What are some of the top masters programs for someone with 1-2 years of work experience? Obviously, MBA is out of the question at this time and I want a quick 1 years masters program (preferably) or 2 year program that will help me break into a top industry (top BB IBD, etc). I have heard MSF (princeton, etc) and other programs like this are good. I was a business major at a non-core school, so let me know (especially if you completed a program like this) how your recruiting went and/or the programs you think would be solid. I was considering MFS, Master of economics, ms of financial math at columbia, etc.
Thanks in advance for any input - it is really appreciated!!!
if your current job / changing jobs cannot give you enough kick to get into a top 20 MBA now, do a masters and rebrand fast. otherwise waiting until MBA gives a lot of good bonuses (and asks for less tuition)
Awesome list - thanks for the reply. Is there any programs other than MSFs that are worth it? Like duke's MSMS, etc. ?
why don't you do more due diligence yourself. lazy helps you nothing.
Good list. Anecdotal but someone from my school got into Vandy with a very minimal finance background.
Princeton M. Fin. for a business major? No way.
Are you saying it shouldn't be ranked that high for finance or that they focus on candidates with little business background? Because the only 2 people I know that have gone there were both finance majors as well.
Is WUSTL Good for International guys targeting M&A IB?
Can't see any proper employment reports or something..Neither am able to search MSF alumni in IB on linkedin.( maybe for linkedin part I don't know what to type)..Can you suggest some place to connect with IB alumni of WUSTL MSF?
The schools listed are all about right. Princeton leans heavily toward experienced professionals. UTA should be on that list. USC for West coast. Northwestern, ND and Michigan if you're interested in the Midwest and managemnt programs.
Honestly, really depends on your goals, background and expectations.
TNA - thanks for the response. I have read a lot of your posts and have a few questions.
1- it seems like 80%+ of MITs MSF class is non-us, is that because of lack of us applicants or do they look for non us candidates?
2 - looks like ND is a solid program but it's in Chicago and part time? Does that hurt recruiting?
3 - read northwestern employment report but how do they recruit in NYC (vs Chicago).
Thanks again!
1) Lack of qualified applicants. All US MSF schools would LOVE more domestic applicants.
2) ND has a FT MMS in South Bend. They have a PT MSF in Chicago. IMO, do the Chicago program if you are employed of have a legitimate internship or something. This isn't a program you want to do cold.
3) Northwestern is a top target everywhere, but especially the Midwest. Most of their students in the MMS program will be rather junior so their placements will reflect this. Doesn't mean it is an absolute.
What are your thoughts on UC Berkeley's MFE program?
Princeton MSF is very quantitative but highly regarded program. The graduates place pretty well into BBs IBD. I know there have been few PhDs in maths completing the program so trust me, you want to know your shit thoroughly.
Notice though that you will most likely start as an Analyst after MSF whereas MBA would let you start as an Associate.
Yeah that's what I figured - thanks for the pointer!
Georgetown runs a good MSF program both online and in person.
Is the online program discounted by employers?
Or do you think it provides the same benefits as one you take in person?
It's technically a blended program so you can go to class online or on campus. The class is set up with prof up front before a class of on campus students and there's a large projection screen in the back of people who are checking into class online. Anyways, because of this, it is not an online degree so that "o" word doesn't show up on your diploma.
Wake Forest - MS in Accountancy (Transaction Services)
I got a Masters in Accounting at IU and they also have a 3+2 MBA.
A few who wanted it got into Transaction Services from the MAcc and I know a few of the MBA kids got investment banking. There was definitely at least 1 that I was aware of who worked 2 years and came back for the 3+2 MBA and he got IB as well.
I'm not going to claim that a LOT of these kids went to IB, but the year I was there 100% of the kids who wanted investment banking jobs got them. Most of the kids wanted and got Big 4 positions.
The kids who wanted investment banking were actually kind of a nice little niche. There was very little competition so even though it was a slightly non-traditional path they had the full dedication of our career resources and the leader of the graduate accounting program (who is VERY well connected).
As someone who went through a MSF program mentioned here, I would say your background matters. MSF does provide you a lot of flexibility and a lot of options. For me, it gave me a chance to transition into Finance and that way if I wanted to rebrand myself again, I can get a MBA. In terms of employment, we had access to all the analyst recruiting undergrads had access to and the network the MBAs had access to. Obviously starting as an analyst, most prestigious places prefer college seniors but if you can carve out a story, you have a shot. I only had a couple firms tell me that they did not want to recruit MSFs which was just odd but happened. Otherwise, I was able to finagle my way into a McKinsey private reception and a few other well known firms before accepting my offer at a top 20 consulting firm.
I know these aren't considered 'top tier' MSF programs but with respect to AM, what do people think of Boston College and Northeastern U MSF programs? My initial plan was to learn financial modeling and how to create stock pitches so I could then forward them to all the PMs in the state but I'm wondering if pursuing an MSF might be the path of least resistance. What do you guys think?
NEU is a bum, and BC MSF or BC Carroll master's isn't as anointed as its undergrads. Just too short of a time there to put their alumni network in good usage.
I have MSF experiences at a "top tier" MSF but nothing is top tier except MIT, which I did not go. the other ones show up on the rankings, simply because nearly no one in Top 20 MBA space cares to do MSF programs. you general expectation should tilt towards the full-time ranking range from Poets & Quants list.
HBS FT MBA -
Lot of people with 2 years of experience. (Not including 2+2s)
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