Should I do a MsF? Split between trying to lateral into IB or completing a MsF.

Went to a non-target East Coast school with very little OCR and alumni in Banking. I am very determined to break into banking but was not focused enough in undergrad to do the necessary networking to give myself a good shot. Recently, I have been able to network my way into interviews but I haven't been able to convert any into FT offers. I am considering the following MsF programs to give myself another chance at a SA position and to improve my alumni base.

  • Fordham (Starts in Spring)
    -BC
  • Villanova
  • Vanderbilt
  • Georgetown
  • Northeastern (not sure if this would help with recruiting)

I'm not sure if this would be the best option given the cost of these programs, and maybe I could get a role as a Credit Analyst and try to leverage that to get into IB. With a MsF though, I would have the chance to recruit for summer analyst positions and could use that to break in. Really unsure what my best bet is, would love some advice.

EDIT: adding the following schools to my shortlist.
- LSE
- UVA (MsCommerce)
- MIT
- Princeton

Comments (10)

7mo 
InterestedParty99, what's your opinion? Comment below:

How about continue to interview for another FT while applying for the masters? If your determined for banking, and if you don't land the right position, then go the masters route. Only pick a masters that have employment data showing alumni at the type of companies you want to end up at. While doing all of that continue to network the best you can. Based upon some of the employment data from these masters people are successful moving into banking going this route.

7mo 
benshapiro, what's your opinion? Comment below:

That's what I'm leaning towards. Thank you for the response too it's been dead here lol.

I updated my list to include Princeton, MIT, LSE, UVA as well. If I can get into these schools I should do fine recruiting for IBD.

I think I'm going to study GMATs hard, recruit for FT, and if I get in immediately start to look for SA roles. If going MsF route, I could recruit for SA positions this summer as long as I have an acceptance letter, correct? Maybe not at larger BB's but I would imagine at MM/LMM.

Do you have any advice for finding out placement from these programs? The stats on schools websites and MSFHQ are super sparse.

  • 1
Most Helpful
7mo 
InterestedParty99, what's your opinion? Comment below:

I don't think I would wait for the acceptance letter for SA recruiting as many are closed already if your talking about summer 2023. For placement you just have to dig. Some schools it is presented well in their site others are not. You can always contact admissions if you can't find it. 

Also, if you don't want to work in UK don't bother with applying. Top UK MIF programs are more difficult to get into than US. LSE looks primarily at GPA/GMAT/Classses you took and if you don't have the numbers they won't accept.

3mo 
throwaway0162039457, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Illum omnis corporis molestias molestiae recusandae sequi veritatis quod. Quae consectetur id et.

Voluptatem quia quae aut ut blanditiis error. Minus magnam quia culpa eos. Et fuga voluptas earum consequatur maiores laborum eum. Culpa hic eum qui corrupti esse et dicta.

Molestias ut ut ducimus consequatur. Minima incidunt et illum facere sit.

Et quas minima sit beatae voluptatem alias minima. Autem et qui et voluptatem mollitia. Dolore aut architecto provident eaque quos.

Start Discussion

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.6%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽01) 99.1%
  • William Blair (▲12) 98.7%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▽01) 98.2%
  • Lazard Freres (+ +) 97.8%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • William Blair (▲04) 99.5%
  • Lincoln International (▲12) 99.1%
  • Canaccord Genuity (▲18) 98.6%
  • Stephens Inc (▲12) 98.2%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲05) 97.7%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Lincoln International (▲01) 99.5%
  • Financial Technology Partners (▲03) 99.1%
  • Jefferies & Company (▽02) 98.6%
  • Lazard Freres (▲15) 98.2%
  • UBS AG (▲19) 97.7%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2023 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (6) $592
  • Vice President (31) $397
  • Associates (147) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (11) $198
  • 1st Year Analyst (279) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (90) $170
  • Intern/Summer Associate (46) $166
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (205) $92