Is the second master's overkill?

[execon]

Hello,

I graduated with Econ master's from an Ivy two years ago and took an Econ-relevant non-investment job in a bank thinking I will go back for a PhD in Econ in a few years anyways. Well, over time I lost my passion for Econ and decided to change the course of my life. Given the job I took wasn't the most hedged position as my plans were entirely different, I started to interview hedge funds for risk positions but my experience seems like not a good fit with their expectations so far. Now I am considering to apply for Uchicago FinMath master's to pivot. In the grand scheme of things I have taken so many math courses, phd level options class and econometrics etc but it feels like I won't be able to pivot in my current situation. Do you think a second master's overkill? Or is it really the only viable path for my plans?

 

[Andy Nguyen]

A second master is always overkill if you haven't fully leveraged your existing education and experience to gain entry-level roles in risk management. Maybe ramp up your skills in programming (Python/C++), rework your resume, network, and target more realistic roles. There are plenty of risk positions outside of hedge funds. Try this route for a few months and if you have no luck, there is always time to do another master.

 

[achirikhin]

Yes. Learn programming (agree with Andy)