Full Careers

MBA plus a Masters in Economics?

I am 24 and working full time as a financial analyst. I have been looking into getting both a master's in econ and an MBA. I figure I could get a master's in econ in the next 2 1/2 years, while working full time, and then begin my MBA, possibly management or finance. The master’s would come from a very reputable private college and then I would have to make the decision to either go full time for the MBA, and look into out of state institutions, or go part time to my state university.. Does this make sense? I would complete both degrees by the time I was 31. Along with that my career path would allow me to potentially enter and complete a 3 year Financial Development Program shortly after completing the master’s. Any advice on whether the two degrees would make a difference compared to just getting one would help. I see my career continuing in finance, either in investments, corporate finance, or business development (i.e. Corp M&A)

Public Comments

1. It is a very viable joint degree combination, and I belive you can pursue such a program at the University of Kansas.
2. Unless you're going PhD or teaching in that field, master's in Economics isn't applicable to your career goals. Well, it is somehow applicable, but I think (opinions only..don't go berserk) that master's is only for the pleasure of knowledge.
3. Have you considered a Phd? At least you could then work at a college or university part of the time and be considered an authority in certain circles. Otherwise you're getting a lot of book knowledge but not seemingly gaining practical experience.
4. An MBA would be a definite plus but a masters in econ is something that can be done later on just as an add on to show more expertise. Can you do the MBA part time coz being a financial analyst is a good job and that experience with the MBA can grab you some good positions. Im looking to be a financial analyst too and no entry positions available anywhere (hint), so dont lose the job you have, try to balance education and career. Good luck
5. a Phd in economics (or finance / financial engineering / mathematics) can be quite good. an MBA can be useful depending on what you want to do...corp fin/investment banking? yes. trading? no. just be sure you can get into a top 10 MBA school, otherwise (again, depending on where you live, what you want to do, and where you want to work) an MBA from a lesser school can be pointless, and job experience will be more beneficial to you. look into getting a CFA as well...its (relatively) inexpensive, and you can go at your own pace. also, there is no 'surefire' way down your career path....for example, i work for a major wall street firm, along with Phd's and ivy league MBA's and i just went to a decent local school. hard work, persistance, (and some luck) will always be more usefull than any degree.
6. Get an MBA and all the work experience you can possibly wrangle from all the places that will let you work for them. An MBA will get you anywhere you want to be and the work experience will command the money you want to make and give you the confidence to know what you're doing.
7. A top 5 MBA will allow you to pursue any career you want. Any other graduate degree in combination with MBA is 100% unnecessary. Concentrate on two critical success factors for getting into a top school: GMAT score and career progress, and don't waste your resources on things that don't matter.