Asking here because I feel that posting in the hangout may get some sarcastic answers. As of right now, I have 12 hours of the 36 hours needed for either plan (still beginning stages, all classes taken will translate into both degrees. My question is simple; Should I go MS Finance which is more specialized or get a general MBA? Reasons for MS Finance: Majored in Finance for my bachelors, getting an MS in Finance would give me a leg up on the competition for Financial jobs when I reach completion. Reasons against MS Finace: Too specific, If nothing in Finance job market is available, I may be stuck getting a much lower job/pay since degree is too specific. Reasons for MBA: General advanced studies for business. Can translate well in most business atmosphere jobs. Reasons against MBA: Too general. Everyone has an MBA. There is nothing to differentiate myself from the next job candidate. So I turn to you, fellow CFers, which one would be the better decision (I feel either way is a good decision, higher education is almost always a good decision)? I am taking summer courses and am getting too close for comfort before I NEED to choose one or the other without losing credits. Thanks in advance for all replies
MBA and take as many finance classes as they will let you. Eventually a masters in finance will gain as much or more credibility for financial jobs, but not soon enough to matter for you. In addition, the MBA network at whatever school you are going to is likely to be better.
Have you considered sitting for the CFA? I would imagine the CFA is more highly regarded than a masters.
you should work for a few years before an MBA. Otherwise you won't have enough experience to get the most out of the coursework and the networking.
If you are at a top tier program and/or have some good industry experience already, do the MBA. Like you said, you can still work in finance even with a general MBA (and you have a bachelors of finance). If you are committed to working in Finance and especially if the university is good with facilitating career opportunities (i.e. has recruiters visit and hire from your specific university), the MS Finance may be ideal to give you more specific expertise and a tangible skill-set.
Strength of program you are being accepted to should count a lot, but otherwise I agree with everyone else. MBA, and supplement that with finance how you see fit (take a lot of course, get a CFA, etc.).
Figure out what you want to do and do want it takes to get there.... Don't do something you think you are supposed to do and see where it takes you. For the record I am a BBA, MBA, and CPA. The license is far and away the most valuable. If I could go back and not get an MBA, I would.
2 years of working experience so far. I started my MBA immediately after graduating from undergrad while working. I then took a year off when work/school got too hectic (new job). I think now is as good a time as any to pick up where I left off.
If you really like finance, get the MS. Otherwise, the MBA would probably be more powerful given that you already have the BS in Finance.
Same dilemma here. Go for flexibility...so go for MBA. Finance is excellent, but MBA is more broad(for good or bad), but more often good. Staying local?
Not a fan of MBAs that aren't top tier programs. I've seen too many people go into debt for those only to get nothing. If you can't take advantage of the networking opportunities that come with an MBA, you're basically flushing your money down a toilet. The job market for good jobs is still tough and an MBA does very little in most instances. That said, I've been out of Houston long enough to not know how the local economy is in relation to MBAs nor do I know how local businesses perceive local MBAs so I could be totally off base here.
This seems to be the general consensus. @LCAhmed - I was wondering why I haven't seen you in any classes. Hope all is going well.
I have a good feeling I know who this is. Everything is good, just getting settled into the real world. Hopefully I'll be going back consistently and I'll see you on campus. Summer class online for my first semester back though is lame. To all who commented thank you! For right now, I am deciding to go MBA, and focus in Finance. I will eventually look into CFA later on.
I think if you're looking to make yourself the most marketable for different types of positions, you get the MBA. If you are ultimately looking to nail down a financial position because that's your passion then get the MS Finance.
MBA; especially since one probably shouldn't zero in on Finance. There are a lot of great Product/Brand Manager, Supply Chain or Business Analyst/Project Manager roles with big corporate brands if you're willing to live outside of NY, Chicago, or LA; and they take fresh MBAs all the time. I'm not entirely certain the MS Finance in some places does more than prep you for the CFA. I am seeing the MFE designation start to pop up around some energy traders.
I think that changed between the last two recessions: fresh MBAs with no work experience are getting internships that lead into better roles and opportunites than experienced staffers.
