MS(Finance) or MBA(Finance)

Question

Hello Everyone,

I am an Indian, currently doing my MBA at IIM Shillong. My specialization in my MBA is Finance. I have given my CFA Level 1 this June and I have got a job in Equity Research division of a MNC bank starting April, 2015. I am interested in making my career in Equities market, something related to Equity Research or Equity Portfolio Management. Since most of the jobs in India are back-end jobs, I am wanting to shift to US. This is why i want to pursue another post graduate degree in US. So which one should I go for, MS in Finance (or) MBA in Finance itself ?

Thanks in advance.

KarishmaB · Answer

It depends on where your interests lie - technical or management. If you have analytical/statistical tastes, MS is appropriate. If you have managerial ambitions, MBA is the way to go.

Typically, people do MS first and then MBA - get detailed technical knowledge and then look at the big picture in MBA. Or they follow up a domestic MBA with an international MBA from one of the top ten. It's less common to do MBA and then MS so think hard about your reasons if you choose to go this way.

mohnishkhiani · Answer

Thank You for the reply mam.

My ambition is to get into equities portfolio management and I am less inclined towards research kind of roles. I wish to work for an year and go for further studies in 2016. I wish to do an MBA only from the top 10-15 colleges. What are the approximate total costs (including living and tution costs) that I would incur in rupees terms, if I were to pursue an MBA from these colleges and what extra things I can do currently at my MBA in IIM Shillong, from the perspective of building my resume, which would increase my chances at these colleges ?

FWLAH · Answer

Thank you very much for your answer. Actually I also urge to know the preclusion effect and sequence of these two programmes. I have been working in Finance field for 3 years with only a BBA degree in Hong Kong. Since I think one year MSF can gain more achedemic knowledge while MBA can give me a more promising career start after graduation, and also due to certain timing concern, I am thinking of applying for MSF first and then directly go take MBA degree right afterwards. I know it's rare choice, but can I know the continuous study of these two programs will really make the MBA admissions feel my career gap unjustified? Thank you so much!

KarishmaB · Answer

I think your plan is fine. I have known people to follow up their MS directly with an MBA. It does make sense to the schools as well as employers though if you have some specific B-schools in mind, you can get in touch with them or a school specific consultant and ask. 
Also, there are joint degree programs - MBA and MSF - that you can consider but I doubt many schools offer that.

MS(Finance) or MBA(Finance)

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