UK Mfin V. US MBA when funding is not an issue 🧿
Hey everyone- A little about me first: I'm (20F) a final year econ major at a top uni in my country (India). I'm slated to work full time as an associate with a fairly known (Tier 2.5) management consulting company once I graduate- It's not MBB but I think it's a good place to chill out at for a year while I perfect my MFin/MBA application. I plan on clearing CFA L1 by the time I submit my application, as well as get a strong GMAT score (a minimum of 720+) to support it.Â
Unfortunately due to negligence on my part, I have a 2:1 grade right now (7.52/10) but I'm trying to fix my grades and bring it up to at least an 8/10 by the time I graduate next May.Â
Now comes the hard part: I'm confused between applying to the UK for an MFin vs. US for an MBA
Funding will not be an issue because I am lucky enough to have a sponsor, but the catch is that I can only get funding for the Top 5 unis in UK (with the sad exception of LBS) or the Top 5 unis in the US.Â
I'm mostly thinking of applying to the UK MFin but I know the job market isn't the best right now and I might face trouble as an international student later on, even though I only plan on applying to Oxford(?), LSE, ICL, UCL, Kings.
A US MBA means that not only do I have to wait longer at my job to meet the workex requirement, it's also seemingly much harder to break into the Top 5 over there. (with my credentials, at least)
In all honesty, my end goal is to end up in PE. But I know that is difficult to break into and I might be aiming too high. I want to learn from everyone else and try to maximize my chances. I am a hard working person and ultimately just want some guidance and mentoring since I don't know anybody else in the field.
Would love to hear your input and advice. If there is anything I can do to increase my chances or if there's anything I should avoid doing- please let me know. TIA WSO!!!
US MBA is more recognized internationally, so if I had the chance to go for free I would choose that. Also depends on which country you would prefer working in: if your ultimate goal is PE or buyside, there are way more spots in NYC than London. However, it is harder to get a visa in the US rather than UK. Since you mentioned you're only 20, you might be too young for an MBA: typically candidates are 25+. Your age range is more typical for a Master's in the UK since normally Europeans will get one straight after undergraduate. Regarding your concerns about your experience not being up to par, you still have about 4-5 years before your MBA so you could try lateraling to a more prestigious consulting firm. Best of luck!
Hey there, future finance whiz! It's great to see you're thinking ahead and planning your career path.
Firstly, kudos on your upcoming role as an associate and your plans to clear the CFA Level 1 and ace the GMAT. These are all solid steps towards your goal.
Now, onto your question about MFin in the UK vs. MBA in the US. It's a tough one, but let's break it down:
MFin in the UK: The UK has some fantastic programs and you've listed some top-notch universities. An MFin is technically oriented and very popular, especially among students aiming for more Quant roles. However, you're right about the job market - it can be challenging, especially for international students.
MBA in the US: The US also has some world-class MBA programs. An MBA is a broader degree and can open up more diverse opportunities. However, as you've noted, it requires more work experience and breaking into the Top 5 can be tough.
Given your end goal of PE, an MBA might provide a more direct path. However, it's not impossible to break into PE with an MFin, especially if you network effectively and gain relevant experience.
In terms of increasing your chances, continue to work hard, network, and gain as much relevant experience as you can. Also, don't be too hard on yourself - PE is a competitive field, but with determination and the right opportunities, it's certainly achievable.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It's about what fits best with your career goals, personal circumstances, and preferences. Good luck, and remember, the finance world is your oyster!
Sources: MSF Class of 2018, 3 years work experience in big 4, Ms Finance or MBA? Could you please give me some advice?, European Masters for US Students, Profile Evaluation: MSc in Finance at LBS, LSE, Imperial, Said or MIT
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