Masters Degree Debate

I just graduated from a state school with a 3.45 GPA. I have some internship experiences, but I know I can’t get into IB without a graduate degree and stellar grades.

I’m currently studying for the CFA Exams, But I’m trying to decide If I should get a Double Masters In Finance And Accounting at a Non-ivy or finished all the CFA Exams and then apply for an MBA Program. And do whatever job comes my way for the next couple years.

Any Advice would be greatly appreciated and sorry If there’s grammar and spelling errors.

23 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Sounds like you got a real master 'bate on your hands. A couple of points:

  • You don't need a graduate degree to get into IB.

  • Are you studying for CFA Level 1? It shows your interest in finance, but you don't need CFA for IB. I would stop after Level 1 for now unless you're interested in AM further down the line.

  • Don't get "double masters". Again, you don't even need a masters degree.

  • You most likely need work experience first before applying to credible MBA programs. If I were you I'd focus my efforts on networking and getting your first job. Cold emailing alums, etc.

-
 

finish cfa exams and get 5-7 years of work experience before going to get your masters. CFA takes dedication and time that’s harder to come by as responsibilities pile up (work, family).

 

As a graduate student working on master degree, i can assure you master degree would disqualify you in IBD, The only front office choice you have is Quant and Strat. Most Master degree students end up in middle office and back office. I would recommend you to choose the MBA path, prestigious MBA would help you enter IBD.

Correction: MS program like Vanderbilt does have high IBD employment rate.

 

Surely a Masters wont disqualify you? I agree its not a requirement and pursuing one is overkill, but it doesn't lessen your chances to get into IBD surely?????

 

Surely, You can search as much as you want on Linkedin to see how many people got into IBD with master degree. It is literally minimal compared to undergrad.

 

My apology, I did research that Vandy has a high rate of IBD from MS program. I went to Ivy in NYC and most of us went on the path of financial engineering. Thx for the information.

 
Funniest

Et molestias tempora omnis quos sunt. Nobis tempore cupiditate vitae fugiat aut. Earum id iste et qui. Ea id hic accusantium saepe natus veniam est.

Autem facilis doloribus ratione ut. Fuga est ut deleniti qui laborum autem. Aut sed dolore iusto. Enim et eaque quia nihil. Nam doloribus ullam sed nihil. Autem repudiandae nesciunt ratione doloremque ex.

Optio tenetur explicabo nihil enim repellendus. Fugiat dicta rerum nam sed id provident. Eius suscipit voluptas pariatur dolorem. Dolorum sit harum officiis quisquam quaerat. Explicabo quos dolores architecto qui impedit esse. Blanditiis harum et quo accusamus voluptatem. Sit possimus ipsa laudantium quos voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • 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 97.8%
  • 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 (14) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”