Many people who graduate from a master’s program in finance want to work on Wall Street as an investment banker or financial analyst. Even those who don’t aspire to work on the Street may find themselves working at a bank, hedge fund, or startup with a need for strong financial skills. Getting masters in finance in Singapore will enable you to reach these goals. Choosing the right program for your needs can help you get into the type of finance job that you want. There are many factors to consider, but the most important things to look for are location and internship opportunities. Many people who graduate from a master’s program in Singapore find that they need an MBA to get into their desired field.
Here is what you need to know about choosing the best finance school for you:
- Your Pre-existing Skills and Experience
Before you even begin your research, it is important to assess your own strengths. Are you a strong writer? Are math skills your strong suit or are you more comfortable with numbers? Many people will have already experienced the type of work that they want to go into. If you have experience in that field, then you will likely be able to find a program with an internship and good networking opportunities. For those who don’t know what they want to do after graduating with a master’s in finance in Singapore, it is important to consider the types of skills and experiences that employers look for. If you are unsure, consider getting experience in an entry-level job or internship at a bank or management consulting firm to get a better sense of what will be expected on the job.
- Location and Cost
You might want to weigh location heavily when deciding on your master’s finance program. There are many schools that offer top programs but are located in places with an exorbitant cost of living. If you want to live near family or friends, then this is something that needs to be considered. It’s also important to consider where the school is located. Do you want to be close enough to internships? Or do you need a program that can put you closer financially and physically to your desired field?
- Specialization and Focus
There are many different types of finance jobs but it will be important to narrow down what you want to do early on. If you have a background in accounting, then going into investment banking might be the right move for you. You may want a program that offers a specialization or focus in the field that you are interested in. If there are certain topics or skills that you need to learn, then be sure to see which programs have these opportunities for students.
- Reputation and Networking
As with any graduate business program, the reputation of the school is important in helping you get your desired job. Many employers will give preference to applicants from highly-ranked schools. It will be important to research the jobs that your desired employers hire from each school and look for other ways to get involved with them. You may also want to consider which public accounting firms or financial services companies recruit heavily from your programs of choice.
Choosing the right finance school for your master’s can have a big impact on your future career. Look at location, specialization, cost, and reputation when choosing a program. The best thing you can do is to research schools so that you know which one will prepare you the most for your dream job in finance.