Careers - MSc Economics vs. MSc Finance / Fin Math / Fin Eng

[rcwlhk]

Hi all,



I've been on this forum for a while but this is my first post. Hope everybody can help out! Thanks in advance :)



(I'm sorry but I think this question sort of overlaps both the "Careers" and "University" sub-forums).



I see that a lot of the discussion in this forum revolves around career options post Masters in Finance or PhD in Finance graduation.



However, what about Masters in Economics?



(1) Specifically, what does everybody think of the following programs in the UK?

-LSE (MSc Econometrics and Mathematical Economics)

-LSE (MSc Economics)

-Oxford (MSc Economics)

-Cambridge (MPhil in Economics)

-UCL (MSc Economics)



(2) What is more competitive for admission? Getting into MSc Economics programs or MSc Finance / Financial Math / Financial Engineering programs? And more competitive in what aspects?



(3) For post-graduation job prospects, which program is better? And with regards to job prospects, I'm specifically referring to S&T of ibanks or funds with a more quantitative touch.



(4) Following question #2, what position would you be entering after a Masters degree? For instance, in an ibank S&T department, would you be entering as an Analyst or Associate? Or something in between? Namely, is it possible that you'll be working with fresh bachelor graduates on the same job, despite the fact that you a more advanced education? How is "education" in general viewed in entry level positions?



Thank you!

[sfca]

I cannot answer any of your questions beyond the title to your post.  I guess that a Masters in economics must look good over on the east side of the Atlantic.  If you are interested in the US, however, I've seen that a masters in econ can definitely make landing a first job very difficult.  For example, an HR department just does not know what to do with you.  And despite anything in a cover letter you write, your resume if it gets routed at all, may just end up in whatever 4 person economics department that company has.  HR sees economics, so they assume you are an economist.  They don't know what else to do with you.  But they know a MS in finance or math or other areas are useful and know what to do with your resume.  I know that sounds weird, but I would rather have any other of those masters degree titles (finance, math, eng,..) on my resume if I were looking for my first job.

[baghead]

rcwlhk,

(1) don't know the UCL one but the first four are all excellent programmes and all of them will get you easily in the middle of any bank's graduate recruiter's radar in London.



(3) all of them will get you a good shot to get a first round interview and you have to take it from there. I would suggest that you go and have a detailed look at the curriculum and visit the campi. apply toall of them and pick the one you like most. life's different in London (LSE) than in Oxbridge.



(4) with no prior experience beyond one or two internships you will start as a first-year Analyst together with all other non-MBAs which is a good thing as it will provide you with a sound two-year protection during which you can develop your skills. life is a marathon not a 100m sprint.

[rcwlhk]

Thanks for the info! It's really helpful :)