Anirudh18
Hi guys,
I just entered my final year of engineering and would like to know my chances of getting admissions in a finance masters' program.
Target Schools (prefer to study in The UK):
LBS MFA
LSE Msc. Finance
Imperial Msc. Finance
Nationality: Indian
Background: Bachelors in Engineering with a Minor in Finance from BITS Pilani ( Tier 1 institute )
CGPA expected at graduation: 8.5/10
GMAT: 730 (Q51,V37)
Work-ex: Total 8 months
Summer Intern at leading Indian steel manufacturer
Big 4 Consulting Internship
Bulge bracket ( GS, JPMC, Morgan Stanley) Investment Banking Internship program
Leadership Positions: Coordinator for Department that manages the college tech-fest
Part of a 4-member Finance Committee that is part of the Placement Unit of the college
Extra-Curricular: Active member of the college Football Team ( won major tournament as well)
Post-study goals: Looking to enter IB and subsequently PE firms in London
I'm currently in the process of writing my application essay and thus would be really grateful of any critical evaluations of my profile.
Thanks in advance !
Hi
Anirudh18It is not clear if you are counting your internships in manufacturing and Big4 as your full-time work experience. If you have any internships in the related domain, you could draw upon those for motivation to study finance further.
Focus on schools that will give you a chance even with 0 work experience in related field (finance). Such schools tend to be more focused on academic orientation. LSE is one such school. Schools like LBS will prefer seeing finance heavy internships or some work experience. Getting into lower tier schools may not get you the optimum outcome, but definitely reach out to the schools and alumni to understand you options well before you apply.
I believe that graduating from a UK institution would place you in a stronger position for transitioning into consulting and/or eventually IB. The pipeline from LSE and LBS into entry-level roles at top-tier consulting firms after masters is well established. At this stage, your focus should be on writing stellar SOPs and obtaining outstanding recommendations to increase your chances of success.
My applicants who recently successfully converted their offers from LSE had actively reached out to professors and engaged in discussions to gain meaningful insights about the program and courses. Demonstrating enthusiasm to truly understand the academic environment at LSE can greatly contribute to your success.One aspect I like about LSE is its strong academic focus throughout the program. Your previous lack of professional experience in Finance may not play a significant role in the evaluation of your profile but your motivation for the program will. Reflecting deeply on your motivation to pursue finance at LSE and providing well-substantiated examples and projects from your past that underscore your interest in the subject will enhance your chances of securing an admission offer.
For MSc Finance applications, I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program:Academic focus: Aim for a decent GPA and strive for a high GMAT score. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received.
Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for the subject: Provide context regarding your passion for finance, starting from an early stage, and supplement your interest with examples of relevant courses, internships, or projects you have undertaken.
Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects: Utilize insights from your internships, jobs, or other finance-related projects. Discuss specific projects or finance-related topics that have been pivotal in motivating you to further explore the subject.
Super curricular activities: Share details about supplementary books, articles, research papers, or newspapers you have read. Highlight any relevant podcasts you listen to and explain how these activities support and complement your interest in the subject.
I strongly advise you to cover these points thoroughly in your SOPs (specifically for LSE).
Having a variety of extracurricular activities and language skills (if you do) is also advantageous. Discuss how these experiences and skills can contribute to your future as a business leader.
Here are a few other points to keep in mind:
1.Demonstrate originality and a thoughtful approach in your application.2.Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters to learn about the post-MSc prospects, showcasing your conscientiousness.Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
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