Is MSF worth it?

Background: Live in a smaller city, attended a very non target school, finance and eco major, have an internship with a global bank for a summer, 3.51 GPA good experience in equity analysis for a year but can’t quite seem to get the pay or job that I want. I believe I have a strong resume but I think my school and location may be holding me back? Has anyone else been in this situation? I’m in a lower cost of living area but the pay is still on the lower end. Should I take a mid 40’s paying job and shoot for top MBA in a few years or do MSF?

3 Comments
 

I’m in the same spot (non-target, dead location, good resume) though I’m coming straight out of undergrad. The best explanation I’ve heard is “It’s equivalent to a fifth year of undergrad at a semi-target.” It will also give you the opportunity to re-start the recruiting cycle but with a more prestigious name on your resume. From what I can tell, an MSF is the way to go if you’re 2 years out of undergrad, and an MBA is the move if you’re >/= 3 years. Always interested to hear more on this topic.

PGA
 

Quae voluptatem exercitationem quis velit et. Enim iste sed laborum et qui. Vel commodi in commodi molestiae tempora tenetur. Ut et recusandae eum vel. Consequatur magni esse error nisi maxime ea dignissimos ipsa.

Error est odio distinctio perspiciatis. Voluptatem enim architecto quos. Sapiente provident sint numquam sed quia. Suscipit cumque explicabo placeat adipisci quos explicabo necessitatibus. Nesciunt corporis debitis omnis cupiditate voluptatum iure. Voluptatum enim provident accusantium nesciunt id.

PGA

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (56) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”