Prior Coursework

[zeni]

I am working on my CV for applying to MFin/MFE courses. Have seen few sample formats where people provide the name of relevant courses taken previously. Not sure if it is required given we submit the college transcripts.

I have taken few quantitative finance courses during my MBA finance like Financial Econometrics, Advanced Financial Modelling, Derivatives and Risk Management, Game Theory, Securities Analysis and Portfolio Management etc.

I am wondering if I should explicitly mention these on my CV which might work against/for me. I have close to 4 yrs of work experience in a major investment bank.

Any thoughts?

 

[zeni]

Any suggestion?

 

[Ken Abbott]

Most people list relevant coursework on their resumes, but I don't see how that would make any difference in your application. Any school to which you apply is very likely to scrutinize your transcript.

 

[zeni]

Thanks Ken, i agree with you. These subjects are anyways mentioned in the postgraduate transcript. I am not sure if I should mention these explicitly in the resume. My view is:

1. It might go against me as I have already studied few Quant Fin subjects
2. I might work in my favor as i have background in these subjects
3. Will have no impact

Or, probably I am just thinking too much...

 

[Ken Abbott]

I think you think too much.

 

[ygmwy]

Don't think you are special. Most people applying to quant programs have this kind of background, and work experience. In terms of academics, they just want to make sure that you can handle tough grad level math classes. Many people in my program were pure math majors, and studied very rigorous math in undergrad. That is probably more relevant than in what seems like your relatively lightweight quant courses. In an MFE program, practical work experience, and a couple of MBA classes doesn't really mean anything about your ability to tackle tough graduate level math courses. I even saw an applied math PhD struggle with the math in his MFE coursework. I would be careful about bragging too much. Even for myself: I also took some quant classes in undergrad, but I didn't realize how little I knew until I entered MFE.

 

[zeni]

I agree, that's why I am looking for an advanced MFE course. But I think I should also highlight my decently strong mathematical background from my undergraduate engineering degree.

 

[ygmwy]

More than 50% of my class has an engineering background. Mostly EE, Comp E, Chem E, and even BME. Again, don't think you are special. You really have to know your competition, and the profile of those who usually apply to these programs. Then you can really draw out your "secret sauce," and why you deserve a place among your peers. Having an engineering undergraduate is by no means special at all. If you focus your entire essay on this, the admissions committee is going to say "Oh, another one..." And you will have missed out on the opportunity to mention your real secret sauce. Mention it, but don't brag about how good you are at math. There is always someone better than you--especially at the top MFE programs.

 

[zeni]

Agree.. I think my initial query was very specific to mentioning prior courses in the resume...I have the "Secret Sauce" ready for the essays and SOP...Let's see if it makes my application 'delicious'