Re: Suggestion on degree...

On Oct 6, 11:25 pm, cfr45 <cf...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
I'm looking to expand my skillset and change careers. While I'm not
sure of the ultimate career that I am targeting, I am confident that
I'm interested in either an MBA or a graduate Economics degree. In
particular, I'm interested in learning fundamental (not technical)
analysis of companies and economies to a high mathematical level (ie.
differential equations, ode, pde, etc).

What "best in class" MBA program would people recommend?

What "best in class" Economics program would people recommend?

Thanks in advance,
cfr45

An MBA is a very different degree than an MA/MS in Economics. The MBA
is a professional degree not an academic degree and the program will
not include much math beyond an introductory "Quantitative methods for
business" type course which is typically at the level of first year
undergrad Calculus and Statistics courses with a business slant.
Also, original research typically isn't required for an MBA but will
be required for a graduate Econ degree.

Quite frankly, you DO need to be sure about what sort of career you
intend to pursue before dumping US$100k+ and 2+ years of your life
into one of these programs.

If you want to pursue a position in equity research at an investment
bank, go for an MBA from Harvard/Stanford/Wharton and start looking
into the CFA designation. This job will not require knowledge of
differential equations or any other higher level math, however, these
positions are highly competitive. At the end of the day, you will
essentially be a shill for the firm's underwriting clients.

If you want to be a quant for one of these firms, bypass both of the
degrees mentioned and go straight for a PhD in Math from a top ranked
university. You will not be conducting "fundamental analysis of
companies and economies" however, you will primarily be focused on
instrument pricing for derivatives and risk management.

Might I suggest that prior to pursuing either route you consider a
line of work that is actually productive and beneficial to humanity?
It really is a tragedy that the financial markets manage to siphon off
the best and brightest of the new entrants to the job market every
year and focus them on lining the pockets of absurdly wealthy rent-
seekers rather than engaging them in actual productive activity that
would make beneficial use of their talents.

.

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