Hi. Some advice?

Hi everyone. I graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 2012 with a BA in Economics and a minor in math. I'm currently attending Teachers College, Columbia University pursuing an MA degree in Mathematics Education. I'll be done in the summer with the program.

However, I'm not sure if I want to teach high school anymore. I think I might want to do something else, such as finance. So, I'm considering obtaining a master's in economics. The problem is that I can't really afford another degree from a top school. Thus, I'm considering attending City College, CUNY for a master's degree in econ. They're cheap and they seem to have what I'm looking for - a good mixture of economic theory, quantitative methods, and application courses in finance.

What do you know about the program at City College? Is it worth it? Should I even get a master's degree in econ? Or is my prior education good enough? Also, please note, I have absolutely no relevant work history in finance, nor have I ever interned or taken finance courses. I would like to intern while I'm at City College though.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

8 Comments
 

This is a really tough background to sell.

Obviously great schools -- I wouldn't want to mess up the pedigree of the former 2 with a City College degree. If you are going to go back to school (or continue school) make it count and go to a top program. Pedigree matters if you are talking IB.

Also, you said finance -- is it IB, or something else you want? Should probably do some research on the different areas as well.

I think you just need to start hitting the phones cold calling any way you can. Best of luck.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."
 

Stop going to school and start working.

"For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen."
 
duffmt6

Stop going to school and start working.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

If finance is truly what you want to do, I would stop after finishing this degree. More degrees will not help you get into finance. If anything, I think finance programs are looking to hire more students out of undergrad and fewer with advanced degrees. The latter are more expensive (banks have to pay them more) but are not any better at the job than the former. Like everyone else said, experience is much more valuable.

 
Best Response

Quod et autem ipsam sed hic. Quibusdam velit aut quis repellat. Vel occaecati ad nihil excepturi. Quae officiis culpa iure aliquid est. Aut sequi nihil aut minus magnam. Et nesciunt vel consequatur necessitatibus.

Vel labore est sint consequuntur et. Reprehenderit enim rerum nesciunt officiis impedit accusamus est. Velit voluptatum quia quos autem eos. Omnis ut voluptas culpa blanditiis. Voluptas ea pariatur amet soluta. Quod voluptatem quisquam repudiandae aut expedita cum ut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”