Considering doing a Masters in Economics/Psychology Program in lieu of an MBA

Hi all, I have a background traditional finance background (IB, PE, VC etc.). I've been thinking of going back to get an MBA to help reset on job opportunities, as I'm not excited about staying down a more traditional finance path. Something I'm also interested in doing is pursuing a master's degree outside of finance at a school that has a top 5 MBA program. 

My thought is I'd have the chance to try and network with folks from the business school as well as partake in on campus recruiting opportunities. 

I know this isn't the same as being part of the MBA program, but do you think just being in the same proximity and trying to be aggressive networking and taking advantage of institutional resources is a strategy that makes sense especially given I'd have a similar background to an MBA student?

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding your situation:

  1. Networking Opportunities:

    • Being in proximity to a top MBA program can indeed provide valuable networking opportunities. As mentioned in various WSO threads, networking is a crucial aspect of career advancement, especially in finance and related fields. Engaging with MBA students and participating in on-campus events can help you build a strong network.
  2. Access to Resources:

    • Even if you are not part of the MBA program, you can still leverage institutional resources. Many schools offer access to career services, alumni networks, and industry events to all their students. This can be beneficial for job opportunities and career transitions.
  3. Strategic Approach:

    • A strategic approach to networking is essential. As highlighted in the WSO content, focusing on content and being thoughtful in your interactions can make your networking efforts worthwhile. Engaging with professionals across different levels and industries can broaden your opportunities.
  4. Alternative Paths:

    • Pursuing a master's degree in Economics or Psychology can provide a unique perspective and skill set that differentiates you from traditional MBA graduates. This can be advantageous in certain roles or industries that value diverse educational backgrounds.
  5. Long-term Career Goals:

    • Consider your long-term career goals and how a master's degree aligns with them. An MBA provides a broad business education and a strong network, but a specialized master's degree can offer deep expertise in a specific area.

In summary, pursuing a master's degree in Economics or Psychology at a school with a top MBA program can be a viable strategy if you actively engage in networking and utilize the available resources. This approach can help you transition to new job opportunities and build a diverse professional network.

Sources: Don't Throw Away Your Shot - Networking with Senior Professionals as an MBA, Don't Throw Away Your Shot - Networking with Senior Professionals as an MBA, Some Thoughts on Networking, Am I Thinking About an MBA Wrong?, Some Thoughts on Networking

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

What are you trying to do? What is your intention in getting a masters in the first place? Is it only to reset for more job opportunities?

Have you researched what the ‘job opportunities’ you would want to recruit for are? Do you need a masters degree to place?

I think you might be looking for answers, while the key here is to make sure you’re asking yourself the right questions. My hypothesis is that there are other underlying reasons for why you want to pursue a masters that are unrelated to career ambition.

 

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