3 answers
Gavin
Student
1
Question
Asked
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Will the majority of jobs for my finance degree, need a masters degree as well ?
I’m going to school for finance. I think I want to work in corporate finance. Will I need a masters degree for the majority of jobs? #fall25
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3 answers
Justin Pollack
Private Equity Investment Professional
38
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Gavin. Great question. I've worked in investment firms for 25 years and noticed many colleagues eventually get MBAs. Here are two important points. First, most people in finance start working right after getting their undergraduate degree. Finance companies usually have entry-level jobs for new grads, which don't require prior experience. So, not many go straight to a graduate business program after college.
After working in a junior role for two or three years, you might get promoted or decide to explore other jobs or pursue an MBA. Having some work experience makes an MBA candidate more appealing to employers. However, as an employer, I often prefer hiring people with more work experience rather than an MBA. If you want to stay in a specific finance area, continuing to work might be better than getting an MBA. But an MBA can help you switch to different finance areas or other business fields. The main thing is to start in finance after college and see where your career leads you.
After working in a junior role for two or three years, you might get promoted or decide to explore other jobs or pursue an MBA. Having some work experience makes an MBA candidate more appealing to employers. However, as an employer, I often prefer hiring people with more work experience rather than an MBA. If you want to stay in a specific finance area, continuing to work might be better than getting an MBA. But an MBA can help you switch to different finance areas or other business fields. The main thing is to start in finance after college and see where your career leads you.
Dwight Thomas
Consultant
38
Answers
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Gavin,
I hope all is well! This is a good question! Most jobs you can get with a finance degree do not require a masters degree to start. Many entry level roles in areas like corporate finance, banking, or financial analysis are designed for students coming straight out of undergrad, especially if you have internships or relevant experience. Employers typically care more about your skills, experience, and how you present yourself than whether you have an advanced degree right away.
A master’s degree can still be valuable later on, but it is usually not necessary at the beginning of your career. Some people choose to pursue one after gaining work experience to specialize further or move into more advanced roles, but it’s often a strategic decision rather than a requirement. It is an option you can consider once you better understand your goals and the direction you want your career to take.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a good question! Most jobs you can get with a finance degree do not require a masters degree to start. Many entry level roles in areas like corporate finance, banking, or financial analysis are designed for students coming straight out of undergrad, especially if you have internships or relevant experience. Employers typically care more about your skills, experience, and how you present yourself than whether you have an advanced degree right away.
A master’s degree can still be valuable later on, but it is usually not necessary at the beginning of your career. Some people choose to pursue one after gaining work experience to specialize further or move into more advanced roles, but it’s often a strategic decision rather than a requirement. It is an option you can consider once you better understand your goals and the direction you want your career to take.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Mallorie Van Woerkom
3
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Mallorie’s Answer
Hi Gavin,
I work in corporate finance and what I am seeing is that there is less of a need for a master's degree than in the past. Depending on what the company wants you might not need it. Within corporate finance there is not necessarily a big pay jump, so you have to look at the return.
A lot of companies would rather you have experience than a master's.
I work in corporate finance and what I am seeing is that there is less of a need for a master's degree than in the past. Depending on what the company wants you might not need it. Within corporate finance there is not necessarily a big pay jump, so you have to look at the return.
A lot of companies would rather you have experience than a master's.