Is a graduate degree from H/P/S/Y worth it to break into finance if I don't do STEM, MBA or MSc/Mfin
Hey guys I am a finance graduate from a non target. Have had a hard time getting good full time roles and so far I have only gotten into Big 4 Audit. I have decided to go to grad school to try my luck at Analyst or intern roles to break into the industry, I am also a CFA level 2 candidate if thats helps in any way.
I do not want to study anything Finance related for my further education as I have always had an interest in studying History and have seen people from non finance backgrounds break into BB, EB and regional banks just by having Oxford or Columbia on their CV despite studying Latin or something of the sort.
My question is if I go to a top target and study a graduate course in History or Politics would this absolutely kill my prospects of getting into Analyst programs or would it be relatively easier than my current situation.
I also see the benefits of going to these top schools in terms of networking as i have a startup and would benefit from its alumni.
Tbh, if you're a HYPS graduate with decent grades and some experience to show for, that alone should open most doors (to interviews). If you prep well, and ace your technicals, you're going to learn the rest on the job. Lots of executives out there with degrees in humanities.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Its a tough decision to make really.
No History division at investment banks, sorry
The rule is that you can study whatever the fuck you want in undergrad because you're young and shit and people don't expect you to make career plans when you're 18. Grad school is a different thing, because you're supposed to be old enough to make smart, career-oriented decisions and most importantly pursue studies that are actually relevant to the job you want to do.
Yes.
Either you network your ass off like every non-target on this website or you work 2/3 years at Big 4 Valuations and you get an MBA. If you like history & politics, read books.
Thanks for the reply. Seems like I should either continue down the audit road and transition as a senior or get an MBA
Don't think I completely agree with you about not being able to find an IB job if you do a masters at an ivy. The name will definitely help you get interviews. They key will be to do well in the program, and to come up with a logical story about why you're looking to do IB after doing a masters in history.
The major issue that I see with OP's decision is that firms will recruit you only for analyst level roles despite being a graduate student, and graduate degrees at H/Y/P are expensive. I don't think OP made the best financial decision to turn down a B4 audit job. The pay is not the worst, and 2-3 years into your audit career can give you the opportunity to move into some high paying jobs, especially if you complete your CFA. The B4 name is also highly respected in the industry, despite what people on this forum say about accounting.
OP I want you to realize you literally threw away around 130,000k (two years of an accountant's salary) in order to pursue IB. This is without considering the debt you will acquire from going to H/Y/P. Make sure to proactively look for recruiting activities and network. Without realizing it, you've sacrificed a lot to do a masters, and I hope you're not doing a masters just to break into H/Y/P.
Agree. OP will have access to undergrad OCR for sure, and may even get invited to interviews. However, I can't even fathom how OP will spin this into a good story. CFA Level 2? Master in History? "I wanted to do PhD, but quickly found that the academia life is not for me. Hence, I'm pursuing my other interest, finance"... err okay. The story would have been more believable if it was MA Economics, but History...
Just get whatever job you can and then get into a top 10 MBA.
This grad school liberal arts focus seems like a lack of direction. The only thing a masters in History is prepping for is likely a PhD to teach history.
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