Early-career Mfin followed by an MBA?

Hey there.

I’m a US citizen majoring in finance abroad at my country’s top target, but I’m not super excited at the prospect of working here. 

Background:

Top #3 LatAm School

Major in Financial Management 

GPA 4.0+

GMAT: 680 (First official practice exam without any studying). Still have ~1 year left to study

Some strong EC’s across the board in several disciplines


If I were to get a job here, it would most likely be in T2 consulting. My school is a big MBB target for the country, but they disproportionately target engineers and I have not managed to get interviews, despite what I consider a competitive resume.

Even if I got into MBB I really do not see when or how I would be able to transfer.


I want to start my career in the US (Or in the UK as a second choice). I’m thinking on doing a top MSF/MFin and recruit for Management Consulting and Investment Banking (75% preference towards MC, 25% towards IB)

Regardless of my industry, I know I want to do an MBA down the line (Of course I'm aiming at H/S/W - M7 because I've drunk all the kool-aid). That’s a thing I know for certain. Either to go into the buy-side or to further my career in Management Consulting

My only quarrel is that I’ve heard hearsay and rumors here and there that getting into a top MBA is HARDER with a Masters in Finance, and that you might get some weird looks from recruiters since it can seem you don’t know what you really want. Is this really the case?

Is it really frowned upon to go Early Mfin>MBB>M7 MBA>X?



I basically plan to use the Mfin to be able to start my career in the US. I would jump straight from undergrad, and 90% of the positions at early-career Mfins are undergrad positions anyway and most have 0-2 years of work experience including internships


MIT’s program, for example, has amazing placement. Just last year they had 11/~100 into Goldman alone.

 

The programs I’m considering are these:

MIT Mfin, Vanderbilt MSF, Oxford MFE, LSE MSc Finance, LBS MFA, Cambridge, etc

 

I know it’s not an optimal financial decision money-wise, but it’s the closest thing there is to getting a target undergrad degree for internationals looking to start in the US. Plus, my MBA would be sponsored if I do manage to land in management consulting.

Hoping I can get some insight on the matter from those knowledgable in the matter, thanks.

 

You can only really reset once - once you do MSF, then you don’t really need an MBA and won’t be expected to get one, especially if you go MBB to begin with, so then you don’t really need to “break in anywhere.” I don’t see an problem with not getting an MBA though if you break into MBB.

edit: i’m wrong don’t listen to me

 

completely and utterly wrong.

an msf is to rest for post-undergrad roles. an mba is to reset for mid-career roles. they are not the same

 

"getting into a top MBA is HARDER with a Masters in Finance"   i've never heard this.  Who cares anyway? If you get your MSfin, and get into MBB, you may not need an MBA. If one day you decide on an MBA reset, I'm sure it will still be available to you, and you'll be at least as strong a candidate, having completed an MSFin, Just do it.

 

Can confirm my M7 MBA program does not care. Lots of people in MBA programs have other advanced degrees. I personally know people with Mfin, MAcc, PhDs, JDs (not dual degree programs), MDs and PharmDs. I am sure there are more varieties of degrees. As long as you don't previously have MBA you are good to go!

 
Most Helpful

"getting into a top MBA is HARDER with a Masters in Finance"

This is NOT true at all. If anything, having an masers in finance will help you 1) land a great job post-grad school that will 2) improve your change at getting into at top MBA later on.

Acing a masters degree will also provide another GPA and brand name school for your future MBA to look at. MBA adcom is all about their MBA admit's pedigree/pre-MBA success, the more prestigious you set yourself up to be, the better changes you have of getting into a top MBA program. 

Good luck!

 

Given the current economic environment, I think a lot of college seniors will be considering riding out the downturn in school. You can absolutely get an MFin now then work 3-5 years and return to school (as necessary) to get an MBA

Reach out if you are interested in a profile evaluation. One of our counselors has worked with several clients with similar profiles applying to MFin or other pre-experience masters programs.

Susan Cera Director of MBA Admissions Stratus Admissions Counseling - www.stratusadmissions.com FREE Profile Evaluation - www.stratusadmissions.com/consult
 

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