MS Finance After Completing CFA® ?
Hello all, this is my first post here though I have been a reader for sometime now. I'm a bit confused these days and would like an expert advice from you guys.
I have an undergraduate degree in Management Sciences from a top British university and I worked for a top global bank in UK. I have about 4 years of experience including managerial position. I'm also a CFA®
Level III Candidate and I'm very hopeful I'll clear the last exam next June. I passed both level I and II exams in first attempts. But I do not work in the investment industry whatever I have learned including financial modeling and valuation I have learned on my own. I live in an under developed country where there are not many opportunities in investment industry because the market isn't developed.
I really do not want to waste my CFA®
knowledge. I'm thinking of doing MS finance next year from Canada or America or Australia in a bid to enter the industry in these respective countries. As you would have figured out by now I'm an international student and the only way for me to enter these markets is through a masters program or immigration.
Would doing MS Finance after passing all CFA®
exams be a sane decision? How would an employer see it and being an international candidate will it increase or decrease my chances of getting a job in the investment industry?
I think your thought process makes sense but given your experience and knowledge, have you considered an MBA ? As an international student from under-representated country (maybe?) you stand to get a lot of attention from some top MBA programs in the US. Once you are there use your investment knowledge and the CFA to get internships and enjoy the good life with a full-time offer from there.
If this is something you really don't want to do and the MS Finance is better (maybe for cost or less time in school) then I would suggest doing an internship the summer before your program starts and during the year if possible. Since you have experience and are transitioning from zero finance work experience to breaking in, the best way to do it is through internships.
Either MBA or MS Finance, get internships (even unpaid) to break in. Combine it with the CFA for more leverage and you will be ok.
I'd look to do an MBA if you plan on coming to the US. If you really are focused on the MSF aim for MIT. In the next couple of years I think there will some other top programs opening up so you my advice might change.
Thanks hockey1316 and TNA.
There are a few reasons of doing an MSF and not an MBA
1) I'm very good in Finance thats an area I really enjoy and I think I have better chances of getting good grades or even standing out in my class if I do MSF. Of course the whole point is grades will hopefully land me a better job.
2) Second MBA will cost me a fortune and I can't really afford it unless i get scholarship or financial aid, which I'm not sure I'll get being an international student. MS Finance is not cheap either but comparatively cheaper and there are some one year long programs too.
3) Third I don't think I will get in a top business school for an MBA. I think the reason would be my experience and my undergraduate grades which weren't that good. I think CFA to an extent will cover my undergraduate grades.
Of course these are all only my opinions. I've heard they look for a lot of things in an application I have a pretty decent profile I have been involved in many extra curricular including sports and as a volunteer for charities.
I do not mind doing internships even unpaid internship if that's the best way to get in or the only way because I'm confident once I get in I'll give it my best shot and make space for myself. Its all about getting in the door from there own I wont disappoint my employer.
Hello all, this is my first post I hope your advice will help a lot.
I read this post and I'm surprised that I'm actually in the same situation as BrainFog was three years ago.
So here it is: I have an undergraduate degree in Business Administration (Finance) from one of the top university in Mumbai and I have a couple of three month Internship( Finance background ). I'm also a CFA Level III Candidate and I'm very hopeful I'll clear the last exam next June. I passed both level I and II exams in first attempts. But I do not work in the INVESTMENT industry whatever I have learned including financial modeling and valuation I have learned on my own.
I really do not want to waste my CFA knowledge. I'm thinking of doing MS finance next year from Canada or America or Australia in a bid to enter the industry in these respective countries. As you would have figured out by now I'm an international student and the only way for me to enter these MARKETS is through a masters program or immigration.
I totally agree with the following reasons in favor of MSF over an MBA
1) I'm very good in Finance thats an area I really enjoy and I think I have better chances of getting good grades or even standing out in my class if I do MSF. Of course the whole point is grades will hopefully land me a better job.
2) Second MBA will cost me a fortune and I can't really afford it unless i get scholarship or FINANCIAL aid, which I'm not sure I'll get being an international student. MS Finance is not cheap either but comparatively cheaper and there are some one year long programs too.
Finally I'm ACTUALLY in the same situation as BrainFog was and have exactly the same question- 1. Would doing MS Finance after passing all CFA exams be a sane decision? How would an employer see it and being an international candidate will it increase or decrease my chances of getting a job in the investment industry?
Brainfog I would really appreciatively your advice.
HI Jaikatariya,
Did you finally choose an MS or an MBA? I am myself I a similar situation like you were a year back and I have no clue whether to take up an MS course or wait for a couple of more years and do an MBA, after completing L3. Any guidance would be much appreciated.
Why MS in finance ? Why not Econ ?
How about Ms in Business analytics? Im sure about Econ... ill research about that too.. thanks!!
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