Is LBS MFA worth it for a new grad?
Hello,
I am a recent grad and I don't have any IB internship. I saw the LBS MFA program is targeted towards people with 0-2 years of work experience. If I somehow get accepted, will it help me secure a SA internship at any investment bank? If I network well with alumni and prep well for technicals, behaviourals and so on? I want to fully dedicate myself in the IB recruiting process as I decided that I'll only go for an Investment Banking M&A career. Do you think it is worth it without any prior IB internship?
The LBS MFA program is indeed designed for individuals with 0-2 years of work experience, making it a strong option for recent graduates like yourself who are targeting a career in Investment Banking (IB). Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s why it could be worth it for you:
Placement Opportunities: LBS MFA has a solid track record of placing graduates into top-tier investment banks, including M&A roles. Alumni from the program have successfully secured positions at firms like Rothschild, Eastdil, and various bulge brackets (BBs). The program is well-regarded by recruiters, especially in London, and is known to attract strong candidates.
Networking: The LBS alumni network is extensive and active in the finance industry. If you leverage this network effectively, it can significantly boost your chances of landing a Summer Analyst (SA) internship. Networking with alumni, attending events, and building relationships with professionals in the field will be crucial.
Career Services: While some candidates may not rely heavily on career services, the LBS MFA program offers robust support, including CV reviews, mock interviews, and access to job postings. These resources can help you prepare for the IB recruiting process.
Recruiter Perception: Many IB recruiters value candidates from strong Master’s programs like LBS MFA, especially for SA roles. The program’s reputation and rigorous curriculum can help offset the lack of prior IB internship experience, provided you demonstrate strong technical and behavioral preparation.
Your Dedication: If you are fully committed to the IB recruiting process and are willing to dedicate time to networking, technical prep, and behavioral interview practice, the LBS MFA can serve as a strong platform to achieve your goals.
In summary, the LBS MFA is worth considering if you are determined to break into IB and are ready to put in the effort to maximize the program’s resources and opportunities. It can help bridge the gap in your profile and position you for success in the competitive IB recruiting process.
Sources: Miserable in consulting, how to improve situation?, 34 year old day trader to investment banker, MSF Class of 2018, European Masters Rankings
LBS values work experience when applying. Might be wise to get exp before you apply.
you may get into the MFA but people perform best out of it when they have already have some internship experience
How does it place for people with good experience?
Have heard very mixed opinions
out of all masters, it is probably second (if you do not speak a european language)
if you do speak a european language then it might be better to go to your home country (bocconi if you speak italian) but i still think that after HEC this is the best
not counting Oxford here as it is in a completely different tier
Thanks - I am a non-eu intl. Speak only English unfortunately.
Why is oxford a different tier?
I am mainly considering hec / lbs, but do prefer London. However, if hec placements are materially better, I would consider it too.
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