MFin vs MiM

Question

Hi everyone,

I am in a serious dilemma right now that needs to be resolved asap and need someone to help me choose. To provide you with some context about who I am: I am currently a student in a 1 year master in finance at a decent European university, but I want to study a bit extra after this at a top business school to really launch my career. I don't really have any relevant work experience but have excellent grades, some nice student clubs as extracurriculars and a 745 gmat focus.

The dilemma: Should I go for a MFin or an MiM? I am really not sure about what career I want to pursue. I am not sure I want to pursue investment banking, but also not sure about consulting or anything else. I am looking at schools like HEC, INSEAD, Bocconi, ESSEC, ESCP (Potentially Esade, EDHEC and am open to other suggestions if anyone wants to). Someone provide me with some insights please.

Thank you in advance!

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

Thomass - interesting profile, and good GMAT score. Some thoughts on the MFin vs MiM dilemma: 1. The first angle to consider is depth vs breadth. MiM programs typically cover a broader foundation in business and management, which could help you explore various career options before specializing. On the other hand, MFin programs focus specifically on Finance, which might be more suitable if you're certain about pursuing a finance-related career e.g. Quant Analyst in IB, etc. 2. The second angle is duration. Most MiM programs are 2 years, with an option for a gap year, which can be used to pursue an internship, whereas MFin programs are typically shorter (between 10-18 months). Here again, if you prefer to explore career paths, internship(s) can help transition better e.g. consulting/ IB firms prefer hiring interns into Full-Time roles once they get a "preview" of their performance. 3. Make sure to compare the employment reports of these programs to get a sense of which companies/ roles recruit from each. This can paint a clearer picture of the paths available to you post the program. 4. As you're currently in a Masters program, it'd be crucial to highlight in your application the motivation for studying further, and what your goals (directionally) are. The list of schools seems alright. For a more exhaustive list of the top 15 MiM programs (most also offer MFin) along with their program details and class profile etc., you could check here . Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to have a deeper chat. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | HEC Paris alum W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MBAGuide · Answer

Thomass hope this finds you well. If you are already doing a Master's in Finance and want to advance your career at a top school, I would recommend you at least take a shot at a top MiM program like INSEAD, HEC or LBS which will give you access to the best IB and consulting networks (I guess that's what you are looking for right now). Doing another Masters in Finance after your current one I do not think makes much sense, even from an application perspective. It is better if you broaden your skills and have a strong management focus in addition to your financial knowledge. A big reason why students from all over the world flock to top global MiM programs is to leverage the brand network and tap into the pool of opportunities through MBA alumni of these schools who will be the likely recruiters for IB and consulting roles. You have a stellar GMAT score, and I do not see why you should not set your eyes on anything but the best. Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours with our applicants. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Admissionado · Answer

Thomass :

We're a bit confused here - you are currently pursuing a MFin degree, but you may want to pursue a second one at a better university? If so, I am not sure that's a good move or that you will necessarily have an easy time getting admitted to a better program. The AdCom are those schools will probably wonder why you need a second degree. That's a hard argument to make...

Now, if you want an MiM, that could be an option, but you would also need to explain why. Is it simply to improve your branding and buy yourself more time to apply for investment banking jobs? The curriculum is different and recruiting may not be as easy from an MiM program. It's not as natural of a fit, but it is possible.

There are two more logical options:

(1) Try to recruit now, though it may be late in the season.
(2) Work a few years, get an MBA (your GMAT score is great), and then break into investment banking then.

We're happy to discuss, if you want.

Admissionado

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello Thomass , I hope you are doing good. As a student pursuing a master's in finance at a reputable European university, your dilemma between choosing a Master in Finance (MFin) or a Master in Management (MiM) is understandable. With strong academic performance, a 745 GMAT score, and involvement in student clubs, your profile is promising. For a focused career in finance, an MFin is tailored to provide specialized knowledge and targeted networking opportunities with financial institutions. Schools like HEC, INSEAD, Bocconi, ESSEC, and ESCP are well-regarded options to explore. On the other hand, if you're uncertain about a specific career path and want versatility, a MiM offers a broader business education, covering areas beyond finance. MiM programs, emphasizing leadership and management skills, could be advantageous in diverse business contexts. Schools like Esade and EDHEC also provide reputable MiM programs , and exploring their curriculum, career services, and alumni networks is crucial. To make an informed decision, thoroughly research the specific programs offered by each school, attend information sessions, and connect with current students and alumni. Consider the flexibility, networking opportunities, and career services provided by each program. Ultimately, your choice should align with your long-term career goals and personal preferences. Whether opting for a specialized MFin or a versatile MiM, ensure that the program resonates with your values and aspirations. Good luck with your decision! CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A FREE PROFILE EVALUATION CALL WITH ALUMS AND CURRENT STUDENTS OF TOP B-SCHOOLS! Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: hasan@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

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