<p>I have recently graduated from law school and realized that I would rather not work I-banking hours while making 1st year law associate money. I currently have a J.D. (top 10% from UGA) and a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering (Texas A&M). I figured that if I added a masters in some sort of finance or economics that I might have an attractive resume for i-banking. </p>
<p>So now I am contemplating going for a Msc in Petroleum Economics from the University of Aberdeen or a petroleum biased MBA from Tulane. Does anyone think that either of these degrees combined with my others will give me an attractive resume to go into i-banking? Or at least be an analyst for an independent E&P?</p>
<p>Are you sure you really want to do banking though? I mean, you just spent 3 years training to be a lawyer and you're willing to basically throw them away like that?</p>
<p>FYI, the financial markets are garbage right now, especially in the US. It is going to get worse. People at major institutions are being laid off by the thousands; so not exactly the best time to ask these firms to hire you. For the next few years, compensation levels for entry level bankers and entry level lawyers are unlikely to be significantly different. Since you'll be focusing on landing a position in commodities presumably, you might be slightly better off, but still, there are loads of others trying to move into this area as well. Good luck landing a job without proper experience, in the current job market.</p>
<p>Basically, if you were asking this question 2 years ago, I'd say apply for jobs with your current qualifications. Given the current situation I recommend sticking with law.</p>
<p>Unless your masters in finance is from Princeton, I doubt it'll be of much benefit to you. Even Princeton grads will need to work much harder in the current environment to get a single decent job offer.</p>