post grad / work experience

[peteroneillj]

been offered the MSC in finance and capital markets in DCU, but also have been offered full time job in American investment bank as fund accountant? is it better to continue education or get work experience. Im only coming from degree in management from itt. So my opinion is that a post grad from more reputable university/intense course in finance would be more benefical to advance my jobs prospects with major firm in finance/banking sector.

So wat u lads think?? my opinion right now is masters and try get any kind of part time work experience in banking sector?or would full time work exp be more benefical?thanks in advance

 

[Squonk]

I suggest you take the job and do a masters later part time (maybe the company will fund it). You can't beat real-life experience.

 

[peteroneillj]

well was just thinkin if can get masters now I can apply for more prestigious companies...if accept job it would take me 3 years to do masters part time(as wouldnt be able to apply for part time masters til next year and gen take 2 years to complete), to which your also obliged to stay with company throughout if they are funding or part funding the masters. But if cant get experience part time this may be only choice?

 

[ixus]

If you want to be in fund accounting, go for the job. If you want to do anything else go for the Masters. I have no doubt about it.

I did a computer engnineering degree and moved into Asset Finance upon completion. I then moved into Corporate Actions (there are similarities to a Fund accountant role).

I applied for the part -time in Investment and Treasury this year, and got it.
It's an excellent course with an excellent reputation.
I also applied for the full-time Masters in Financial Services in UL, and got it.

I've since made the decision to do the full-time course as it suits me better, even though I'll take a financial hit for 1 year, the stress of commuting, working and studying just isn't worth it to me at this stage.

A close friend of mine has just completed the course in Financial and Capital Markets and is now an intern with Credit Suisse in the Fixed Income Markets.

 

[Bob_tg]

Im only coming from degree in management from itt.

If you're not entirely satisfied with the ITT qualification now, then there is a risk you'll never get over this hang-up and might regret it in the future not doing the master's degree. Try to picture how you'll look back on this decision in 5 years time, and ask yourself if you'll be entirely happy with the mgt degree from ITT.

From a financial point of view, it's hard to see the case where spending a year out ever pays off for a master's. You'd be down on income for a year, and it's rare that you ever get rewarded much exra by a company for doing a master's. It might make it a bit easier in the future to move jobs, but nothing substitutes for confidence!!

As the other poster said, the part-time route is the financially prudent one. Why not do the job for a year or two and then see if you need the extra qualification?

 

[peteroneillj]

If you're not entirely satisfied with the ITT qualification now, then there is a risk you'll never get over this hang-up and might regret it in the future not doing the master's degree.

not disatisfied with itt degree...just know that most major firms will stil prefer applicants from one of the universities over IT'S and that my course wasnt quanatative enough for alot of the finance grad positions ive applied for (prefer say scien, finance, economics or engin degree). Know its different for engineering degrees from IT'S but management ones are stil seen as arty courses . As have no experience if applying for finance/bank grad positions.. a finance masters with strong quantative aspect may help me bit more to get foot in door.

As for the costs its not huge impact as stil have my SSIA money which I primarily saved just incase did do masters (was thinkin ahead to keep options open )

As ixus said taking the fund accountant job would be good if I wanted to do that, but since not 100% if id like that, would it not be better to keep options open?

I guess it comes down to the old ques of whether further education (Masters) is worth it compared to work experience? thanks for replies so far

 

[camarilla]

If you take the job now and gain work experience, it will be just if not more beneficial that a masters. After sufficient work experience, more prestigious companies may be more likely to employ you than someone with a masters and no experience.

 

[peteroneillj]

well im currently with few recruitment firms trying to get part time experience which i think will be just slightly less valuable then full time experience?? thats if can get d right part time job ...im leaning towards masters only cause could help get foot in door of few major firms n give me higher grasp of the finance/cap markets sector before I start job...but honestly cant decide and need to pay masters deposit within next week

 

[ixus]

I work in a team of about 9 people, 4 of them have a Masters in either Finance/Economics or similar. I'm on a level playing field with them in my own job in terms of progression. If I work harder and know my stuff, I'll progress. If not, I won't.

The reason I'm doing one is that I'm interested in the course, it will enhance my skill set and confidence and give me broader opportunities(I want to move away from current role).

If you do the course, you can't just rely on it to get you though the door (I'm sure you wouldn't). It would be of more benefit to be up to date with current market trends/issues in whatever position you're applying for.

If you can afford it, and are genuinely interested in the course material, go for it.

 

[peteroneillj]

thanks ixus...well as i said i havent done much quanatative material in college apart from 1st and 2nd year where like a typical newbie my goal was just 2 pass and go out drinkin so generally got poor results ..so my main thinkin is if do this course i can improve my mathamathical/quanatative and accounting skills, and knowledge of industry before start in it.

i also believe a masters gives u a better chance of being considered when competing against graduates who also have no experience but may have masters (ie a masters for graduates in alot of positions has become the new necessary qualification) and leaves my opportunities open to apply for different roles due to enhanced skill portfolio..as not 100% sure wat i wanna do at mo...i always wanted to do investment banking or research role within banking and believe this may be the course to get me on track .

But i know experience is prob just as import if not more so....so dont think can be sure of decision until I make it and need to decide by friday.