Seeking advice for graduate programs.
Hi all,
I want to ask which program would you suggest if breaking into PE is my long term goal? I’m struggling to decide between MIT MFin, Oxford MFE, Columbia MSFE, or Princeton MFin.
From my research, it looks like Princeton MFin is the most competitive, but more of a financial engineering degree, which dosent align with my goal of non quant finance roles. Is it still worth applying to? Originally not planning on applying but having last minute fomo as the deadline is in a few days, questioning if I should invest time into applying.
Similarly, Columbia MSFE looks like it’s more quant or research focused to me. I also considered Yale Master of asset management but it seems way too vocational and unclear outcomes with no data. So it seems like Oxford MFE or MIT MFin is the best option for me.
Assuming my preference for location is the same, which program is best to increase my probability of working in PE in the future?
Ah, the age-old question of which golden ticket will get you into the chocolate factory of Private Equity! Based on the most helpful WSO content, let's break it down:
Princeton MFin: You're right on the money; it's a highly competitive program with a strong quant focus. If you're not looking to become the next quant jockey, it might not be the perfect fit for your PE dreams. However, don't let FOMO dictate your life choices—only apply if it truly aligns with your career trajectory.
Columbia MSFE: Again, you've done your homework. It's quant-heavy and might gear you more towards roles that are more about algorithms than alphas. If you're not keen on becoming a quant wizard, this might not be the spellbook you're looking for.
Oxford MFE: This one's got a bit of that old-world charm and a more generalist approach to finance. It could be a good fit if you're looking to charm your way into the PE scene with a broader finance education.
MIT MFin: This program is like the Swiss Army knife of finance degrees. It's versatile and well-regarded, and it could give you the tools you need to carve out a path in PE.
If you're looking to increase your probability of working in PE, you might want to consider the networking opportunities, the brand value of the school, and the historical success of graduates in landing PE roles. Both Oxford MFE and MIT MFin could be strong contenders, but remember, it's not just the program but also the hustle that counts. Get ready to network like a pro, leverage any internships, and maybe learn a thing or two about LBO models on the side.
In the end, choose the program that not only opens doors but also aligns with your interests and strengths. After all, you want to enjoy the journey, not just the destination!
Sources: Business School Rankings for Private Equity?, Why The Grass Isn't Greener: The Private Equity Associate Crisis (PEAC), Are top MFins target programs for Private Equity firms?, The future of Hong Kong high finance, Stanford vs Wharton vs Booth vs Columbia for PE
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