Msc Finance for someone with a non-finance, non-econ background

I've just about had it with the back-office (okay, I've absolutely had it with the back office) and I'm looking to get a Msc in Finance somewhere (preferably Europe) to make the jump to the FO. Here are my stats:

B.A. in International Relations (international trade concentration), 3.5 GPA, at a top 30, tip-top international relations program, but complete non-target.
GRE 680V 800Q 5.5 AWA
GMAT 48V 41Q 6.0 AWA (720)
Native speaker in French/English, some Spanish
2.5 years of fund accounting experience at a major custodian bank

The two biggest things going against me are probably the fact that I didn't major in a business field or econ, and that my quant score on the GMAT is weak. I might still retake the GMAT but $250 is rather steep, particularly if I screw the pooch again. A lot of programs, such as LSE or Stockholm ask for an undergrad in finance/econ. I can't go back and fix that so I'm hoping the fact that I took a decent amount of econ undergrad and have experience in financial services will help me.

What do you guys think would be a realistic list of schools to apply to? I'm thinking LSE Accounting and Finance, SSE Finance, Bocconi, perhaps MIT ans Warwick. I want to get into an S&T role with a macro-oriented product (rates, fx and maybe commodities). I'm not picky on where I would work, whether it be at a BB S&T, commodities trading house or even a prop shop. These programs are more geared to corp. fin. and IBD but there is no way I'm getting into a top-notch econ or quant finance program with my background.

Regardless of what happens, I need to quit my job by the three year mark. I've been wasting away for way too long and it's killing me. My plan is to try and trade a futures product during the Spring, which could help me during interviews while at school, or get into a prop shop if I don't get accepted anywhere.

Anybody have any suggestions?

 

yes you do sound confused for a bit. To me, it makes no sense that you're doing a MFin for consulting

try this: draft a statement that says something like the following.... I want to do MFin because I like to.... and use the same why for I want to do consulting because I like to....

[quote="M7 MBA, iBanking. Top MSF grad. AntiTNA. Truth is hard to hear! But... "] [/quote] [quote="DickFuld: Yeah....most of these people give terrible advice."] [/quote]
 
Best Response

Honestly man, with your background and accomplishments I don't think the MFin is necessary to get into consulting. Even though Villanova isn't a strong target I think you'll get interviews if you just apply online.

But if you really do want the MFin I really think your story writes itself. You have finance related internships and founded a venture-backed startup. You're on track when you say you want an MFin to develop technical skills such as financial modeling, etc.

 

If you're looking at Scandy go either for Stockholm School of Econ or Copehagen Business School (in that order). If you go with CBS (which is free for EU citizens) I'd be prepared to learn Danish as when recruitment comes along the BBs (that visit from London) heavily favor Danish/Swedish/Norwegian speakers (as they look to place them on the Nordic desks- in S&T and IBD)... Do you speak a few languages already?

 

they are very expensive. around 20-30k. is there something cheaper??? i dont know the educaton system very well. with grand ecoles, business schools, economic school etc

 

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I'm talking about liquid. Rich enough to have your own jet. Rich enough not to waste time. Fifty, a hundred million dollars, buddy. A player. Or nothing. See my Blog & AMA
 

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