Finance Schools DC/Virginia?

Question

I am looking at becoming a financial analyst (currently working as a marketing analyst for fortune 500) but have a humanities background (BA and MA in Philosophy, the latter from Melbourne University).

With a baby to support I need an evening program in the DC/NOVA area so Darden is out, but where else would be appropriate for finance? Would it just be best to go to the most prestigious program possible ie. Georgetown? Or does one of the other options like Maryland, GW or American offer a better finance program?

Any advice on any or all these schools would be beneficial. If it helps I have 2 years working in sales at a bank, two years recruiting international students in Australia (of which I'm a citizen) which involved managed around 40 internationally based agents, and a little over a year in my current role.

GMAT: 680
GPA: 3.9
Strong recommendations (one from a casual lecturer at a top 15 MBA program)Thanks in advance.

RF224455 · Answer

I live in Nova myself and am applying for full-time MBA programs in the mid-atlantic. If you are locked to this area, I would go to Georgetown. Your career opportunities in finance as well as your compensation will be much higher out of Gtown compared to UMD, American, GW, etc. due to its reputation. Paying $100k for a job that only pays about 10-15k more than your making now might not be the best idea.

I interviewed a Gtown a couple of weeks ago, but will probably attend UVA if i get in. Both are pretty good programs.

I interviewed a Gtown a couple of weeks ago, but will probably attend UVA if i get in. Both are pretty good programs.

RF224455 · Answer

also.....you don't need to have an MBA to become a financial analyst...have you considered getting certified? (i.e. CFA)

MBA is a large investment and is traditionally aimed at people who are pursuing management, banking, consulting positions who may want a high level education to help them through the ranks and gain invaluable leadership skills.

bhtphilo · Answer

Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking how was the interview with Georgetown? It has been my first choice for a while unless something major knocks it off. Considering that UMD, Kogod and GW aren't much cheaper they don't make much sense - although UMD and GW do offer programs that would get me through in 2 years which is tempting.

If you've looked into the mid-atlantic, have you any info on William and Mary? I can't find much (I posted here and didn't get any replies), and as I'm in-state it's very affordable.

I have considered getting certified, but I plan on working in management or consulting which is why the MBA. As I'm something of a career changer at this point I feel my first position will likely be as an analyst. I've sort of hoping to switch to a financial analyst position soon after beginning the MBA, then taking a management role when it's complete.

Thanks again for the help.

RF224455 · Answer

My interview with Georgetown was with a 2nd year student and was very conversational. He asked standard questions such as career goals, why I made certain choices, some leadership experiences and also my international interests (as they harp on the global focus).

My viewpoint on W&M is much like my viewpoint on GW, American etc. I don't think its worth the large investment for a senior consultant role at a gov consulting firm (I already work at one). The starting salaries are much lower (80k or so) and career opportunities are slimmer.

I would stick with Georgetown with a backup of UMD Smith. Smith is very good for tech consulting. Gtown is good for both consulting and finance.

Finance Schools DC/Virginia?

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