Profile Review for MFE

[AccidentalBanker]

I am keenly interested in the Financial Engineering aspect. Let me begin with my brief background:
Undergrad - Physics (with courses on advanced calculus and advanced algebra) from a non-descript college
Graduation - MBA (majoring in Banking & Finance) from a non-descript college
First Job - Middle Office compliance in a Distressed Asset Resolution Company for 3 years
Second Job - Corporate Lending in a Bank for 5 years
Recently moved to Fraud Investigation in Bank
Programming Knowledge - Familiar with C Programming. Presently self-training in Python.
Statistics Knowledge - Self-Training in Advanced Statistics (Part of Actuarial Mathematics)
GRE - Not yet Taken
Present age - 33

I have always been fascinated by the cross-functional aspects of finance and I have developed a keen interest in Credit Risk Modelling. Given my background with literally zero programming experience, I am not seen as a potential candidate for such job. With significant programming syllabus amalgamated with Finance, MFE seemed like a decent qualification to get my foot in the door. Also, I want to improve my pedigree, and want to attend a decent course at a decent university. I was planning to aim for courses beginning in Spring 2021, by when I would be 35. I am not sure if I would be an ideal candidate for the program, or if admitted, I would be an outlier in the batch.

I wanted an opinion from the present students/experienced MFE holders, if my profile holds any possible value to the MFE course? If not, then what other course could I do to get into Credit Risk Modelling/ Fraud Risk Modelling ?

 

[AccidentalBanker]

Hullo !!! Senior members of QuantNet !!! Could I borrow your wisdom on my profile ??

 

[Onegin]

1. You would be an outlier. Recruiting will be difficult, most internships won't really be a good fit, so you'll have to put extra into recruiting.
2. Unless you're a complete autodidact, it's not certain self education will provide enough of a mathematical foundation. Check the pre-reqs for the baruch, UCB, CMU, etc. Many require proven coursework. I applied without coursework,was rejected. I applied with coursework, accepted. To a few.

I would decide if you want to do the degree and go from there rather than making a conditional probability on your est chances of getting in. It's more about the value you'll get. TBH, credit / fraud / risk modeling aren't the target jobs for a lot of folks in these programs, so you'll be more competitive for such internships. It's good you know what you want - that will help you w/ more compelling applications.

In terms of alternatives, I'm not sure how much MFE is actually required for the roles you describe. Try to find folks on linked in and see.