Thinking about a Master’s in Finance, but not sure if it’s for you? Or maybe you’ve already decided but still wonder what to expect? In today’s article, Eefje van der Sanden, co-author at Faces Online, busts some common myths about the Finance master, — so they won’t hold you back from making one of your best study decisions yet.
Introduction
Hi! I’m Eefje, co-author of Faces Online articles and a Master’s student in Finance and Marketing at Tilburg University. After finishing my Bachelor’s in International Business Administration (IBA), I was all set to build a career in marketing, enrolling in both MSc Marketing Management and Marketing Analytics. Although those were great programs, I found myself missing the hard economic core.
So, last September, I decided to jump into the Master’s in Finance, — and spoiler alert: it turned out to be a perfect match. Still, there were a few things I wish I’d known before starting. In this article, I’ll share the assumptions I had (and proved wrong), so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.
Assumption 1: It’s Men Only
False. One thing holding me back from starting the programme is that I would be surrounded by men only. Although there are definitely more men than women – I have tried counting it once and the ratio appeared to be 1/3 or 1/41/4 femmes for each man, – that does not mean it’s a completely male-dominated study. What was holding me back most (–in hindsight)– wasn’t the expectation that there would be more men, it was much rather the assumption that the culture would be toxic (sorry for the word, but I found no better way to describe it) masculinity. False again. I actually experienced it as quite laid back, with peoplehelping each other in the group chat, – a first for me, – and quite a friendly atmosphere overall. And most of the men don’t wear the finance vests. Not all stereotyping turns out to be true.
Assumption 2: You Need to be a Number Nerd
False as well. Don’t get me wrong, the master definitely hinges on calculations and numbers, but probably less than I expected. Even though a feel for numbers is definitely needed, there are several courses that have only a small reliance on numbers. Personally, I like numbers but I can get bored by an overload, which I have not experienced at all in the master in Finance. Several courses, including Investment Analysis (mandatory course), are quite fixated on numbers but I have experienced that the master’s is much more about understanding the calculations and interpreting the outcomes than about mastering the analytics perse.
Assumption 3: Lectures are Overrated
Upfront, I want to say that this was not my own assumption; I have always valued going to lectures. But it’s a very common assumption, and in my eyes, a seriously wrong one. Don’t get me wrong here: I know several students who attended lectures minimally and still passed courses on the fly, but I know many more who did not. And maybe you are the exception, but don’t assume that because you managed to pass without attending in the bachelor’s you can pull that trick again in the master’s. Like the name says, it’s a master’s. If it was that easy, everyone would pass on the first try, and no course would have below 40% passing ratings. Unfortunately for those who think they are the ones with the golden ticket, there are courses with 40% passing rates. Just saying.
Assumption 4: ChatGPT is going to help me WING It
Ha. Although ChatGPT can do a lot, it will not write your exams. Consider this a general tip, whether or not you are considering the Master’s in Finance or any other programme, ChatGPT will not complete your Masters. It is certainly helpful, but several courses have 80-100% exams and Chat will not help you there much.
Assumption 5: Finance is an Easy Way into a Great Job
This is a hard one and truthfully, it’s a tough one to realize. But here is the deal: Finance is a great study, and it is appreciated by many employers. But you are not the only one choosing this programme. The Master’s in Finance is popular, meaning competition for top jobs is fierce. Think internships, double degrees, board years — everyone’s hustling. The competition is real. But take it this way: Finance is a tough world, so you better do get used to it.
