MBA (T20 Program) Or MFA From SSE
I'm currently in accounting (BIG 4) and I'd like to transfer into finance, specifically IB. I know recruiting from a top 20 MBA (Cornell, Duke, etc) is pretty excellent for placing students into IB positions. Though, the amount of debt for a two year program will roughly be around $200k (excluding any scholarships). I'm a dual citizen (US & Swedish) and I was looking at the MFA program at Stockholm School of Economics as I know that places students particularly well into IB positions as well. If I were to go to SSE, I would only be in about $60k of debt as the tuition is free for citizens and you receive a studying subsidy for attending college. What would be the greater career route? I'm open for working in IB in either the US or in Europe. A couple of small tidbits, I'm currently debt free and I'm in my early 30's. Thanks for the help!
SSE beats out any US top 20 MBA program IF you want to work in Europe. If you want to be in the US post-grad school, SSE isn't going to get you there.
SSE is one of the best in Northern Europe w strong placement in London at all the IBs. The school also offers great exchange programs w/ top US b-schools.
Given the cost, education, placement post-school, I would pick SSE over a full payment at the T20 programs. BUT if the question was a T10 US MBA vs SSE it would be a tougher choice.
Would you still pick SSE over let's say Cornell, Duke, McCombs? Even though the starting position after SSE would be at an analyst level versus at an associate level coming from an MBA program. SSE is tempting because of the total debt for the program and moving back to Europe as I'm assuming the W/L/B is better compared to New York hours (80-100 a week).
Have you gotten in anywhere? What are your stats?
US T10 - T15 (Duke, Ross, Cornell, Darden) VS SSE is a harder choice. McCombs is more T20 and focused on Texas roles. If you don't want to live in Texas post-MBA, don't apply.
If I were in your shoes, I would apply to a handful of T15 programs of various qualities (Cornell on the low T15 end, and a M7 on the high end w/ Ross,Duke,Tuck in the middle) AND SSE. Then weigh your options. If you haven't been accepted anywhere, you really have zero options at this point.
I haven't gotten in anywhere yet, but my stats are GPA 3.4, GMAT 730, Big 4 work experience, some volunteer extra curricular's (weakest part of my application). I feel pretty confident I can get into SSE and a couple of T15 schools, but I won't know until end of this year once we hear back from the application process. I appreciate your thoughtful responses!
Your stats can get you into a T12 program, would focus on applying as early as possible. For banking I would suggest looking at : Booth, CBS, Stern, Johnson, Tuck, Ross, Duke, Darden, Yale. Just make sure your story fits. I've had friends get into Stern, Tuck, CBS, Booth w/ your rough stats but story/essays are key.
Impedit libero quasi voluptatibus qui. Minus consectetur et non numquam. Quis eos nisi non modi perspiciatis molestiae.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...