Masters of Finance or Financial engineering?

I was wondering in peoples opinion if a Masters of Financial engineering limits you to a quantitative roll in finance or could you still have one and work as something other than a quant? In terms of how they are regarded, which one comes out on top? I am looking to work in the front office and have a bachelors in engineering. Wondering if the next step is a Masters of Finance or Financial engineering/maths.

19 Comments
 

Ideally I would want a front office role similar to M&A as you stated. Would having a MFE in that case work against me? Or would it show I have a deeper quantitative understanding etc. Would an MSF be a good way to bridge the gap from engineering to finance? Id do an MBA but later down the line.

 

You're still wrong. MSF - for people (generally without finance background) to rebrand. MFE - for people with background in Math/Engineering/CS to learning how these disciplines apply in a finance setting.

MSF can end up in IBD. MFE can end up in risk mgmt, actuarial, quant positions.

MSF, only broad finance coverage (corp. fin, and little about bonds/stocks) MFE mathmatical applications of finance (i.e. derivative pricing), finance related programming, and usually no corp. fin. (focus of risk, and derivative pricing)

If you weren't a STEM major, you probably won't get into a top MFE.

I'll do what I can to help ya'll. But, the game's out there, and it's play or get played.
 

My understanding is that an MFE is way the fuck harder. If you aren't 99.5th percentile in quantitative ability don't bother with an MFE.

 
PetEngMy understanding is that an MFE is way the fuck harder. If you aren't 99.5th percentile in quantitative ability don't bother with an MFE.

Well, I am an aerospace engineer. I am trying to break into IB, so far no luck. I have done corporate finance, valuation, and financial modeling. I am not quite sure which I should pursue, in case if I cant make it into IB.

Having analyzed this employment information, if somone has MFE, they can break in as an Associate.

https://www.quantnet.com/threads/baruch-mfe-employment-statistics-for-d…

what do you guys think. Thank you

It's not about the money. It's about the game between people.
 
PetEngMy understanding is that an MFE is way the fuck harder. If you aren't 99.5th percentile in quantitative ability don't bother with an MFE.

yea ok, please stfu

 
blastoise
PetEngMy understanding is that an MFE is way the fuck harder. If you aren't 99.5th percentile in quantitative ability don't bother with an MFE.

yea ok, please stfu

Nah, I'm good.
 

MFE (generally) won't get you to IBD. MFEs learn programming and math... So while an MFE may be a better fit based on your background, it won't put you into front office (as seen be the Baruch program placement stats).

Also, most MFEs will only do model validation... not creating models (that is for PhDs).

I'll do what I can to help ya'll. But, the game's out there, and it's play or get played.
 
Best Response

MSF = Corporate finance focus.

MFE = Financial Engineering

MFE programs involve much more math than you would find in an undergrad finance major. People going into MFE programs tend to have engineering, math, physics, etc. You learn computer programing and mathematical modeling. Job roles tend to be in similar fields.

Now, could you use an MFE to break into banking? I suppose you could. But you will not be using anything you learned in an investment banking role. Your story will also have to overcome this. Not impossible, but easier ways to achieve your goal.

I'd say if you don't want to do an MSF, find a top university and do an econ degree or something business related. You will be leveraging the brand, not necessarily what you learn.

 

1) Where do you want to work geographically?

2) Are you focused on just one career or willing to look at others?

3) Are you looking for a cohort or do you want flexibility?

4) When do you want to start the program?

These are some questions you should ask yourself. You should also decide which campus you like the best and which program feels more comfortable to you.

 
TNA1) Where do you want to work geographically?

2) Are you focused on just one career or willing to look at others?

3) Are you looking for a cohort or do you want flexibility?

4) When do you want to start the program?

These are some questions you should ask yourself. You should also decide which campus you like the best and which program feels more comfortable to you.

Thank you TNA for your reply.

1) Wherever major or more deals flow through- I think NY or London.

2) Financial market and its fierce competition excites me more than my current career ( engineer)

3) I think, flexibility is always good.

4) As soon as possible.

As I said earlier, I have been trying to break into IB, haven't made it yet. I have decided to do possibly 1 yr MSF program from target school.

Thanx again.

It's not about the money. It's about the game between people.
 

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It's not about the money. It's about the game between people.

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