Transition from Military to MBA vs. MFE/MFin etc
So I'm a combat vet military officer considering transitioning into the civilian world when my obligation is up in the next couple years. I'm weighing a traditional MBA vs. a more specific year-long Master's in Finance (or something similar) along with some additional language coursework. I'd be doing either with full post 9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits which means out of pocket costs would be minimal (less than $1.5k per year). While the MBA seems like it offers better networking opportunities, the Master's minimizes time spent in school vs. working and grants more industry specific knowledge that seems like it would be of greater value relative to my interests (commodities trading or IBD with a focus on natural resource companies or infrastructure projects in East Asia). The downside to that option is that my quantitative skills are not up to snuff for a program with the quantitative rigor of MIT or Princeton (I'm more in line with UTexas or UConn's Financial Risk Management Program). Based on this and my unique background (summarized below), I'd appreciate any insight on what would be the most beneficial course of action.
Strengths: -Intermediate working proficiency in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese -BA in Economics with 3.3 GPA from an Ivy League university -91st percentile on GRE Math, 94th percentile on GRE Verbal (haven't taken the GMAT since most biz school seem to be accepting the GRE now) -experience networking and developing personal relationships with officials throughout Asia (South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Phillipines, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia) -accustomed to managing strong personalities and assets worth lots of $$$$
Weaknesses: -no professional work experience in IBD or trading -no quantitative academic or professional work since undergraduate degree
From what I've heard on these boards, B-Schools really like bringing vets on board. With your academic background, great GRE scores, and combat exp I don't think you'd have any problem getting into an M7 BS.
Since you feel your quant skills may be lacking,probably not :), I'd avoid a MSF or certification such as the CFA. The MSF like you said limits class time but is not too marketable (opinion) and I'm not sure if it could help for IBD.
If I were you, I'd go MBA as it provides more diversification.
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