Cambridge MPhil in Finance or other strategies
Hello,
I am currently enrolled in a Master's program specializing in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance at a non-target university. My coursework includes diverse financial subjects such as derivatives, IB, VC, PE, Asset Management, M&A, and Risk Management, among others. I am set to graduate in July 2024 with a 4.0/4.0 GPA. I previously earned my Bachelor's degree from a non-target public university in Milan, where I achieved distinction with a 2.2 classification.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have gained practical experience by working in two supermarkets, fostering independence from my family. Currently, I am embarking on a curricular internship as an M&A Analyst at an M&A Boutique that provides IB services. My ultimate career goal is to secure a position in a BB firm, specializing in DCM, ECM, or M&A, preferably in major financial hubs such as London, Paris, or Milan.
First strategy:
Considering my next academic move, I am contemplating applying for the MPhil in Finance program at Cambridge, scheduled to commence in September 2024. Although traditionally designed for PhD students, I am intrigued by the notable alumni in Sales and Trading. However, I am mindful that most BB-IB Analysts (DCM, M&A, PE, or ECM) from Cambridge typically pursued MPhil programs in Finance and Economics or Real Estate Finance. Alternatively, I am considering the MFIN program at Imperial, but I am uncertain about my chances.
Second strategy:
To further enhance my profile, I am exploring the option of taking a year off. During this period, I plan to continue my role as an M&A Analyst until July, concurrently applying to positions in Italian CIBs. This endeavor aims to diversify my experience and expand my professional network within the Italian financial sector.
Simultaneously, I recognize the significance of standardized tests in the application process. Therefore, I plan to utilize this hiatus to rigorously prepare for the GMAT and obtain the IELTS certification (I haven't already). My goal is to apply during the first round in September 2024 for prestigious programs such as the MFIN at LSE, the MFA at LBS, or HSG MBF, slated to commence in 2025.
In seeking suggestions or considerations, I am open to any insights or advice you may have.
Thank you,
I would suggest that you learn how to write without using AI, because statements of purpose will be very important in applications.
The problem is that you will have two masters degrees in a very similar field, which is an extremely hard sell for graduate programmes, since you will have to convince them why you need a second degree in Finance. Something like an Economics programme might be an easier sell, since it takes you to a different field, however it will be up to you to figure out how to weave that story into your statements of purpose.
Here is an example of a student who had a MiM, and chose to apply for MiF's with good stats. I would advise you to carefully choose your programmes and figure out how you will craft your story to sell why you need a second masters degree.
I see that you already have a position at as an M&A analyst, I believe it would be easier for you to use that to lateral to better positions, and then apply to a top MBA programme after gaining some years of work experience.
I was in a similar situation 1 year ago, so I’ll give you my 2 cents.
I did my undergrad in France at a non-target with an end-of-study internship in a small M&A boutique in Paris. I didn't have time to prepare for the GMAT and didn't want to wait another year (as I was already 22) so I applied for Imperial's MFin.
I entered the Masters in September 2024 and applied directly to Summer Internships and Off-cycles in IB. I got 3 ACs and 2 offers, one for an off-cycle in PE and the other for a Summer in an EB.
I'd say that the most valuable aspect of the Master's program was being in London and being able to take part in the events organized by the banks in their offices in September/October. At these events, they systematically invited the same schools (Oxbridge, LSE, LBS, Imperial) and it was pretty easy to network with the professionals to progress in the processes.
I think your 3 options are good (MPhil Cambridge, MFin Imperial and wait 1 year to gain XP then apply to Masters).
I'm just wondering if the Cambridge MPhil Finance is industry-focused because I didn't see anyone from that program during my processes.
Thanks for sharing with me your experience.
The MPhil in Finance at Cambridge is research-based and it’s aimed at students who want to pursue a PhD. That’s the only thing that stops me from applying because I don’t see how can I sell this experience during an interview.
May I ask you if you remember what kind of question you answered during the imperial interview?
When do they give offers for the MPhil programme?
The Application deadline is 1/31/24, and the process’ result will be shared during February
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