MFE/MBA Dual Programs

[Harkkam]

Hi guys I am 26 years old and currently working as a financial advisor at a BB, and after some hard thinking I've decided that I want to get into quants and do an MBA as well.

I graduated from a CUNY school with a major in Economics with a 3.1 Cum. and a 3.3 Major GPA. I've taken Cal 1 and Cal 2 and got A's in both classes.

My goal is not to be a trader, but a fixed income or credit analyst. I've tried applying to entry level positions for both and havent gotten any bites.

To me getting both degrees makes the most sense as it provides you the ability to combine the strengths of both degrees and avoid pigeon holing yourself.

I am also taking the part 1 CFA exam in December.

My approach to getting into an MFE alone is realizing first that I dont have a strong background in math as I would like and I am looking to do a post bac program at columbia or Baruch to try and increase my chances and show that I am capable. I am not worried about not being able to do the math as I know once I apply myself I can understand it.

I have about 2.5 years of working experience, I was an M&A analyst intern for 1.5 years doing LBO models and DCF models and what not.

My goal is to create a killer combination of skills, I am noticing that All of wall street for the most part except IBD is shifting toward quants, as products get more complicated and software gets more sophisticated, a MFE seems to provide the technical skills that are very much in demand.

An MBA can help with more corporate finance roles like IBD and financial sheet review etc.

So in a nutshell:
1) Take post bac classes at columbia or Baruch
2) Keep working in the mean time
3) Take the GRE/GMAT
4) Apply

Does anyone see anything wrong with this approach.

 

[Andy Nguyen]

Only a handful of programs offer dual MBA/MFE degree. You will have to meet admission requirement for the respective dept where the individual degree is offered.
https://www.quantnet.com/threads/msfe-and-mba.10251/
https://www.quantnet.com/threads/mba.8993/
https://www.quantnet.com/threads/mfe-mba.6231/

 

[Harkkam]

Thanks for those great links, I appreciate your help. I think rather than trying to do both at the same time, after reading those posts it makes sense to do the MFE first and then get the MBA latter if I feel like its worth it.

I think the MFE will give me the technical skills that I can apply toward entry level positions and later on I can get an MBA if I want to translate that into a management position of some sort.

 

[Ken Abbott]

Thanks for those great links, I appreciate your help. I think rather than trying to do both at the same time, after reading those posts it makes sense to do the MFE first and then get the MBA latter if I feel like its worth it.

I think the MFE will give me the technical skills that I can apply toward entry level positions and later on I can get an MBA if I want to translate that into a management position of some sort.

Harkkam, I think that's the wise choice and I'm glad you came to that conclusion yourself. I often say there are only 3 core skills in finance: understanding bond math, pricing an option, and understanding how cash flows through a company. Best to focus on one and take more courses as you need them.

 

[Harkkam]

Thanks Ken,

I have another question but I'm going to post another topic since its a bit off this topic

 

[macrofun]

@Harkkam

How has the post-bacc worked out for you? I am in a similar situation to today as you were in 2012.