Need some advice - Entering my 3rd year at an Ivy

I am technically going to be entering my 3rd year at an Ivy and I am faced with a choice to make:

I can graduate early with a degree in Applied Math or I can spend the extra year in school and finish up a M.S. degree. What would be the best path to take given these options?

I don't have finance experience as I didn't participate in an SA program, however, I had interviews last year. Would I be considered a senior if I decided to graduate early? How would this affect my chances of getting an SA position and subsequently a FT offer next year?

Thanks!

5 Comments
 
Best Response

This is coming from someone who is a SA and still in school, so take it for what it's worth. I'd be interested in hearing the opinions of those currently in the industry.

If I were you, I'd stay that extra year. I'm assuming the M.S. degree is in a quantitative field (correct me if I'm wrong) and it'll be something that you will enjoy pursuing that extra year.

Staying in school that additional period should allow you to pursue SA opportunities this upcoming summer. Getting that experience is extremely important when trying to get into the industry. I'm in a similar position in that by this time next year I'll have a Bachelor's and Master's degree. I will warn you that you will have to explain your reasoning behind the path you chose to your recruiters. As I'm sure you know, the way banks recruit is very structured. Breaking in at the analyst level with a Master's degree might prove to be difficult, but can be done.

Furthermore, the economy (and job prospects) might be better 2 years out than it will be for those participating in FT recruitment this Fall/Winter. Above all, you'll be school for another year with your friends and, relatively speaking, very little responsibilities...not a horrible situation to be in.

 

If I were you I'd stay the extra year, get your MS, get an SA stint, and come out as an analyst at a HF (which you should be able to pull with your MS in Applied Math.

Maybe that's because I'm an IB analyst and being a HF analyst sounds better to me right about now. If you're really intent on being an IB analyst then I don't think the MS is going to help you too much with your job prospects.

 

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