MSF or delay graduation for same amount of time?
I am currently a sophomore at a non-target. For my sophomore summer (starting in a couple weeks) I am interning at a Related/Hines/Tishman.
Does it make more sense to graduate in 3 (for a total of 4) with a bachelor’s in real estate and get my MSF in 1 year immediately after (from same non target (have to stay here for reasons)) or graduate in 4 with bachelor’s in both finance and real estate?
I am leaning towards not doing the masters as i think it will make it seem like I struck out in recruiting, will cost tons more, may limit my MBA prospects down the line, doesn’t add much of the value that comes with a masters, and may put me in a weird place at some firms for my junior summer recruitment as a non-undergrad.
Three things:
1. Congrats on the summer position! Those are great firms to be working at. Seriously, a ton of people would kill for that opportunity.
2. You asked what makes most sense, but you haven’t told us what your goal is. Can’t really share more clear help if we don’t know this information.
3. Chill. You’re interning sophomore year at a phenomenal shop. You’re probably fucking 19, 20 at most. Why the rush to get into work when you’re still so young? Enjoy it. So many people would fucking kill to go back to the whims and carelessness of college. You’ll have plenty of
time to work. I’d advise you focus on your internship, and take time to genuinely learn, and reason whether you ENJOY the work.
When you die you don’t get a plaque wherever it is you end up just for graduating college one year earlier and starting at Insert: REPE firm one year earlier than your colleagues !
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. And of course, I’m completely on the same page. I am in zero rush to get out at all. With how many credits I came in with, I could be graduating now. So definitely agree, I’m really trying to prolong my stay to be in school for the standard 4, no rush to get out!
My goal is to be in school long enough to have a junior year internship in the market I want to be long term (somewhere other than my current position), so with that in mind it becomes a question of “if I’m staying 4 years, does it make more sense to graduate in 3 and do a 1 year masters or instead stay undergrad all 4 years?”
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some considerations for your decision:
Option 1: Graduate in 3 Years with a Bachelor's in Real Estate and Pursue an MSF
Pros: - Additional Credential: An MSF can provide a deeper understanding of finance and potentially open more doors in the finance industry. - Extended Recruiting Time: You get an extra year to network and apply for internships and full-time positions. - Skill Enhancement: More time to practice financial modeling and other relevant skills.
Cons: - Perception: As you mentioned, it might be perceived that you struck out in recruiting. - Cost: An additional year of tuition and living expenses. - MBA Prospects: It might limit your MBA prospects if you pursue another master's degree too soon.
Option 2: Graduate in 4 Years with Bachelor's in Finance and Real Estate
Pros: - Dual Major: Having both finance and real estate on your resume can make you more versatile and attractive to employers. - Cost-Effective: Avoids the additional cost of a master's degree. - MBA Flexibility: Keeps the option open for an MBA later, which might be more valuable for career advancement.
Cons: - Time: You spend an extra year in undergrad, which might delay your entry into the workforce. - Recruiting Cycle: You might miss out on the extended recruiting period that an MSF could provide.
Conclusion
Given your concerns about the perception of an MSF, the cost, and the potential impact on MBA prospects, it might be more beneficial to graduate in 4 years with a dual major in finance and real estate. This path provides a strong educational foundation and keeps your options open for an MBA in the future.
If you need more personalized advice, consider discussing your specific situation with a mentor or career advisor who understands your long-term goals and the nuances of your target industry.
Sources: Q&A - top 10 MBA vs MSF vs MMS, Q&A: Broke into MM M&A from a non-traditional background and 2 years of networking and internships, Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?, Should I delay graduation for 1 semester or graduate? (Potentially salvageable situation), MSF Question and Answer
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