<p>I will be graduating next month with a BS in Finance and was wondering what my next step should be. I've been considering getting an MBA but would like the technical expertise I could gain from an MS in Finance. I can't help but feel like an employer would think these degrees are redundant...is it marketable to have a BS and MS in Finance or should I try to diversify and get a MS in another field i.e. accountancy? Also, how does an MBA fit into this picture?</p>
<p>I almost forgot...does anybody have any advice regarding getting a doctorate degree? From what I've gathered so far, it pretty much means I'd have to become a professor and do research for a university...is this right or will a phd make me more marketable in the business world?</p>
<p>That's right, it's probably better to go for an MBA than a PhD if you plan on working outside of academia. In terms of getting a MFin and marketability *because I'm not sure about the redundancy bit) I think a lot of the programs are math based. You have to ask yourself if you have the background. I think the best path is to get some work experience and decide after where you want to go. I would think that the MBA would be the next logical option considering it would most likely open more doors. If you like working in finance and want to pursue it, then I would think a masters of finance would be a viable option especially if you're into more quant related work.</p>
<p>In redards to the redundancy bit, I was wondering if getting a BS in Finance and an MS in Finance would be redundant or that it might not add value to my resume because they are in the same subject.</p>
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I will be graduating next month with a BS in Finance and was wondering what my next step should be.
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<p>Get a job.</p>
<p>/end of thread.</p>
<p>Maybe I should have given a little background so as to solicit a more helpful answer. I'm in the Marine Corps and have a year or so left; I'll be graduating with my BS next month and am attempting to put together the best degree plan for a career in business/finance. Trust me, if I could just "get a job," I would. So again my question is: is it redundant to have a BS in Finance and an MS in Finance? Will an MBA increase my job prospects and to what extent? I should have my MS right around the time I get out of the Corps; what will an MBA give me that a PHD won't? Thanks in advance for your insight and advice.</p>
<p>I graduated with an undergrad in finance and chose to do a master's in a science discipline, but some of my friends did an MS in finance and others decided to go work.</p>
<p>I think it really matters on what you are trying to do (the end goal). Understand that a PhD is a different animal altogether, it's heavily math-based and much more theoretical. Most opportunities involve research and teaching.</p>
<p>An MBA is much shorter and more practical for working in the private sector. You learn fundamental business principles.</p>
<p>My Advice: If you can't get the job you want, then it's better to do the MS than nothing else. While you are pursuing that, you should have another decent shot at recruiting. </p>
<p>Save the MBA for 3-5 years down the road, if you decide to pursue it. Remember that you want to attend the best B-school possible, and getting into a top school with no work experience is unlikely.</p>
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I'm in the Marine Corps and have a year or so left; I'll be graduating with my BS next month and am attempting to put together the best degree plan for a career in business/finance. Trust me, if I could just "get a job," I would. So again my question is: is it redundant to have a BS in Finance and an MS in Finance? Will an MBA increase my job prospects and to what extent? I should have my MS right around the time I get out of the Corps;
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Ok -- what school(s) are you getting your degrees from?</p>
<p>Most people need work experience to have a better chance of getting into a good MBA program.</p>
<p>However, since you are a Marine, your experiences (especially leadership experience) can be seen as a substitute for ordinary work experience. And yes, an MBA from a good school will increase your job prospects significantly.</p>
<p>An MS in Finance is usually more quantitative than an MBA and is focused on finance. MBA coursework is broader (strategy, leadership, marketing, finance, accounting, etc.); finance classes are offered, but probably won't go as in-depth as those in a Masters in Finance program.</p>
<p>I'm somewhat confused by your posts. Are you active duty or in the reserves? And what undergraduate school did you attend. The answers to your questions depend greatly on your backround. What is your GPA? You mentioned something about being able to finish a M.S. Finance in 1 year. I can say for certain you will not be able to do this while on active duty. Also, what is your rank and how many years have you been in so far. If your school is not highly ranked but your grades are high I would say go for the MS Finance at a better ranked school. Boston College, Villanova, Johns Hopkins, University of Florida are decent schools with that degree. While some might dissagree, I am here to tell you that the university you attend makes a huge difference in the world of Finance. Essentially, a B.S. Finance from a low ranked school results in jobs like financial advisor ( not what you want to be doing). As far as the MBA goes, avoid that at all costs right now. You have only one chance to get an MBA at the best school possible and that will require several years of good experience. So please answer the questions and I think you will find the advice you get back will be of a much higher quality.</p>
<p>One other thing, the "New GI Bill" should be approved soon and may greatly help your persuit for a masters in the future. Let me know if you want the details.</p>