What would you do in my position
Graduated from UConn with a b.a in psych. The past 6-12 months I've been researching and reading up on finance and want to pursue the field, end goal maybe some mid/higher end job. My gpa was pretty poor during half of undergrad as I was pursuing something else (hindsight 20/20, but I don't regret it, wish I had committed heavier tbh). Anyways, I have the option of completing the degree online (same degree if to take in person) to Walsh College/Southern New Hampshire University for a MSF, but I feel a little skeptical if it's to be useful seeing as both universities are very small and low ranked (I have a scholarship so the cost isn't an issue - and I can manage the time commitment easily).
Friends recommended just applying for lower end financial jobs and possibly working my way up instead of the degree option. Right now, I don't have the option of enrolling at a university to take classes in person and don't think I will in the near future.
Should I pursue the MSF in hopes it can offer some weight in attaining a job in finance, or do you think it's useless given the universities that I'm applying to and that I'm better off working my way up (if possible, I find a little unlikely).
Any sort of insight is greatly appreciated.
"The past 6-12 months I've been researching and reading up on finance and want to pursue the field, end goal maybe some mid/higher end job."
First step is to find out what you actually want to do. There are many different jobs/roles in Finance and most of them are not achievable by "applying for lower end financial jobs and possibly working my way up".
Thanks for the response and sorry, I should've been a little bit more precise, but I didn't want the post to be too long. I could go in more detail, but to be concise, I really enjoy investing, studying the markets, economics, and the process of researching into businesses as well as a few other things. I want to pursue the field of finance because I'm confident it's where I want to be.
I'm hoping to get some insight in terms of what you or other people think might be my best move in the situation I'm currently in. I don't have a definitive job that I'm looking to fulfill as for the near term future, but I want to enable myself to be in the best situation possible and am not sure if applying for jobs and working my way up from where I am (b.a in psych) is best or if I should look to pursue the (via online) MSF from a lower tier school. Again, working at a mutual fund, accountant, broker, analyst, trader etc. are a broad list of jobs that I would be happy pursuing. What do you think is best and have you pursued a MSF?
So you're interested in Asset Management/Investing/Equity Research? You absolutely will not get any front office or middle office roles by doing that MSF - especially while having no relevant Finance experience. You also won't get them by "working your way up". Read around this forum a bit more and you'll realize the positions you're looking for are very competitive.
You're best bet is probably to take the GMAT/GRE and try get into a top program.
And yes, I'm currently in a MSc Finance program.
This is the OP (Avantiii), I can't access my account and just made a new one to respond.
I'm interested in Asset Management for sure, but I don't mean to come across as if that's what I'd want to pursue in terms of a job, or the only avenue in which I'd like to go down. Honestly, I would enjoy almost any job in the financial sector and being in the situation I'm in, with my limited options, I'm wondering if getting a MSF would be enabling in terms of getting 'a job', whatever it may be in the field. What do you think?
Obviously prestige is important and networking is key like most people have told me, but I would think that getting a MSF would enable me at least enough to be able to land me a job in the field that earns..idk, 40k+. With a background of a b.a in psych, I feel like getting a MSF would be my best bet and whilst doing so, pursue a CFA level 1 to help out..So in short, I'd have a MSF from a low tier school, with potentially having passed a level 1 CFA, I would think despite the school and lack of networking, I would be able to land a somewhat decent job in finance (40k+) especially if I finish with a near 4.0 gpa, no?
And again, I really appreciate the insight. It means a lot hearing from someone also pursuing a masters degree. Goodluck with it btw.
Maybe that could get you a low paying job in corporate finance somewhere (not at a large/reputable company and nothing to do with investing/markets) but why not at least take the GMAT and see what range of schools you could get into?
The rant is less helpful..
So what are your Situations Constraints Goals Early Trials?
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