MSF Programs & Schools - My Shots
Hi guys,
How is it going? I have a question about the MSF programs and schools and my shots at them, and I hope to receive some insights and opinions here :)
So basically, I'm currently doing an engineering Master's program (I'm 23) in US, and about to graduate next year. I've been thinking about transitioning to finance, particularly IBD, for a while. Honestly, I don't have much experience - I only summered once in a boutique in NY, doing sell-side M&A, and I've taken a couple MBA finance classes. My only strength is probly my GPA, 4.0, including all engineering, math, and finance classes, and I'm about to take GMAT (I've only taken GRE). After a few failed attempts at finding a FT analyst position (only interviews, no offers), I figured I'd better take a MSF program if I want to be taken seriously. I know it's late for me to apply, but I still want to give it a shot.
So what do you guys think my best shots are...?
Thanks in advance!
Use the search function my dude, Anthony has all kinds of solid posts on here and an entire fuckin website dedicated to the MSF
Sorry, my bad. Kind of new to the forum. But thanks for pointing me to a great site!
No worries my man - welcome
Dude, chill. Everyone's situation is different. This guy is looking for MSF input relevant to his situation, so old threads won't be as helpful.
Can we get a ballpark on what school you went to? All 4.0s aren't created equal. If you went to a great school and got a 4.0 in those subjects, i'd say you're a shoe-in anywhere.
OK, I'll just put it out there - it's USC, school of engineering.
USC isn't a target but it's nothing to sneer at. I think you have a great shot at top MSF programs provided your GMAT/GRE scores are good.
Thanks! Got to study for GMAT among finals now...
Besides, Anthony's dead. The Predator killed him.
I am currently pursuing an MSF just a bit of advice - network, network, network. You have to outwork undergrad kids. The MSF is a relatively new program and people still need to be educated/convinced that your program (wherever you end up) produces a good product. Also, if at all possible apply for SA positions one extra internship can't hurt. good luck.
Thanks for the advice! I do plan to take a SA position if possible before the program - this is why I was a little hesitant about MIT's program, which starts right from summer. So I decided to save myself some embarrassment by not applying to that as I would probably get rejected anyway.
I think you would be a good MIT candidate, not a Princeton one. They like work experience, which you don't have.
I would look overseas to be honest. I think you would be a good applicant at LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, etc.
Have you thought of just working? Get another internship and maybe CFA level 1 and you can do banking or more of a quant role. A 4.0 in engineering is no joke. Learn some programming and you could do whatever. I think you could get into finance "As Is". No need for another masters.
Thank you - I guess you are The Anthony everyone is talking about :)
I am actually thinking about overseas programs, too. As for the quant thing, I'm not quite sure if I want to confine myself doing that. There is nothing wrong with it, don't get me wrong, it's just, personally, I don't find that quite interesting, even though I came from a quantitative background myself. Also, as this year's recruiting is practically over, I don't want to leave any gap in my resume. That's why I'm trying to find some other legitimate plans to spend the year on. Besides, I feel like, without an actual finance degree, it's very hard for me to be taken seriously, esp. in IBD, even though I took a couple classes on it and know how to model.
Just my opinion, but I feel you might have to leverage your unique background in certain ways, just to get your foot in the door. So sure, maybe you don't want to be a quant. But with a 4.0 master's in engineering and some programming skills, it might really be a great way for you to break into finance, get 2-3 years experience, and then move to something more up your alley.
Get a MSc and you will be able to go either paths. I would focus on learning some C and C++ on your own time. You could be a pretty dynamic candidate.
LSE would love you. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for your encouragement! But are we talking about LSE's MSc Finance here (the other finance-related programs like Finance & Economics all require a finance background)? Its 2009's acceptance rate is 64/2,346 = 2.73%, which is like... Come On...
This guy seems to have a shot at top U.S. programs like princeton, berkeley, stanford, nyu, carnegie mellon. Aren't all of those better than the U.K. programs?
Agree with Brady minus the Princeton suggestion. Go look at their stats, they are all about some work experience
He states that he isn't interested in an MFE degree or career. Also, for someone with a masters in engineering, it might be a little redundant to get a degree in financial engineering.
LSE has a ton of MSc programs. No way only 64 people total. As far as I know LBS requires work experience, but not LSE. Of course it would help.
Cambridge has a MPhil on finance which is nice.
I think you could break in without an MSF, but if you are determined to get one I think you should look at the UK for a program. Nothing in the USA, outside of Princeton or MIT, would help you.
Thanks again. The number I quoted is for its MSc in Finance program only:
http://www2.lse.ac.uk/study/graduate/taughtProgrammes2011/MScFinance_(f…
I know it has other programs, but they usually require a finance background.
Is the intake the number of applicants who are accepted or the number of students who enroll in the program? If the former, that's pretty insane. Masters in finance, finance&economics, and financial mathematics all accept like 5% or less. Princeton's finance masters accepted 4%, which is the lowest in the U.S. I believe.
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