Kelley MS in Finance
Hello, everyone!
I have been looking at getting a second masters to help support some future goals. Originally, I had started looking at schools in the EU/UK because I am moving to Germany soon. Unfortunately, the only option that really seems to "work" would be to get a second MBA from a target school-- which just seems like a poor option (correct me if I am wrong).
Quick background: BBA from small state school, MBA from Xavier University. 14 years of operations/logistics background (large portion military). Outside of P&L or budget responsibilities, no real finance roles. Currently working for a F25 company and could move into corporate finance pretty easily.
I am looking at the online MS in Finance from Kelley. Unfortunately, the military got their claws back into me and that is why I am going to Germany. My wife is keen on staying in the EU, going to Israel, or even Africa after this tour is up. So, I wanted to see if anyone had feedback on Kelley's program. Specifically:
- What finance roles could I potentially be competitive for?
- Any ideas on what firms I could target for networking?
- Any other feedback on Kelley?
I know IB is out since I am 40 and have a lot of experience, and I would like a bit of work-life balance since I have a family. I just want to see what I may not be considering that is out there.
Thanks!
If I understand your profile correctly:
- You want to stay in Europe
- You're looking to do an MS in Finance to see if you can break into a finance role after your military stint is done.
My advice is don't spend any more time or money on school. You have the experience and knowledge you need for a finance role. If you are really ambitious and want to pursue higher learning, take the CFA. Getting the charter will pay huge dividends for your career in terms of education and opportunities.
During your tour, I strongly recommend that you network with previous military professionals that are in finance institutions. I am confident if you're likeable and somewhat knowledgable, they will be more than happy to try and get you into the firm. Many financial institutions also have programs for former military people that are trying to break into the industry.
For the reasons above, please do not waste time or money on school. You have all the schooling you need. Spend the time networking, and reading books about the financial industry you're interested in so you can sound knowledagble to the professionals you're talking to. If you're really ambitious do the CFA but dont waste time on a masters.
Which parts of finance are you interested in?
Thank you! I was thinking a degree made since to ensure I had good domain knowledge, but I will definitely look at CFA programs, etc.
I am definitely considering staying in Europe, going to Israel, or Africa. However, I have no problem coming back to the US either. We will end up deciding based on what our best option for the family. My wife's career is much more lucrative overseas and I could stay with my current company there as well.
I am still trying to feel out what part of finance makes the most sense and interests me the most. I feel like Corporate would be the easiest transition for me since I could logically stay with my company if I wanted. It seems like over a career there can be some great diversity in types of work that can be done. However, I am starting to learn more about other options which are definitely catching my attention. The goal is to find something challenging, interesting, that still affords me a decent life. Every topic of finance that I dig into is interesting and fun. I wish I would have followed this path when I was out of undergrad.
Understood. Definitely do not waste money or time on a masters in finance. Your time will be much better spent figuring out what you want to do, and networking with people on LinkedIn who were in the military and are at top tier fin institutions. I'm confident they'll be willing to help you.
A lot of banks and other institutions have created programs for people who were in the military as a way to introduce them back into the finance work-force. Apply to these programs, reach out to HR people/vets who can probably help you break in.
CFA is a very well respected finance designation, that has 3 levels, with each level being harder than the next (around 10% get through all three levels). Passing all three levels will give you a lot of respect in the industry, and a strong financial base. CFA covers a broad range of topics and is recognized world-wide, which will help you become employable depending on where you want to work in the world, and the broad range of topics covered by the curriculum may help you find the field of finance you'll be most passionate about. Be prepared to study more than 1,000 hours if you want to complete it.
Good luck!
The earlier commentator on this thread had some great points, but I would like to offer a different view.
First, forget Kelly’s MSF. You’re a tenured professional with an MBA already. Kelley’s program isn’t structured for your situation and likely you’ve already learned the basics of finance from your MBA.
While a CFA is without a doubt a highly sought after credential and will open doors for you, I’d like to suggest a different track. In my view, given you’re above average seniority for most of the bank’s vet programs, those doors may not be open to you. Also, you actually need to get the CFA charter (or at least pass the second level) for it to mean the most for you (that’s 2 – 3 years until you can use it to help your career). The CFA charter program won’t carry weight from just joining the program (low barrier to start). So no pedigree / networking uplift from merely joining the program, i.e. it won't help you for 2 - 3 years. There’s also no guarantee that you will get the charter. The CFA also means a great deal within the finance industry, mostly on the buy side / portfolio management side / equity research side. However, the degree carries much less weight in corporate America.
My suggestion is attend an executive master’s degree program at top b-school in Europe. Not an MBA but think a specialized master’s degree (think LSE or equivalent). Make sure this is an executive degree at an absolute top tier European b-school. Once you join the program, you automatically get the pedigree uplift. The other benefit, is this is a mid-career program. These are your peers and the types of professionals you need to network with to make a career move. After this, if you have time and enjoy studying the CFA will still be there for you.
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