Thoughts on second undergraduate degree

Recently graduated with a law degree (UK) and done several corporate law internships . Now seriously considering IB to open a career in finance and business for myself. Thinking of going for a BSc in a finance related subject. The goal would be to land FO IB role.

Would give me time to gain experience - I would go crazy applying from my first year, built network and join finance societies etc.

Also, it is cheaper than MSc and I would have more time to apply and learn about the industry.

What are people's thoughts? Has it been done before?

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I have no idea if it's been done, but you'd only put yourself further behind by doing an additional 3/4 years. I can't say for sure... but I imagine there would be questions as to why you decided that law wasn't for you after completing your degree and several internships. Whether or not this would hold you back in recruiting is another question worth speaking to recruiters / HR departments about.

You also have to ask yourself if you want to be a mature student with 18-year-old freshers and whether you'd want to start as an analyst at (I assume) 24/25. The latter is less of an issue but still worth thinking about.

Remember, it's a daunting task to land a FO IB role, and many try and fail. If you can get into a target, then it's not a bad idea. However, if I were you, I would do a master's at a target uni instead. It may cost marginally more, but it also saves you 2 years where you will easily earn enough (and more) to cover this short-term hit. Let's think about the worst-case scenario. You don't end up landing a role in both instances; clearly, you're in a better position having just done the one extra year of a master's and the ability to quickly apply to off-cycles or pursue a career in law without having to complete another year of an undergraduate degree. I can't be for sure, but I imagine this case would also help your law applications for those firms who specialise in PE/ IB etc?

Just my 2 cents... I hope this is of some help.

 

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