Masters in Finance

salam

anyone here from Finance background? i wish to pursue a masters degree in finance from UK since pakistan has very little options. what are the prospects in Pakistan after obtaining a foreign degree. I understand that pakistani employers are inclined towards MBAs even for hard core finance jobs. so how is it in pakistan for a Msc Finance?

Re: Masters in Finance

I wish I could help but i dont know the pakistani market well ... I am hoping someone here will be able to repond to this question ..

Re: Masters in Finance

Geist,

I agree with your notion that in Pakistan, an MSF program would not have the same favorable recognition as an MBA... even in the West, it has only been the last couple of years since major corporations have started accepting an MSF as a viable alternative to an MBA with a finance concentration. Prior to this, it was primarily the financial institutions that acknowledged the program, but corporate finance was the purview of MBAs (I'd say it still is...).

So it really depends on what your objectives are - for corporate finance, an MBA may be the better option at this time... esp. in Pakistan. On the other hand, if you want to specialize in investment management or financial analysis, MSF may be a route worth considering.

Also, are you considering a comprehensive MSF program or a specialized one such as Mathematical Finance / Financial Engineering / Quant Finance etc. ?

Finally, why not consider an MBA to CFA route? there are many MBA programs that offer credits for CFA and the designation of a CFA is well recognized by financial institutions around the world.

Re: Masters in Finance

ya i am in accounting....and banks n financial institutions in pakistan prefer MBA always......reason being that nobody is offering a proper finance degree....

but if you wanna go abroad then MBA-CFA is best option....even partly qualified CFA's have had decent jobs in pakistan......and also if u have MBA your options are more open...

Re: Masters in Finance

Im considering a comprehensive Msc. the problem with MBAs is that they require experience. i was hoping to get a MSF from a reputable foreign university and waive off this stupid requirement of pakistani employers for a MBA for positions such as Financial Analyst (if that at all possible). If spending a lot of money on MSF wouldnt give me a boost then i should probably drop the idea and pursue CFA alone, along with a job.

Re: Masters in Finance

what if i get a proper degree from a good university? would that change the mindset of employers in pakistan?

Re: Masters in Finance

i can't say for sure....foreign degree from good university probably perhaps would be equal to an MBA

.but if i were you....if i have to spend money i would on MBA and at some later stage CFA....that is safer and offers diversified opportunties... a foreign MBA would lead you to a good position in Bank....but as i mentioned before...with MBA u have more option than just a pure finance degree..

P.S..did i mentiond if you are moderately hot/lukwarm chic any degree will work :D