Topic: General Posts
Subject: MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 08-15-11 11:09 am
Message:
I'm currently working as a VP of Finance trying to transition into a CFO role. I'm interested in pursuing a graduate program and need some hep in deciding whether I should specialize with an MS in Finance or go for an MBA.
Any recommendations on the best graduate programs? I can pursue the EMBA in Chicago or an MS or MBA in Houston.
I would really appreciate input from those who currently have a graduate degree on whether or not the advanced education is worth the investment and how it helped your career path.
Thanks,
Message:
I'm currently working as a VP of Finance trying to transition into a CFO role. I'm interested in pursuing a graduate program and need some hep in deciding whether I should specialize with an MS in Finance or go for an MBA.
Any recommendations on the best graduate programs? I can pursue the EMBA in Chicago or an MS or MBA in Houston.
I would really appreciate input from those who currently have a graduate degree on whether or not the advanced education is worth the investment and how it helped your career path.
Thanks,
Replies
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 08-17-11 10:22 am.
Message:
Junaid,
MBA would be my choice as most senior level finance roles ask for an MBA. And Chicago sounds great.
Best ,
Madhumita Chakrabartti
Message:
Junaid,
MBA would be my choice as most senior level finance roles ask for an MBA. And Chicago sounds great.
Best ,
Madhumita Chakrabartti
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 08-17-11 11:35 am.
Message:
I've noticed a lot of CFO positions ask for an MBA, but I personally have an MS in Accounting and it hasn't held me back.
Mike
Message:
I've noticed a lot of CFO positions ask for an MBA, but I personally have an MS in Accounting and it hasn't held me back.
Mike
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 08-18-11 9:17 am.
Message:
I would recommend the MBA from Chicago which is more prestigious and should open more doors for you in the future.
Message:
I would recommend the MBA from Chicago which is more prestigious and should open more doors for you in the future.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 08-31-11 8:03 am.
Message:
I would go for the MBA.
Good luck, Bob Rossetti
Message:
I would go for the MBA.
Good luck, Bob Rossetti
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-03-11 12:16 pm.
Message:
I believe an MBA may be your best pursuit, especially if your undergrad was in Accounting or Finance. Many MBA programs will give you a much more rounded education that is needed in senior management roles.
Message:
I believe an MBA may be your best pursuit, especially if your undergrad was in Accounting or Finance. Many MBA programs will give you a much more rounded education that is needed in senior management roles.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-03-11 1:29 pm.
Message:
I would say a Chicago MBA will help you tremendously...combine that with a CPA (do finance AND accounting in your MBA) and you will have the gold standard.
Message:
I would say a Chicago MBA will help you tremendously...combine that with a CPA (do finance AND accounting in your MBA) and you will have the gold standard.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-05-11 4:54 pm.
Message:
I teach the capstone finance course in a MS-Management program. Nonetheless, I would go for the MBA. You're looking for a C-level corporate position, and the MBA will broaden your resume/ background. If you were looking to run a finance consulting shop or manage a Wall Street trading operation, I might suggest otherwise, especially if the MS-finance program is quantitative.
Ron
Message:
I teach the capstone finance course in a MS-Management program. Nonetheless, I would go for the MBA. You're looking for a C-level corporate position, and the MBA will broaden your resume/ background. If you were looking to run a finance consulting shop or manage a Wall Street trading operation, I might suggest otherwise, especially if the MS-finance program is quantitative.
Ron
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-06-11 3:50 pm.
Message:
If you are talking about the University of Chicago and you have the quant skills to succeed, that's an easy choice - it's a door opener for the rest of your life. If you are just looking for a way to "punch your ticket", I suggest skipping the MBA in favor of a CFA. At least in firms tied to capital markets, it is a good measure of knowledge (and self discipline) that lets the conversation shift to other areas.
Message:
If you are talking about the University of Chicago and you have the quant skills to succeed, that's an easy choice - it's a door opener for the rest of your life. If you are just looking for a way to "punch your ticket", I suggest skipping the MBA in favor of a CFA. At least in firms tied to capital markets, it is a good measure of knowledge (and self discipline) that lets the conversation shift to other areas.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-07-11 5:33 pm.
Message:
If you can obtain an EMBA from the University of Chicago or Northwestern, I say go for it. Regards, Bob
Message:
If you can obtain an EMBA from the University of Chicago or Northwestern, I say go for it. Regards, Bob
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-19-11 5:29 pm.
Message:
Need a little more info.... where are you a VP of Finance? What industry are you targeting to be a CFO?
Right now you could obtain a MS Finance (~40 credits), an MBA (~80 credits) or a CFA (4 yrs self study). All are useful but target different audiences. The EMBA that you mention is another option.
last but not least.... CFOs come in different flavors. Strategic CFOs, operational CFOs, technical CFO's. What kind are you targeting?
Message:
Need a little more info.... where are you a VP of Finance? What industry are you targeting to be a CFO?
Right now you could obtain a MS Finance (~40 credits), an MBA (~80 credits) or a CFA (4 yrs self study). All are useful but target different audiences. The EMBA that you mention is another option.
last but not least.... CFOs come in different flavors. Strategic CFOs, operational CFOs, technical CFO's. What kind are you targeting?
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 09-19-11 6:35 pm.
Message:
The MBA in Finance springboarded my career. I was in public accounting for 13 years without any response for companies. Once I received my MBA (specialized in international finance) I got a Controller position working for the Chinese and withing 3 years found a CFO position with a public company with international operations. I cannot tell you how glad I was to receive the MBA
What I have noticed is that there are a lot of individuals who are CPAs. In order to compete I needed the MBA. With both the CPA and the MBA I am seen first for interviews.
I am not so sure that the school made the difference. It is just the MBA that opens doors.
Let me know how else I can help you.
Roseann
Message:
The MBA in Finance springboarded my career. I was in public accounting for 13 years without any response for companies. Once I received my MBA (specialized in international finance) I got a Controller position working for the Chinese and withing 3 years found a CFO position with a public company with international operations. I cannot tell you how glad I was to receive the MBA
What I have noticed is that there are a lot of individuals who are CPAs. In order to compete I needed the MBA. With both the CPA and the MBA I am seen first for interviews.
I am not so sure that the school made the difference. It is just the MBA that opens doors.
Let me know how else I can help you.
Roseann
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-11-12 8:39 am.
Message:
I recommend the MBA as it is liekly to provide a more well-rounded program, although I consider a Masters in Accounting equally desirable. If you have a choice between universities (i.e., if your company doesn't require a "sponsored" one), select the most prestigious. Even though less-ranked ones probably provide similar educational experiences, recruiters and corporations do give preference to the top schools, such as the University of Chicago.
Message:
I recommend the MBA as it is liekly to provide a more well-rounded program, although I consider a Masters in Accounting equally desirable. If you have a choice between universities (i.e., if your company doesn't require a "sponsored" one), select the most prestigious. Even though less-ranked ones probably provide similar educational experiences, recruiters and corporations do give preference to the top schools, such as the University of Chicago.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-11-12 9:41 am.
Message:
Since every reply here has recommended an MBA !, are there any distance learning programs that are worth the salt ? or does it have to be "in-Campus"
regards
Subu
Message:
Since every reply here has recommended an MBA !, are there any distance learning programs that are worth the salt ? or does it have to be "in-Campus"
regards
Subu
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-11-12 12:55 pm.
Message:
I have an MS - Financial Management which is OK.
But I would go for an MBA just because that is now the standard on all the job boards when selecting candidates.
Bob Albert
Message:
I have an MS - Financial Management which is OK.
But I would go for an MBA just because that is now the standard on all the job boards when selecting candidates.
Bob Albert
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-11-12 11:10 pm.
Message:
Great responses here, especially for the MBA! I went a slightly different path with getting my MSA (Masters of Accountancy), as I had a B.S.B.A. (Bachelors of Business Administration-Finance Concentration) along with an A.A.S. in Accounting. After getting the MSA, it opened doors for me as I've been working as a not-for-profit CFO for almost five years, and I work as accounting adjunct faculty for a state university. Additionally, to add food for thought, I obtained a second Master’s degree (Community Economic Development) in July this year, focusing on not-for-profit management and organizational leadership, which in turn assisted me with landing my current not-for-profit CFO position with an increase in salary.
What I am trying to convey is that it doesn't matter which path you take, the most important factor to consider is your end goal and to obtain the necessary qualifications and education to get you there. If you have a Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a MBA, it will open doors for you. I'm also finding it doesn't matter in the North West what school you got the degree from, as long as it is accredited and is a Master’s degree with relevant experience.
Thanks!
Laura
Message:
Great responses here, especially for the MBA! I went a slightly different path with getting my MSA (Masters of Accountancy), as I had a B.S.B.A. (Bachelors of Business Administration-Finance Concentration) along with an A.A.S. in Accounting. After getting the MSA, it opened doors for me as I've been working as a not-for-profit CFO for almost five years, and I work as accounting adjunct faculty for a state university. Additionally, to add food for thought, I obtained a second Master’s degree (Community Economic Development) in July this year, focusing on not-for-profit management and organizational leadership, which in turn assisted me with landing my current not-for-profit CFO position with an increase in salary.
What I am trying to convey is that it doesn't matter which path you take, the most important factor to consider is your end goal and to obtain the necessary qualifications and education to get you there. If you have a Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting or a MBA, it will open doors for you. I'm also finding it doesn't matter in the North West what school you got the degree from, as long as it is accredited and is a Master’s degree with relevant experience.
Thanks!
Laura
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-12-12 7:37 pm.
Message:
Hi...I realize you asked MBA or MS Accounting. I have a BS in Accounting and an MBA and I deal with the constant CPA credential request. My advice is to get your Master's Degree and then sit for the CPA exam. I believe either Masters will get you qualified. But I would research that.
Good Luck!
Message:
Hi...I realize you asked MBA or MS Accounting. I have a BS in Accounting and an MBA and I deal with the constant CPA credential request. My advice is to get your Master's Degree and then sit for the CPA exam. I believe either Masters will get you qualified. But I would research that.
Good Luck!
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-18-12 10:15 am.
Message:
Junaid,
I would think of it like this. The MBA is geared toward being a 'management' degree, whereas, an MS is geared toward more technical aspects of finance. If your desire is toward higher level management, I would focus on the MBA, especially if you are already pretty good on the finance side.
Best,
John
Message:
Junaid,
I would think of it like this. The MBA is geared toward being a 'management' degree, whereas, an MS is geared toward more technical aspects of finance. If your desire is toward higher level management, I would focus on the MBA, especially if you are already pretty good on the finance side.
Best,
John
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-18-12 10:42 am.
Message:
I received my MS in Accounting from the University of Illinois 40 years ago. It has served me very well in my career as CFO of several organizations. I have never experienced being excluded from consideration for jobs with the standard MBA and CPA requirement.
I highly recommend the accounting programs at the U or I.
William Adams
Message:
I received my MS in Accounting from the University of Illinois 40 years ago. It has served me very well in my career as CFO of several organizations. I have never experienced being excluded from consideration for jobs with the standard MBA and CPA requirement.
I highly recommend the accounting programs at the U or I.
William Adams
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 10-25-12 4:38 pm.
Message:
I have both and MBA and an MSF and the two, in my opinion, target different areas. My MSF is far more quantitative while my MBA is geared more to management. It would seem to me, given you have technical experience and a related undergrad degree, that the MBA would suit you best for the next level you are trying to achieve. I chose to do both becuase I was transitioning my career into Finance, was already a Manager, and did not have an undergraduate business degree of any kind, so my reasoning for my choice is different than yours, but hopefully this is helpful given my experience with both.
Message:
I have both and MBA and an MSF and the two, in my opinion, target different areas. My MSF is far more quantitative while my MBA is geared more to management. It would seem to me, given you have technical experience and a related undergrad degree, that the MBA would suit you best for the next level you are trying to achieve. I chose to do both becuase I was transitioning my career into Finance, was already a Manager, and did not have an undergraduate business degree of any kind, so my reasoning for my choice is different than yours, but hopefully this is helpful given my experience with both.
Subject: Re:MBA or MS in Finance??
Submitted on 11-08-12 3:09 pm.
Message:
Yes, MBA in Finance. No doubt the University of Chicago has a program that is highly regarded. I received my MBA in Finance from New York University and have a good friend who is pursuing his PHD in Finance who received his MBA in Finance at Chicago. If he's an example of what Chicago produces you'd be making a smart decision going there
Best,
Jim Thomas
Message:
Yes, MBA in Finance. No doubt the University of Chicago has a program that is highly regarded. I received my MBA in Finance from New York University and have a good friend who is pursuing his PHD in Finance who received his MBA in Finance at Chicago. If he's an example of what Chicago produces you'd be making a smart decision going there
Best,
Jim Thomas