Best MFIN program
Hey guys,
I am looking for the best MFin programs in the US. I have a 112 Toefl and 167Q GRE (~710 GMAT) while I have already done a Master of Finance in Europe and have a Top 10% Bachelor in a German Top 5 university.
For me, it is important to get a job in the US as I see doing a Master there as an opportunity to start a career abroad which is very hard to do otherwise. Additionally, I want to improve my standings as my graduating university is not that well known. I am a more quantitatively inclined person with decent person skills. Thus, I do not see myself as a full Quant but rather someone that is in an intermediary stage between Sales and Trading/Research/Portfolio Construction.
The programs I looked at were Vanderbilt, USC, MIT, CMC, UCSD and Baruch (Which programs did I miss?). A general list of the programs I should apply at would be cool. My list is right now: 1 - MIT 2 - Vanderbilt 3 - USC 4 - UCSD 5 - CMC (What am I missing??).
Thus, I have multiple questions. 1) Which MFin program places the best (I don't care where - if West or East coast) apart from MIT? 2) I want to work in S&T (probably sales in a Securities division) or at an Asset Management firm as a Portfolio Manager or at least intermediary between portfolio and account manager. Which program would you recommend keeping that in mind. 3) How big of a hindrance will my nationality be when it comes to employment . Do you think that employers will be very hesitant to hire me keeping in mind that I have to get a Green Card in 3 years after graduation? 4) Can someone give me the reasons why CMC is so popular in this forum? The website and curriculum did not look that exciting. Why is this program better than a MFIN at Baruch, Georgetown or UCSD.
Thank you very much in advance. I hope you can help me!
Best regards.
I looked at a lot of the same programs you looked at and ultimately decided on Vandy. I think what it comes down to in making a decision is: 1) actual acceptance 2) geography and 3) price.
MIT has the best quant program by far, but there are some programs that have arguably better placement depending on your industry. Vandy's most recent MSF class placed over 50% to IB with 1/3 going to NY. I mean that's pretty amazing.
The thing is I don't want to work in ECM, DCM or M&A. I would rather work in Asset Management or Sales & Trading and I just don't know if Vandy is the right school for me then... That is also my concern with USC. UCSD seems to place primarily where I want but has not a good brand. It is a hard decision...
If you are interested in Asset Management or S&T then look into WUSTL MSF program as well. If I remember correctly, they have an AM "track".
Both of those industries are still possible from Vandy though, it's just not a common path because there aren't a lot of people interested in it (especially S&T). There are usually a couple kids each year that go into one of them, and everyone that wanted one of those two industries got it.
Thank you. Vanderbilt is out of the race. I just learned that they don't accept people who already have a Master of Finance degree. Even if you are an international student. Has WUSTL a good reputation? An what are work prospects afterwards? Probably skewed to the East Coast, right?
Do you have work experience? If yes you might want to look at MBA programmes. I understand that the costs are daunting. But MBAs have a much higher standing in the US than in Europe, especially for non-quant roles (which I understand you're not aiming for). Also, a two-year degree will give you the opportunity to do an internship over the summer. That might increase your chances to find a full-time job. But I know that MBAs are not STEM-certified so you won't get the 3 years Optional Practical Training period.
Alternatively, you can find a job at an American firm and transfer a few years in. I have tried moving to another country after graduation and finding a full-time job. Didn't work out even with a temporary work visa. So I think you should have a backup plan.
Yes, I have work experience. I worked one year as a working student at an Asset Manager and did 4 internships (Valuation, Consulting Service, Asset Management and Global Markets). I am honestly thinking right now of just working for one or two years and then doing a MBA at a very good US-university. It seems like branding is almost everything and most MFins are not from the best universities and thus, it is hard to assess if it is worth it. Are MBAs STEM-designated?
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