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

10 Comments
 

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.

 

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.

 
Most Helpful

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.

 

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