree from a top school (i.e. Stanford or MIT - which have flexible programs) may not. 

The CFA will get you a nice 'smart stamp' on your CV, but it's value outside of the buy side is questionable and its a huge time commitment. 

Good luck!

 

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for an UNBELIEVABLY insightful and well thought out post on your end. It's like we've met based on this. Yes, it's definitely an sore spot for me that I went to a "good" but "not great b-school" and a non-target UG. 

Honestly, the CFA is more "for me" and is skill set building. 

Will look into the MSE- that's a good idea. 

Thank you again! 

 

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