The Oxford MSc in Financial Economics is undoubtedly the UK’s top finance master’s programme with excellent professors, likeminded classmates, and its location in a beautiful city - Oxford.
Personally, I wasn’t drawn to a pure business school but rather a broader academic community with diverse disciplines. As a finance major, I wanted not only to refine my technical expertise in finance but also to explore and build knowledge in at least one or two industries. I believe this interdisciplinary approach would take me further in my professional career.
The Oxford MFE offered both - rigorous academics and the opportunity to be part of the UK’s top university, surrounded by a wealth of subjects and talented individuals. These experiences provide lifelong benefits for one’s career.
Looking back
From where I am now, I see how the MFE equipped me with everything I needed - academic knowledge, career support, and networking opportunities.
- Rigorous Academics: The programme helped me to develop a strong grasp of the foundational principles of financial markets and provided me with a solid knowledge base that will support me throughout my career.
- Career Services: The career team was incredibly responsive and helpful. The job updates, mock interviews, and mental support made a huge difference. I still feel grateful when I think about how Ben and John encouraged and supported me during my recruiting process, always pushing me to keep going and never give up.
- Finance Lab: This was one of the best parts of the programme. The practical insights from industry practitioners and the networking opportunities afterward were invaluable.
- Asset Management Masterclass: This course was another highlight, covering a range of topics, case studies were highly analytical and played a crucial role in shaping my problem-solving mindset, which I now apply in my daily work.
Key takeaways from the career support
I received incredible mentorship and guidance during my time in the MFE programme, which played a significant role in my growth and success.
The coaching and career support I received were instrumental in helping me secure my role. One of the standout features was the networking events, which provided incredible opportunities to connect with industry leaders, including Nobel Prize winners and senior executives like CEOs and MDs from top companies. These events were invaluable for building relationships and gaining insights into the industry.
Sometimes, I was even invited to exclusive dinners with firms, along with a select group of classmates. I distinctly remember attending dinners with Blackstone and Rothschild recruiters, many of whom were past MFE students.
A vibrant ecosystem
One of the most valuable aspects of the MFE programme was the opportunity to build networks across Oxford University. I was able to connect with scholars and professionals from various disciplines, which broadened my understanding of different industries. For example, before joining the MFE, I had a year of experience in investment banking, focusing on healthcare IPOs. This exposure to biotech projects sparked my interest in the intersection of finance and healthcare.
During my time at Oxford, I took full advantage of the university’s vibrant ecosystem. I lived in a college and formed friendships with medical school PhDs and professors, which gave me unique insights into the latest advancements in healthcare and cutting-edge technologies. These connections were invaluable in deepening my understanding of the industry.
As a Healthcare Investment Analyst at the Oxford Alpha Fund, I pitched long/short investment ideas to portfolio managers from leading hedge funds and asset managers. Working alongside ambitious and talented teammates from Oxford was truly inspiring and honed my skills in fundamental analysis and valuation.
Additionally, I joined a biotech start-up founded by two Oxford Medical School PhDs. The start-up focused on an AI-driven platform for cross-species longevity drug discovery, and I served as the CFO. This role allowed me to explore over 20+ start-ups during my time at Oxford, giving me first-hand experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital.
Being part of the start-up team taught me to think like a founder and consider investor concerns, which significantly enhanced my pitch abilities, market research, industry analysis, and management skills. These experiences will undoubtedly benefit my future career as a buyside investor, providing me with a well-rounded perspective on both investing and entrepreneurship.
Find out more about the Oxford MSc in Financial Economics.
