Masters
I have got two offers for MSc Banking and International Finance and MSc International Accounting and Finance from Bayes.
I have a 2:1 from a non-target university in Renewable Energy and 3 and a half years work experience as a Sustainability Consultant in London.
I am looking to transition into finance, specifically investment banking.
Should I accept the offer or should I try applying elsewhere?
Many thanks.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) is a respected institution, particularly in the UK, with a strong reputation for finance-related programs. However, transitioning into investment banking from a non-target undergraduate background and a non-finance work experience can be challenging. Here are some key considerations to help you decide:
1. Program Selection:
2. Bayes Placement Strength:
3. Your Background:
4. Alternative Applications:
5. Networking and Internships:
Recommendation:
If you are confident in your ability to excel at Bayes and leverage its resources effectively, accepting the offer for the MSc Banking and International Finance could be a good step toward your goal. However, if you have the time and resources to apply to more prestigious programs, it might be worth exploring those options to maximize your chances of breaking into investment banking.
Sources: MSF Class of 2018, How to make it into Investment Banking, the South African perspective, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Should I accept this offer for 2021 SA?, Q&A - top 10 MBA vs MSF vs MMS
Nah I'd apply next year to better programs
Bayes at masters level should only be treated as an insurance (imo). It's not bad, but it's not one of the main-target programs. It's a high semi at masters, however none of those programs are the main flagship ones. Looking at employment reports you should've aimed for MSC finance as that has the strongest pipeline.
The main "targets" at masters level are LBS, Oxford, LSE, and Imperial. From there, you have uni's like Bayes. Wouldn't recommend UCL (know barely anyone in industry who recruited from a masters there), Warwick, is also another option but you want to ideally be within London. Rest of the uni's are rather irrelevant for high-finance recruiting specifically.
With 3.5 years of WOE, why aren't you applying for MBAs? Most of the students in these programs would be within 21-24 years of age.
Thanks for your comment. I thought UCL was a strong semi target.
I’m not applying to MBAs as I don’t have any financial experience and I don’t think London recruits much from MBA graduates.
In terms of age, I know many people older than 24 doing a masters, so I’m not sure how that affects anything?
Hi mate,
I’m assuming you haven’t actually taken time out to look at the programs then? Most have a maximum of 2 years WOE as they’re viewed as pre-experience masters. That automatically disqualifies some schools.
Age isn’t the issue, the 3.5 years is.
Would really appreciate suggestion for myself, I did a UCL stem BSc with relevant internships aiming for S&T. Do I go for Bayes or Warwick both MSc Finance? Thanks!
I'd probably recommend Bayes, if you have internship exp it helps a lot already
Aim for target schools only at master level. Bayes is low semi. In UK LSE, LBS, Oxbridge, Imperial otherwise go to EU targets that place well in the UK (hec, Bocconi, Escp, St gall....etc).
Non target programs at target schools are also good, if you can't get into the MiM/MiFs. You will have higher chances at getting screened
Thanks for your comment, would you suggest applying to UCL?
Aut est aut tenetur deleniti nesciunt dolor. Aut doloribus qui aut quae. Animi id deserunt voluptatem ut. Sunt ut non fugiat repellendus voluptatem hic.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...