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.

 
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