I was going through my older posts and realized that it had been a while since I last posted a student review of the Vanderbilt University MSF program. I couldn’t let that continue since the Vanderbilt program is one of the most popular in the United States. Luckily, a number of recent graduates were more than happy to review the program for all of you. Keep checking back for additional reviews. Until then, hope this helps.
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1) Why a MSF in general? Why Vanderbilt in particular?
I wanted to do an MSF to refine and further develop my technical and quantitative skills, giving me an edge in the finance industry. I also knew that I would greatly benefit from the career guidance that an MSF program offers. In fact, one of the reasons I chose Vanderbilt was due to their great career resources, such as the extremely supportive administrators, professors, and career center. It was clear that the Vanderbilt MSF had a successful track record of helping their students obtain impressive jobs. I also am biased as a previous Vanderbilt undergraduate, but I was very excited to spend another year in Nashville! The Owen building gives a small tight-knit community feel and moreover there is so much to explore nearby.
2) Pros/Cons (if any) of the degree and program?
There are many pros to the program including; personalized career guidance, classes with renowned professors, quantitative/qualitative skill building, an array of classes to choose from (including electives with MBA’s and other Owen students), and forming close relationships with your peers. Overall, an MSF program gives you the guidance to confidently go after your career goals. I cannot think of any cons …
3) Who would you recommend this program to?
I would recommend this program to recent graduates looking to enter the finance industry and people who have been in the work force for 1-2 years and are looking to change their career trajectory. The MSF program is a great program for anyone wishing to improve their financial literacy and technical skills, this includes those that studied finance and undergrad and wish to continue their studies, as well as those students who recently discovered their interest in finance. In addition, it is the perfect program if you are a senior in college and feeling unfulfilled with your career options, as the program helps open the door to many job opportunities.
4) Anything else?
The MSF program has been my fifth and favorite year at Vanderbilt. The administrators, career counselors, and professors are extremely supportive and eager to help every student. They are constantly looking for feedback to improve the program and help the students out as much as they possibly can. The support system is truly incredible. The people at Owen make the MSF program special, and I feel very lucky to have formed several lasting relationships with the staff and other students. The classes are challenging but rewarding, and the amazing students that the Vanderbilt MSF attracts allow for a very collaborative learning environment. There is so much group work that you are able to meet most of your classmates and learn from them throughout the recruiting process as well. My classmates and I have also gotten to enjoy the benefits of living in a lively city like Nashville through many social gatherings and events.
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I’d like to thank the individual who took the time to write this post and help everyone who is considering this program. These reviews are, in my opinion, some of the most helpful articles on this site. Always appreciate when alumni take time out of their busy lives to help future students.
Here is a link to the Vanderbilt University MSF Program
