Need an advice whether to take FRM, considering my status

[fkingloser]

First, sorry for repetitive post(I posted the same one at the irrelevant page), I thought this should be more appropriate thread for this question.

As mentioned in the title, I'm uncertain whether taking FRM would be a rational decision when it comes to MFE admission, and considering my situation.

I'm an undergraduate student aiming to shoot for MFE program this year, for 2023 intake.
Just to give my brief background, I have a double major in BSC Mathematics / BBA Finance in local top tier university in East Asia.

My previous work experience includes:
1 WM intern at UK universal bank at local branch -> mainly used SQL for processing transaction data
1 BB S&T structuring Summer intern at exotics desk (HK/SG branch) -> used python/vba for automation & constructing interpolation methods & refining proprietary derivs pricer
1 Risk Management Intern at main French Bank in local branch. (Market/ Counterparty Credit risk, dealing with Fx/Ir derivs) -> use SQL/Python/VBA for automation ,developing risk calculator, processing global trade inputs, etc
1 Research Assistant experience for University professor, mainly in options pricing -> just used simple python shits for cleaning data, nothing special


After watching admitted students GPA I felt extremely demoralized with my current shitty one( 3.5/4.0 ,but I could raise it to 3.55 since 1 semester left), so I thought I would have to maximize the other strength in order to compensate, when aiming for Top 10 schools in US.

For Certificate wise, I'm planning to take C++ for FE course offered here soon. But recently my manager at the French bank recommended me to take the FRM exam. He said it would be helpful for both getting a quantitative job(or at least RM job) and admission.
But I realized FRM 1&2 total registration fee is almost the same as C++ course offered here, and now hesitant to make a decision whether this would be a rational decision. Of course I know C++ is a must and since I don't have any exposure to C++, investing $1450 won't be a hard decision. But I'm not sure about FRM.
I looked for LinkedIn profile and saw quite a few MFE candidates have FRM, but didn't want to fall into confusing a causality and correlation.

So do you think adding FRM would be a rational decision considering my status, assuming I'm aiming for TOp10 programs? Or should I just focus more on adding other experience such as writing research papers, applying for additional internship possibly related to SWE or Data? I'm currently intern-ing at RM firm, so I have limited time to prepare for both.

I would really appreciate some critical advice

Thank in advance!

 

[bfm.my]

I think you are from HK.

Don't think I can say too much but on FRM specifically, based on what I've heard in information sessions, I would say FRM adds little to no weight at all.

 

[fkingloser]

I think you are from HK.

Don't think I can say too much but on FRM specifically, based on what I've heard in information sessions, I would say FRM adds little to no weight at all.

Actually I'm from Korea

Thanks for your opinion! Do you think FRM would add weight when it comes to full time recruiting in BB Trading or HF in HK/SG? In case I turn out to be unsuccessful in admission.

 

[echocho]

First, sorry for repetitive post(I posted the same one at the irrelevant page), I thought this should be more appropriate thread for this question.

As mentioned in the title, I'm uncertain whether taking FRM would be a rational decision when it comes to MFE admission, and considering my situation.

I'm an undergraduate student aiming to shoot for MFE program this year, for 2023 intake.
Just to give my brief background, I have a double major in BSC Mathematics / BBA Finance in local top tier university in East Asia.

My previous work experience includes:
1 WM intern at UK universal bank at local branch -> mainly used SQL for processing transaction data
1 BB S&T structuring Summer intern at exotics desk (HK/SG branch) -> used python/vba for automation & constructing interpolation methods & refining proprietary derivs pricer
1 Risk Management Intern at main French Bank in local branch. (Market/ Counterparty Credit risk, dealing with Fx/Ir derivs) -> use SQL/Python/VBA for automation ,developing risk calculator, processing global trade inputs, etc
1 Research Assistant experience for University professor, mainly in options pricing -> just used simple python shits for cleaning data, nothing special


After watching admitted students GPA I felt extremely demoralized with my current shitty one( 3.5/4.0 ,but I could raise it to 3.55 since 1 semester left), so I thought I would have to maximize the other strength in order to compensate, when aiming for Top 10 schools in US.

For Certificate wise, I'm planning to take C++ for FE course offered here soon. But recently my manager at the French bank recommended me to take the FRM exam. He said it would be helpful for both getting a quantitative job(or at least RM job) and admission.
But I realized FRM 1&2 total registration fee is almost the same as C++ course offered here, and now hesitant to make a decision whether this would be a rational decision. Of course I know C++ is a must and since I don't have any exposure to C++, investing $1450 won't be a hard decision. But I'm not sure about FRM.
I looked for LinkedIn profile and saw quite a few MFE candidates have FRM, but didn't want to fall into confusing a causality and correlation.

So do you think adding FRM would be a rational decision considering my status, assuming I'm aiming for TOp10 programs? Or should I just focus more on adding other experience such as writing research papers, applying for additional internship possibly related to SWE or Data? I'm currently intern-ing at RM firm, so I have limited time to prepare for both.

I would really appreciate some critical advice

Thank in advance!

In my opinion, I think C++ course is more technical and useful. If you have high GPA, TOEFL and GRE score and enough relevant experience, I think C++ is helpful for you to apply for both MFE program and Full-time job.