MSF Advice

Hey everyone,

I just graduated with a BBA in Finance from a non-target school, GPA 3.57. I'm planning to pursue an MSF to strengthen my finance foundation and improve my chances of landing better roles in consulting or IB.

Recently, I rushed an application to UT Austin's MSF program after hearing a lot of good feedback about it. However, I later realized it's designed more for non-finance undergrads, which makes me wonder if it’s the best fit for someone with my background.

Would it still be worthwhile to attend UT Austin if I get accepted? Or should I focus on programs that might be better tailored for my background?

For context, I’m also looking at schools like IU and Purdue, as I’m leaning toward public universities as the tuitions are more within my budget. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, UT Austin's MSF program is highly regarded, especially for its strong placement in Texas and beyond. While it is true that the program is designed to cater to non-finance undergrads, it still offers excellent opportunities for networking, on-campus recruiting (OCR), and placements in finance roles, including consulting and investment banking. Alumni from the program have landed roles at top firms like Citi, Evercore, Goldman Sachs, and McKinsey, which speaks to its reputation and reach.

However, given your finance background, you might want to weigh the program's curriculum and focus against your goals. If you feel confident in your finance foundation and are looking for a program that offers more advanced or specialized coursework, you might consider other MSF programs that align better with your experience. Schools like IU (Kelley) and Purdue (Krannert) are solid options, especially if budget is a concern, as they also have strong reputations and good placement records.

Ultimately, UT Austin could still be a worthwhile choice if you leverage its brand, alumni network, and OCR opportunities effectively. But if you’re looking for a program that complements your finance background more directly, exploring other options like IU, Purdue, or even programs with a stronger focus on advanced finance topics might be a better fit.

Sources: MSF Class of 2018, MSF or MBA for my experience level?, Is Networking Better Than Doing A MSF Program?, Are top MFins target programs for Private Equity firms?, MSF Class of 2019

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

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