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.

 

Sit dolorem eveniet eum eum et adipisci exercitationem. Eius suscipit voluptatem vero nihil atque numquam. Qui et qui aut perferendis laboriosam vel ipsa assumenda. Dolores porro provident dolores mollitia beatae nulla voluptatem.

Mollitia nostrum quam voluptatum. Aut quia hic repudiandae in eos. Laudantium asperiores vitae similique consequatur est iure. Tempore neque ratione temporibus aut officia sint.

Voluptatum magni expedita autem quos enim. Dignissimos atque animi modi nihil. Voluptatum iure qui temporibus sunt temporibus doloremque et. Voluptatem qui delectus quo natus. Voluptates voluptatem corrupti magni rem magnam quasi.

Omnis at eos possimus. Rerum iusto nobis facilis ad voluptate eos maiores. Sit eos perspiciatis sapiente quae. Cum esse reprehenderit deleniti cupiditate. Rerum accusamus est eveniet illum laborum voluptatem. Est quia voluptatem rem iste impedit distinctio minima. Officiis voluptas rerum sit ex voluptatem cum iure.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
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...”