MSF Programs - what to do?

Hello all, hoping I can pick your brains a bit on this topic.

I have 1 semester left of undergrad (double majoring in finance and accounting) at a non-target state school (bad, I know). I will not have any decent employment offers from this program, even with a good (3.9+) GPA, so I'm looking at graduate programs.

Which MSF programs are the best? I know Vanderbilt and WUSTL, but where else? Not looking at MIT and Princeton since they are way too quant-y for me and I don't have the math coursework to get in.

Other information:
- I do not really want to end up working in NYC. I've lived there in the past and want to try something new. I would be more interested in going to Chicago, possibly Boston or even Dallas if I had to...
- My more long-term goal is to get into a top MBA program, so I am counting on the MSF to help me re-brand since my UG school is awful.
- Not that picky about what finance "track" I end up on. I'm very interested in real estate finance but I would be fine working in IB, PE, HF's, consulting, even corporate. Whatever would give me the best opportunity for admission to top MBA programs. I think the best resume-boosters for this purpose would be IB or consulting (with a firm like McKinsey, not a big 4), but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Advice? I appreciate any and all help. If any clarification is needed, let me know. Thank you!

 
Best Response

I'm on a similar track. Graduated in 2012 with non-target undergrad in finance. Currently in my last semester in MSF program. I'm in South Fla which is very scarce for IB & PE but pretty ripe for real estate IB/PE. I'm still looking to break into the industry after 3 1/2 years working in Credit & Risk management. I'm not 100% satisfied with the MSF but it's opening a few more doors (M&A at a large healthcare provider doing $500mm+ in yearly acquisitions along with some PE interest but nothing that has gained any real traction yet though I've only been looking for 3 months) and I think will get me better positioned for a company sponsored MBA program in the near future. Luckily you're able to move so that gives you an advantage. I chose an accelerated track which kills you for 12 months but then it's over. My wife is in PE down here for a $3bn AUM firm so we're not going anywhere anytime soon (just bought a house last April). I can't speak for the PE/IB guys out there from target schools because I didn't have that luxury but I don't think it's a waste of time it just won't propel you like a top MBA program even though my program is gaining some recognition as a top program globally. I say go for it, they're not that expensive and they can help get you where you want to go (or so I hope). Would be happy to elaborate further, good luck to you.

 

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