Missed Summer 2024 Applications - should I pursue MSF to get back on-cycle recruiting?

As the title states, I have gotten 2 super days at smaller MM investment banks but ultimately haven't gotten an offer. The other two banks I had networked heavily at got bought out so are no longer hiring 2024 interns. 


Knowing that I have just about expended all of my options (shitty D3 Athlete with 3.5 GPA at Semi-Target) I am thinking about getting a MSF at my same school to get me back on track for application cycle. Looking for any guidance of others who have been in similar situations. Will I be competing against MBA candidates / applying for FT positions or still internships? 

 

Hey there, sport! Sounds like you've been running the finance field like a champ, even if the scoreboard isn't showing it yet. Don't sweat it, we've all had our share of fumbles.

Now, onto your question. If you decide to pursue an MSF, you'll be back in the game for sure. It's a great way to enhance your finance knowledge and it could potentially put you back on track for the application cycle.

As for the competition, it's a mixed bag. You might be up against MBA candidates, but remember, you're not just any player, you're a player with an MSF up your sleeve. That's a power play right there.

When it comes to applying for positions, it's a bit of a strategy game. If you're in a one-year masters program, it might not make much sense to try for an internship when you're eligible for full-time analyst recruiting. But if you feel you need more internship experience to be more competitive, you could look for an unpaid internship or something off-cycle.

Remember, smaller banks might be more open to this and through networking, you might be able to bypass HR. But if you can go for full-time recruiting, I'd advise you to do so.

So, keep your head in the game, champ. You've got this!

Sources: MSF Question and Answer, MSc in Finance candidate for 2020, Masters in Finance after M.S. in Financial Engineering, yay or nay?, Stay an extra year or pursue MSF?

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