Want to Work in Finance? Do a Specialized MBA, B-School Recruiters Say

From fast-growing fintech firms to AI and digital investments, the finance sector has changed significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, it still remains one of the most popular paths amongst MBA graduates, providing them with some of the highest salaries in the world and a plethora of career advancement opportunities.

But is an MBA enough to land a job at a top financial firm?

TopMBA caught up with b-school recruiters and faculty to find out more.

Stéphane Dubreuille, Head of Executive Education at NEOMA Business School, says an MBA title is always advantageous to have when job-hunting in finance.

He said: “The finance professions are professions of strong expertise. An MBA gives a 360-degree vision that allows us to understand the financial impact of each decision, such as management, sales and marketing. It also offers a financial culture that allows you to take a critical look at the expertise of financiers.”

In terms of skills, Stéphane believes an MBA allows graduates to “lead” in the candidate pool.

He said: “The skills sought are managerial – listening, analytical and critical skills, commitment, collective intelligence and personal convictions. MBA students master the fundamentals of corporate finance and are able to make strategic financial decisions such as external growth operations, major fundraising or significant investments in innovative projects.”

Anna Royon-Weigelt, Head of the Career Center at GISMA Business School, agrees. However, she also points out graduates must possess the ability to thrive in times of uncertainty.

She said: “The finance sector has become extremely dynamic and volatile with digitalization, the rapid growth of fintech companies and the use of computer-based investment strategies. The Brexit issue also contributes to uncertainty in the field.

“Restlessness characterizes the industry and creates a specific risk that candidates looking for jobs in this sector have to live with.”