URGENT: UCLA MFE. Worth it for a fresher?

[greg.stevens]

Hi! I need some honest advice. I am a recent graduate of economics and math, and I'm very confused between 2 courses, i.e. Duke Fuqua's MQM: Business Analytics (Finance Track) and UCLA Anderson MFE. I don't have finance work experience but have a basic foundation only. I thought about doing an MS Finance only but I've heard most of the competitive positions are taken by QuantFin graduates as opposed to just MS finance folks. I've heard UCLA's MFE is generic when compared to other MFE programs (I might be wrong) and is also ranked in QS' master's finance rankings. Will it still be very technical for me? Is it just like MS Finance with more numbers? I'm also not too sure about what I want to do in the future. Is there anything I can do to make the decision process easier? I kinda fear taking a huge loan for UCLA MFE and then later finding the course too difficult and intensive as I do not possess strong programming skills. The program starts in September so I have a good 4 full months to prepare for it. Also, Duke starts in July - hence I need to make a decision at the earliest as there is hardly any time left. I do understand that I'm very confused but your advice and recommendations would mean the world to me right now. Thank you so much!!

 

[MichaelLewis]

Hi! I need some honest advice. I am a recent graduate of economics and math, and I'm very confused between 2 courses, i.e. Duke Fuqua's MQM: Business Analytics (Finance Track) and UCLA Anderson MFE. I don't have finance work experience but have a basic foundation only. I thought about doing an MS Finance only but I've heard most of the competitive positions are taken by QuantFin graduates as opposed to just MS finance folks. I've heard UCLA's MFE is generic when compared to other MFE programs (I might be wrong) and is also ranked in QS' master's finance rankings. Will it still be very technical for me? Is it just like MS Finance with more numbers? I'm also not too sure about what I want to do in the future. Is there anything I can do to make the decision process easier? I kinda fear taking a huge loan for UCLA MFE and then later finding the course too difficult and intensive as I do not possess strong programming skills. The program starts in September so I have a good 4 full months to prepare for it. Also, Duke starts in July - hence I need to make a decision at the earliest as there is hardly any time left. I do understand that I'm very confused but your advice and recommendations would mean the world to me right now. Thank you so much!!

I don’t think either makes sense considering you don’t know what you want to do. You’re very likely to end up on a path that you hate and have spent money and time to get there.

 

[weab]

I don’t think either makes sense considering you don’t know what you want to do. You’re very likely to end up on a path that you hate and have spent money and time to get there.

agree

 

[Olga Inglis]

@greg.stevens
Only you can make this decision. Sounds like the best idea is to get a job in finance, look around, network, take on different teams projects, speak with people, OBSERVE, ASK, etc.. You need to gather more data points to make a right decision. Don't make any life-changing decisions when you are in doubt. It is natural to worry but it will all come together one day.