Should I study for the MFE program or go for MBA a few years after work?

Hi Guys. I am Eric Choi, from one of the top 3 university in HK. I have an offer for a full-time equity research analyst from a leading Chinese security firm and also another offer from Cornell MFE. My bachelor study was quantitative finance, which is the minimum level of the quantitative skills required for MFE. I am worried about whether my programming skill is strong enough to survive the MFE. Besides, MFE is quite expensive in terms of tuition fee and living expenses.

I would like to accept the job, but the base is really low, only 20k per month. Another way is that I accept the job first and then use the money(which I could have spent to study MFE) to go for a MBA degree. Do any of you have any suggestions on what i should choose? Thank you so much in advance.

6 Comments
 

I know, but..hard to decide. for the equity research, with the mifid II coming, no one know what the future will be like. research never is the revenue generating center of an investment bank. however, i like the analytical nature and everything easily makes sense. the logic really flows. still, the problem is that everyone with a logic mind and some knowledge about accounting and finance knowledge could start as a associate.

for the quantitative research, i am drawn to it because of the high entry barrier. if i figure it out, maybe it could be a better way and a better career.

 
Best Response

Volunteering, leadership in XYZ organizations/events.

It is relatively harder for asians to get into top MBA programs (especially Indian male and Chinese male). I would say you need class average + 20 pts for GMAT and extra curriculum to really make a case for yourself ( read GMAT club for more info).

Think about if this is what you wanna do for the next 2~3 years (study for better GMAT/GRE score, volunteer and/or participate in some events). Cornell MFE is a top program. I really don't see any value in a non-top MBA program.

Also, most people exit MBA as IBD associates or consultants.

 

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