UT Austin McCombs Master in Finance - reviews?
I was admitted and wanna know how it stacks up to other MSF (Vanderbilt, Tulane MME, UVA, Georgetown).
1. How are the job prospects / Did you get the job you wanted?
2. What made you choose UT over other programs?
3. Do people respect the degree / McCombs name even if it‘s not a main program?
4. Do career services treat you like an afterthought compared to McCombs undergrads/MBAs?
5. How helpful was the school or alumni with interview prep, connections, and job searching?
6. Can you explain how recruiting works & how you learn enough for a job in such short time (since it’s a first in finance degree)?
7. Your thoughts on the faculty/courses? Usefulness, rigor, support, etc.
8. If you didn’t do undergrad at UT: How was adjusting to Austin? making friends, weather, renting, driving etc.
9. Any regrets or advice for an incoming student?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know about the UT Austin McCombs Master in Finance (MSF) program:
Job Prospects: The McCombs MSF program has strong placement outcomes, particularly in Texas. Alumni have landed roles at top firms like Citi, Evercore, Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Raymond James. The program also offers opportunities outside of finance, such as consulting, with placements at companies like McKinsey, KPMG, and even tech firms like Apple and eBay. The program's strong OCR (on-campus recruiting) and Texas-focused brand make it a top choice for those targeting the region.
Why Choose UT McCombs: McCombs is considered the best school for those aiming to work in Texas due to its unmatched brand recognition in the state. The program has been around for years and has developed a solid reputation, especially for networking with Texas-based firms.
Reputation of the Degree: The McCombs name carries significant weight, especially within Texas. While it may not be as globally recognized as some MBA programs, the MSF degree is well-respected in the finance industry, particularly for energy, project finance, and banking roles.
Career Services: McCombs has excellent career services with strong alumni connections. The program's alumni network is highly active, and many students have reported receiving direct interview opportunities through alumni outreach. However, there may be some prioritization of undergrads and MBAs, but the MSF program still benefits from the overall strength of McCombs' career services.
Alumni and Networking: Alumni from the program are known to be very supportive, especially within Texas. Networking with alumni has been highlighted as a key advantage, with many students securing interviews and job offers through these connections.
Recruiting and Learning Curve: The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in finance within a short time. The rigorous coursework and access to resources like mock interviews and resume reviews help students prepare for recruiting. The program's focus on practical skills ensures that students are job-ready by graduation.
Faculty and Courses: The faculty at McCombs are highly regarded, with a focus on providing practical and rigorous education. The courses are designed to be relevant to the finance industry, and students have access to resources like financial modeling and valuation bootcamps.
Adjusting to Austin: For those new to Austin, the city is known for its vibrant culture, warm weather, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. Making friends and adjusting to the city is generally considered easy, given the welcoming community and active student life.
Advice for Incoming Students: Leverage the alumni network as much as possible, and take full advantage of the career services and resources offered by the program. Focus on building relationships with classmates and professors, as these connections can be invaluable for your career.
If you're targeting energy, project finance, or ER roles, McCombs' strong Texas presence and connections in the energy sector make it a compelling choice.
Sources: MSF Class of 2019, MSF Class of 2019, Unofficial Guide to Texas Target Schools, Rice University vs. UT Austin McCombs Undergraduate
bump cuz why did I get votes but no comments 😔
bump again ?!
bump can a human plz respond
Msf is becoming a hot convo, really speaks to current state of the labor market
yup, hopefully it brings more attention and legitimacy to the degree so employers understand it better. the combo of a technical undergrad + finance masters could be killer in some sectors.
in my case I would’ve done it no matter the market, as I realized late in the game I didn’t see a future in a career related to my major.
Check the website and message an ambassador on LinkedIn, will be easier than digging through WSO
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