Is a top MSF worth it?

I'm in a bit of a peculiar situation because I was early to the game but now late to the game. I'm a class of 2024 grad from a midwest target. As a freshman, I was aiming for IB and completed internships at a search fund and with a private equity firm, but lost interest and pivoted to consulting instead during sophomore year, a decision I regret given the poor state the consulting market later descended into. I've been in my job in economic consulting for ~6 months now but want to break into IB. I have some relevant experience (search fund internship and PE internship from freshman year) and do some financial modeling in my current job, though it's not focused on transaction advisory.

Do you think MSF/MFin would be worth it in my case? My main drawback is just the opportunity cost of lost salary plus tuition cost and I wouldn't want to do if it's viable for me to break in without it.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. MSF as a Reset Button:

    • An MSF (Master of Science in Finance) can act as a mini reset button, allowing you to rebrand and refocus your career towards Investment Banking (IB).
  2. Opportunity Cost:

    • The main drawback, as you mentioned, is the opportunity cost, which includes both the lost salary and the tuition cost. This is a significant factor to consider.
  3. Relevant Experience:

    • You already have some relevant experience with your internships at a search fund and a private equity firm, as well as financial modeling in your current job. This experience is valuable and can be leveraged in your applications and interviews.
  4. Breaking into IB Without MSF:

    • If you believe you can break into IB without the MSF, it might be worth trying to network and apply directly. Many professionals have successfully transitioned into IB from other fields by leveraging their existing experience and networking effectively.
  5. MSF for Non-Targets:

    • MSF programs are often recommended for individuals from non-target schools or those who did not secure a job in their desired field initially. Since you are from a Midwest target school and have relevant experience, you might have a better chance of breaking into IB without the MSF.
  6. Career Goals and Desires:

    • Ultimately, the decision depends on your career goals and desires. If you are committed to breaking into IB and believe the MSF will significantly enhance your chances, it might be worth the investment. However, if you think you can achieve your goals through networking and leveraging your current experience, you might want to avoid the opportunity cost.

In summary, an MSF can be a valuable tool for rebranding and breaking into IB, but given your relevant experience and target school background, you might also consider direct applications and networking as viable alternatives.

Sources: MSF or MBA for my experience level?, MSF Question and Answer, MSF Class of 2018, Q&A - top 10 MBA vs MSF vs MMS, Best MSF's to shoot for given my stats?

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

Doloremque expedita natus suscipit accusantium suscipit. Qui quo ad asperiores aut. Quo maiores et quam dolor. Libero enim eum beatae officiis natus praesentium. Sequi adipisci temporibus accusamus possimus qui cumque. Voluptates ad ea odio quidem voluptatum.

Quo sapiente atque ea recusandae pariatur eveniet nam. Qui aspernatur molestias qui odio asperiores tenetur labore. Necessitatibus doloribus omnis odio repudiandae sed illo. Iusto aperiam voluptatem consectetur unde rem illo.

Quam est et officia. Facere reiciendis voluptatum perferendis quo eaque ut sed. Consequatur officia magnam sit corrupti expedita in. Ut soluta tempora accusamus illo iste. Numquam velit esse at magni sit sapiente corporis. Ut dolore voluptatum vitae velit impedit architecto enim. Voluptatem nesciunt non qui cum iusto. Animi minima accusamus qui.

Sed beatae et et sit porro molestiae vitae. Maiores repellendus et fugiat voluptates expedita libero ipsum. Ab et placeat impedit autem molestiae velit totam et. Quia temporibus temporibus ut sunt provident. Accusamus molestias non nihil neque dolore fugiat error. Sunt tenetur architecto enim quod iure architecto.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 03 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 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

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