Should I start considering an MSF program?
Long time lurker, finally posting because I need some help/guidance.
A bit about me:
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Rising senior at an ultra non-target school (F500 doesn't even recruit at my school).
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3.96 GPA in a finance major and economics minor
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FP&A internship this summer at a medium sized private company. Due to the smaller size of the group, and everyone there having an MBA a full time offer is unlikely (I'll know this week).
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Not the best EC's, my school doesn't have a finance or investment related club, and wouldn't let my friend and I create one.
Anyway, on to my problem, my goal is to get into a F500 FLDP program. Even with these programs I'm going to have my work cut out for me so IB/Consulting isn't an option for me at the moment. I've been sending cold emails to people with only one response from a F200 CPG company. The analyst put me in touch with the program manager and that call also went well. I'm going to be trying to get them to push my resume at that company and will also be applying online to all other FLDP's, but chances are most likely slim with online applications.
So my question is, should I maybe start considering an MSF program? I'd mainly be doing it for another chance at OCR for F500 (and possibly IB). The programs I'd be targeting are UT Austin (first choice), Vanderbilt, Villanova, Boston College, and Duke. I feel with my GPA and as long as I do well on the GMAT, probably around 700, I should be able to get into those programs.
Should I see how well I do with these applications and start considering an MSF?
You're definitely the type of student an MSF would be great for. This year, I'd still continue to network and try and land an F500 FLDP offer so you don't have to pay another year of tuition.
But if not, I think you have a good chance of getting admitted to the programs you're targeting. An MSF from some of these schools can even land you in IB or CO if you are interested in that. I believe some Vandy MSF students place into mid-tier BB or MM banks in the south (Charlotte). Just crush the GMAT, like you said.
How do you over come networking. I network but I feel no one ever wants to connect with me after. How can I over come this to further my career and help others network?
Just say something along the lines of "how would you recommend I better position myself for X at your firm" and most likely they will at least forward your resume to hr or even get you an interview. Obviously, it helps if you can somehow meet in person but most non-ib people aren't hard-asses and will help you out if you have the grades, experience, etc.
Also, bear in mind who you're speaking to. An ib VP from Wharton will have no sympathy for the gritty non-target whatsoever in 95% of cases unless you're at some top shop already.
Also, what kind of school doesn't allow students to create a finance club? They don't even really have to provide funding, just a classroom to host meetings and events.
I'm not sure what their deal was, we even had a professor to sponsor it but the student senate wouldn't allow it lol
Get a decent GMAT and you'll be fine. Look at SMU as well (I'm guessing texas is where you want to be). Great GPA and a good internship. Assuming you're domestic, a 680 or above should be all you need to get into most programs.
Yeah I'd like to get down to Texas sooner rather than later. I saw SMU but wasn't sure if it would be worth the almost extra $30k more than UT Austin. SMU's employment report did look promising though.
Edit: Didn't realize I was looking at living costs included, tuition is about the same between the two.
Seriously, PM me, I know of a few decent FLDP programs that might be of interest. You can definitely still network into a FLDP for FT. Honestly, I think you would absolutely get into a good MSF program and have a decent shot at a lot of different roles but don't forget the cost of these programs. Most of them are 60-70k+ and not to mention you'd possibly be sacrificing the 60-70k salary you'd get in a FLDP. If I were you, I'd look into some of the cooler MO or FLDP FT roles while also prepping for the GMAT.
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