MSF: Vanderbilt vs UT Austin vs Georgetown
Hi, asking again since I got into Vanderbilt MSF. IK everyone says Vandy is the top MSF, but I'm a Texas fan lol, so I need y'all to de-bias me and check my expectations.
Vanderbilt:
- strongest alumni base and historic placement
- per LinkedIn - they all have great jobs, many are in senior positions now
- places all over the country
- known for career support
- "Investment Banking Academy" in February so I'll know finance fundamentals in time for recruiting
- career coach was an IB ED
- I hear you're given a spreadsheet with alumni contact info
- the only program to focus on/support "high finance" (they use that term) (other places explicitly say not to expect certain jobs)
- TBH the outcomes sound so good that I can't believe I could be like that. I'm worried that it's strong BECAUSE most ppl already studied finance. like how would my degree be viewed?
- lowest CoA (not by very much)
- now cons: a bunch of ppl, especially women, end up in PWM which is the one job I don't want, and I can't tell if it was their goal or not
- most recent career report (c/o 2024) shows a dip, only 60% employed at graduation (still 95% after 6 mo, but much worse than adcom saying most ppl get an offer in 1st semester) - bad year or going downhill?
UT Austin:
- mccombs is highest ranked of the bunch
- made for non-finance majors so I have a better sense of what's possible
- tho most come from UT (much better school than mine) so still worried that skews the outcomes
- the students and staff I spoke to are reeaallly nice and genuine
- Texas > Tennessee (but ik it's only 10 months)
- texas is energy central & one of the top places i want to live after college.
- B4 and A&M consulting recruit there (idk if any other MSF have direct recruitment) and I've kinda dreamt of working at A&M
- curriculum includes a practicum w a big company (a past one was ER with Raymond James)
- seems most ppl get jobs at small shops which could be underwhelming or a good place to learn (there are a lot of boutiques in tx run by UT alumni who recruit from UT)
Georgetown:
- +$10k and +1 yr compared to the others (+higher CoL)
- potential for internship (big plus) & to switch to PT/remote and intern off-cycle
- I might do better with more time to learn finance
- I'm very put off by most students being remote + too-large cohort
- very little transparency on outcomes bc of range in YoE and ppl's goals. e.g. No idea how many new grads who want IB get IB
- but people here seem to think it's better than most other programs - what am I missing?
- what if employers figured out the program is not selective and dissociated it w the rest of GU
- MSF-specific career center (person I talked to was very nice) - however ppl say you're basically on your own?
- curriculum includes an investment project + presentation with a big company
- mandatory global consulting trip which is sounds both cool and cash-grabby
Any advice is appreciated!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options and how they align with your goals:
Vanderbilt MSF
Pros: - Strong Alumni Network: Vanderbilt has a well-established alumni base with a history of placing graduates in high finance roles across the country. The "Investment Banking Academy" and alumni contact spreadsheet are standout features for networking and career prep. - Career Support: Known for its career services and focus on high finance, which aligns with your interest in project finance and adjacent roles. - Prestige in MSF Programs: Vanderbilt is often considered one of the top MSF programs, with a strong reputation in the finance industry. - Cost: Lowest cost of attendance among your options.
Cons: - PWM Placements: A noticeable number of graduates end up in private wealth management (PWM), which you explicitly want to avoid. This could be due to personal preferences of students, but it's worth investigating further. - Recent Employment Dip: The 60% employment rate at graduation for the Class of 2024 is concerning, though the 95% rate after six months suggests eventual success. It’s unclear if this is a one-off or a trend. - Finance Background Concerns: While the program is strong, many students may already have a finance background, which could make it harder for you to stand out or catch up.
Verdict: Vanderbilt is a great choice if you’re confident in your ability to leverage the alumni network and career resources. However, the recent employment dip and PWM placements are worth further investigation.
UT Austin MSF
Pros: - Energy Sector Focus: Being in Texas, UT Austin offers a natural advantage for energy-related roles, including project finance. The proximity to energy firms and Texas-based boutiques is a big plus for your career goals. - Non-Finance Background Friendly: The program is designed for students without a finance background, which aligns well with your CS major and lack of prior finance coursework. - Practicum Experience: The practicum with a major company (e.g., Raymond James) provides hands-on experience, which could be invaluable for someone new to finance. - Texas Network: UT Austin has a strong brand in Texas, and the alumni network is well-connected in the region. If you want to live and work in Texas long-term, this is a significant advantage.
Cons: - Boutique Placements: While boutiques can be great learning environments, they may not have the same prestige or resources as larger firms. This could be a concern if you’re aiming for a more prominent name in the industry. - IB Placement: UT Austin is not as focused on high finance as Vanderbilt, and IB placements are less common. However, consulting and energy roles are more accessible.
Verdict: UT Austin is an excellent choice if you’re committed to working in Texas and the energy sector. The program’s focus on non-finance majors and its strong regional network make it a solid fit for your background and goals.
Georgetown MSF
Pros: - Internship Potential: The longer program duration (+1 year) allows for internships, which could be a game-changer for someone new to finance. - Flexibility: The option to switch to part-time or remote could give you more time to build skills and gain experience. - Global Consulting Trip: While it may seem cash-grabby, it could provide unique exposure and networking opportunities. - Georgetown Brand: The Georgetown name carries weight, especially on the East Coast, and could open doors in consulting or finance.
Cons: - Higher Cost: The program is more expensive and has a higher cost of living, which could be a financial strain. - Remote Cohort: The large, mostly remote cohort may limit networking opportunities and the sense of community. - Lack of Transparency: The lack of clear placement data makes it harder to gauge the program’s effectiveness for new grads aiming for IB or high finance roles. - Career Support Concerns: While there is a dedicated MSF career center, feedback suggests that students may need to be more self-reliant compared to Vanderbilt or UT Austin.
Verdict: Georgetown could be a good fit if you value the internship opportunity and the Georgetown brand. However, the lack of transparency and higher cost are significant drawbacks.
Final Recommendation
If your heart is set on Texas and the energy sector, UT Austin is the clear choice. However, if you’re open to broader opportunities and want the strongest career support, Vanderbilt is hard to beat.
Sources: MSF Class of 2019, Vandy MSF vs. Villanova MSF for IB, MSF or MBA for my experience level?, Washington Uni in StLouis vs Vanderbilt vs Uni Of Texas at Austin postgraduate MS Finance, Ohio State MSF vs Villanova MSF
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