Part-Time LSE Master of Finance - is it viewed the same as Full-Time?
Have an open offer to join a new & small GE/VC fund in London post graduation and will be applying to target Msc Finance programs post graduation (LSE/Imperial/LBS etc), am weighing the idea of doing LSE's Master of Finance Part-Time program while working FT at this fund.
Interned there and hours are very reasonable for analysts (sub 60, closer to 45) and love the team. Idea would be, I work while doing the PT 21 month program and while applying to SA/OC apps at BB/EB/MF PE etc and I can subsequently choose wether to leave my position to pursue them or not. This all while 'paying' for my degree along the way via a half-decent base + bonus i'm making at the fund.
My question is, do I have to disclose on apps that it is indeed a part-time vs. full-time program and is it viewed any differently compared to the traditional Msc Finance? This FT work + part-time study option seems attractive as I'll graduate with little/no debt and have a safety net where I can have some optionality if recruiting goes awry.
Would love to hear some thoughts!
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The only question is how does it show up on your transcript? Does it just show up as MSc Finance or does it show up as a part-time program?
I am currently in the middle of a part-time degree in engineering at Hopkins. It shows up on the transcript as M.S. engineering. So I just frame this as a Hopkins engineering degree. I don't say that it is 1 online class a semester for ~4 years. It is just an engineering degree on my resume. It is just an engineering degree in conversations.
Thanks for the insight - not sure if LSE is similar but I would think so. Glad to hear it doesn’t come up in interviews/not on transcript
To be clear, it does sometimes come up in interviews because my graduation date makes it clearly not a 1-2 year program (which is what most business-related masters degrees are so they tend to notice) and I am currently working. It doesn't always come up, but it tends to be something we talk about.
Just I explain it the following way. Broad strokes, I will be asked how I am working and doing school at the same time. My response is something like "I am working full time in corp dev. This program is specifically designed for professionals like myself who have careers. This is part of why my expected graduation date is a little further out into the future. I am not taking the full 5 classes/15 credit hours per semester like a normal program. I am getting this degree because [insert justifications]."
Unless your transcript is going to show part-time, or some similar label, there is absolutely no need to use such a label in your resume or in how you talk about it. That doesn't mean you pretend you are taking a full courseload. You just don't draw attention to the fact that it is a part-time program. You focus on the school and the subject matter.
I’m Currently on a part time Mfin program in the UK as well and it doesn’t say that it’s part time on your degree so generally it’s viewed the same. You’ll still be fine when it comes to recruiting, keep in mind masters outside the UK are often 24 months anyways so it isn’t like the dates look weird either.
Right thanks for this. Is your program a similar structure to LSE’s, being evening and weekend classes? How have you enjoyed it
What program are you in?
Replying to both, I’m at Cass so not as good as LSE, but again I think you should be fine honestly it’s not viewed any differently.
I will say it gets somewhat difficult to balance especially when you’re exhausted after work, or want to go out on the weekend but have to stay in to study. My classes are every friday so I usually miss them and watch a recording then catch up over the weekend. I’ve found the content very useful since I had a different background so was great to consolidate my knowledge and learn more about other areas of finance.
I’d also mention it to your employer even if they aren’t willing to sponsor I’ve found they give me more flexibility in terms of wfh & holidays.
Overall, as long as you think you have the time to keep up with the content I highly recommend it especially if you’re looking to move somewhere else. Happy to drop you a PM or connect over linkedin to have a more thorough conversation.
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Once you have it it doesn't make any difference. If anything being able to do your Masters while working full time shows you can grind.
Mine was part time and I'd think I've had less than half a dozen conversations about the fact in the last decade.
Thanks for this, are you based in Europe or the US?
North America based but my Masters was in the UK.
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