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Gavin
Student
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Question
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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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2 answers
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.
Justin Pollack
Private Equity Investment Professional
37
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.