Vandy MSF
Hi everyone,
I graduated in May and I’m thinking of doing an MSF at Vanderbilt - looking to place into IB but would be open to anything FO. I come from a super non-target where it was a struggle to even get internships let alone at FT offer. I ended up interning in Corp Dev at a manufacturing company and then got a job in the finance function at a BB (treasury, accounting, reporting). I feel that I’m not stimulated intellectually (esp compared to my internship and being able to see live deals) and would be able to go into it with no debt except the future MSF cost (had scholarship for soccer and went to a cheaper state school). I suppose I’m asking if it is even worth taking this risk while I am fresh out of college in my first job.
I'd say its worth it, Vandy has a great MSF program and they place well into banking.
Second this, went to a competing school for an MSF. Vandy placed better even during the shitty job market last October
could you please share which msf you did? I've gotten into a handful of programs and am weighing them. feel free to send me a message
I have friends who have placed exceptionally well from the Vandy MSF; even internationals placed into IB last year which, given the market and political context, is really impressive. I have heard that it’s still a grind compared to undergrad but if you’re hungry you’ll get something. I was considering an MSF and applied to a few last year, I got the overall impression that Vandy was the only one that was worth it from an ROI and opportunity cost perspective. Scholarships are also generous if that’s a factor for you.
Why not do the MBA route? expensive but will pay for itself over time if you get into a top 10 program at least
Time to be honest. I know patience is a virtue but I can’t see myself in my current role for 3+ years. I also find myself in that sweet spot age where an MSF can work and I wouldn’t go into analyst role too old. Obviously the MBA would pay itself off with a good associate placement but in of itself it’s a lot more expensive, esp factoring in opportunity costs at that point
Time to be honest. I know patience is a virtue but I can’t see myself in my current role for 3+ years. I also find myself in that sweet spot age where an MSF can work and I wouldn’t go into analyst role too old. Obviously the MBA would pay itself off with a good associate placement but in of itself it’s a lot more expensive, esp factoring in opportunity costs at that point
He's too young for an MBA assuming he just finished his UG. I don't think many programs will give him looks especially not without a few years of work expereince post grad. Even if they do and he managed to get T10, banks also take age into consideration when handing out FT offers and very unlikely theyll make someone whos young an associate even with an MBA. Take the MSF. Makes much more sense
I mean no offense, but how did this get 88 SBs?
Yeah wtf
I did it and landed at a EB some time ago. If you’re fully on top of your recruiting and networking grind you’ll place a job in ~2 months and party for the next 8. Find a good group though, it’s a bit cliquey. Not sure why this post got so much attention
Did you apply for FT or SA position? Wanting to do Vandy MSF but unsure of how it'll work out since it's a 10 month program.
you mean the group of students is cliquey? could you give more detail/examples please? they'll send me a decision soon, and a helpful & tight-knit network is important to me. I thought the cohort was only like 70 people.
was thinking about applying to the program as well, from everything i have read its legit and worth it.
What about Georgetown’s MSF? I recently got accepted and falls better with recruitment as you have the option to do a 2 year program? Anyone have any thoughts? Personally know people who got into solid MM’s
Vandy Undergrad here - MSF usually places in random T3 cities. better off rolling with that job, waiting 2 years and doing an MBA not really worth unless you're unemployed rn. just study for gmat for a long time
fair amount yes, but also decent amount in NYC and even west coast cities if you’re motivated
I can't pm you for some reason. Would I be able to ask about your process and how you utilized the program?
How do Canadians place? I’m worried that if I go I won’t be able to get a position with the TN visa at a smaller boutique/regional shop
I live in Nashville, DM me if you want any insider info on the town itself.
Current Vandy MSF here - Especially if you are hoping to land a FO role at a major bank, I would hold on and wait for an MBA. Don't get me wrong, the instruction is great and the program is built to support you the best it can but firms just want undergrads at the analyst level. Getting a desirable role is far more dependent on the network you have than any MSF program you might join. Students in the program have landed the types of roles you are probably hoping for but outside of a few it was because of the work they put in outside of the program, not their membership in it.
I'm a female considering applying... is there any reason that Vanderbilt's MSF only has a 20% acceptance rate for women? I love the school and was excited about applying but this stat really turned me off... Is there sexism there since its a southern school?
Hey! Totally get where you’re coming from — deciding whether to do an MSF right after undergrad is a big move.
Honestly, Vanderbilt’s MSF could really help someone from a non-target school break into IB or FO. The alumni network and recruiting support there are strong, so it’s not just the degree but who you meet and the doors it can open.
Since you don’t have debt right now, the financial risk isn’t huge, which is nice. Plus, your past internships in Corp Dev and finance give you a solid base to actually make the most of the program.
The tricky part is making sure you really leverage it — networking, recruiting, and building the right skillset. If you do all that, it can definitely pay off.
Honestly, if your goal is IB and you’re motivated, I’d say it’s worth seriously considering. Just be ready to hit the ground running once you’re in.
What worries you most — the cost, the chance of not landing IB, or jumping back into school instead of gaining more work experience?
Purely my opinion and anecdotal. Not sure what aggregate stats actually look like… I don’t think it’s worth it. Primary issue is that without the benefit of the summer internship that undergrads or MBAs target, you’re gunning for a full time offer. And those are tough odds. In my experience, banks increasingly aim to fill the entire new hire class with summer intern offers. I haven’t seen a formal full time hiring process in a long time and instead, any remaining spots get filled in quick and targeted interviews in the fall after offer acceptance settles. Sure you can point to part time internships during the school year, but the sort of banks that do that are not the sort of banks you’re after. The whole msf program feels a bit like a scam where schools market it as a way to rectify any undergrad issues and get you a job in finance/banking. I just struggle to see how a chance to roll the dice in the full time hiring gong show the second you step on campus is worth $90k or whatever. If you're already at a BB, your highest probability path is to kill it at your current job while meeting as many folks as possible to try and find a well placed friend that could help you move over. It's not going to happen overnight (and you won't make friends by telling your colleagues you want out on day 1) but internal mobility is far easier than cold gunning for a FT role
ps FWIW, most jobs and definitely IB analyst roles aren't intellectually stimulating....
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