MSAFA Columbia

[gautham_k]

Hi All! I do understand that this is a forum for quantitative finance purely. However, I thought of anyway asking people here to help me out. I have been accepted into the MS in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis program at Columbia Business School. It is not a traditional accounting program but more oriented towards investment banking. My questions about the program are as follows:

1. The MSAFA program is barely two years old. Does it hold a good reputation in the finance world, given that it is run by CBS.
2. Upon graduating from the program, what kind of roles can I get in the Investment Banking industry/Hedge Fund industry?
3. One major worry that I have is the fact that I will not be able to differentiate myself from a CFAholder if I do the program. Hence, is it worth paying so high for the program?
4. Most of the graduates from the program seem to go back to Hong Kong/Singapore for a job. Is the job market in such a bad state in the finance world in the USA?

I would be really grateful if someone can help me out here.

P.S.: For more information on their curriculum, you can visit: MSAFA Curriculum

 

[Michsund]

What kind of positions are trying to get?

 

[gautham_k]

I am trying to move into Investment Banking, Equity Analyst type roles. I am also looking at semi-quant research roles in Hedge-Funds. I understand that I will not be able to enter into quant finance post this degree. However, that is a conscious choice that I am willing to make, given the fact that most of the top quantitative finance programs have rejected me already.