UT Austin MPA vs Duke MMS for IB
I am a current sophomore at a non-target in the Southeast majoring in accounting and finance. My GPA is 3.65. I want to break into investment banking.
If I am unable to get an investment banking internship for next summer (my junior summer), I am considering getting an MPA/MAcc or MMS. I do not think an MSF is an option because of how math-heavy the top programs are.
I did some searching on WSO and Google and found UT Austin’s MPA and Duke’s MMS. UT Austin's MPA program seems to be recruited by several BB and top MM IBs, while Duke's MMS program less so, though Duke only lists the firms that hired, while UT Austin lists firms that recruited and hired. What are your thoughts on these two programs? Do you think I would have a legitimate shot at IB coming out of either of these two graduate programs?
My number one goal is still getting that summer IB internship, but I just want to have a backup plan and some more information before spending money on GMAT prep. Thank you in advance for any help.
It depends on where you want to live. Duke probably has more exposure to NYC markets and of course is close to Atlanta and Charlotte, both of which have some good boutiques. If you want to be in Texas then go to TX. I work in Houston at a top 10 bank and can honestly say that probably 40-50% of analysts and associates got some sort of degree from UT so the network will be great. Every energy group recruits from UT.
not gonna try to xfer into mccombs as opposed to doing the masters?
Do you think the transfer would be worth it? I would essentially lose a year since I would complete my junior year, but only be able to transfer 60 credit hours. If I go for the MPA over the transfer, it would take the same amount of time in years.
But, you could also still do a masters after the transfer if you need an extra year of recruiting. It leaves you with more options.
I'm about to start the MMS program in a few weeks (to break into IB), but thats only because I already graduated.
If I were you, I would transfer to a semi-target or target if possible. Who cares if you lose one year, a year at a target is probably less expensive than the 1 yr Duke program (I just took out 65K in loans)), and plus you can stay involved in fraternities, undegrad clubs, etc.
And like you said, it would be the same amount of time.
Don't forget, no matter where you go for a non-MBA Master's degree, your undergrad will haunt you forever (Top-Tier MBA programs applications). Transfer to a target, keep your grades up, and party hard.
I've looked into both programs and decided last minute not to apply UTA MPA. The MPA looks like a fantastic program (all the courses you need, study abroad, #1 in accounting), but my interest was more on the consulting side. I would score an incredible GMAT, see where your IB chances lie in a year, graduate with good grades (3.7+), and then take the masters.
You have a legitimate shot provided you start adding top tier internships right now. Key is obviously, networking. Sometimes you can forgo 40K in loans if you persist in shaking hands and have key players invested in you.
Your undergrad will stick with you, but it can be a narrative of improvement/hustling over shame. No one wants to hear that you are ashamed of your school, etc. I'd hire a kid who was non-target/state who went to Duke/UTA-MPA over a straight semi-target or target.
A finishing degree (JD/MBA/PhD/MD) wipes out any thoughts about undergrad.
I really don't think this is at all representative of Wall Street hiring practices.
idragmazda, how does the recruiting for IB look at Duke MMS? Their website does not provide much data on that, other than who was hired at which firm.
Wolfy, if I may ask, did you choose another program over MPA?
Thank you for the help so far, everyone.
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