would it be better if I say the real reason during interviews?

Hi everyone, thanks for reading this.

I have been asked several times during interviews about my master's major. eg "why you do not pursue a master of finance since you have an interest in the banking industry."

True reason: I wanted to but I can not afford it. It is too expensive for my family. so I chose to pursue another business-related major (think Econ, Accounting).  

I usually explain my interest in my major in the interview. But I don't think they buy it.

Maybe it would be better if I just say the real reason? really want to know WSO's thoughts. Thanks.

2 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Literally no one cares. When they ask these types of questions, you need to spin your answer. Did the school not offer a master of finance? Did you think you were more interested in economic theory when you were applying? Is the program smaller? Offered an opportunity to do research?

Ex: why did you decide to attend Tufts? Honest answer, didn’t get into Harvard and they gave the most finaid. What someone would say in an interview “When I was looking at schools, I was most interested in small liberal arts schools. I lived in Boston until I was 12 and always wanted to return back to the northeast. I was drawn to the fact that there was no core curriculum and loved having to opportunity to take classes in a variety of different fields”

Don’t say money was the issue because 1. They don’t care 2. If you were “special” enough you would have gotten a scholarship. Spend some time on google and try to figure out what makes your program unique and parrot that back. 

 

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