During my research, I found that the Oxford MSc in Financial Economics struck the ideal balance between academic rigour and industry relevance. The programme not only provides a strong theoretical foundation but also focuses on equipping students with the practical skills needed in finance roles. That balance was exactly what I was looking for: a programme that would sharpen my quantitative and analytical skills while also preparing me for the fast-paced nature of a career in finance.
Gaining a competitive edge
I believe the MFE curriculum provided a solid technical and theoretical foundation that has been directly applicable to my role in investment banking. Among the core courses, Corporate Finance and Asset Pricing were particularly valuable to me. These courses didn’t just teach financial valuation techniques - they went deep into the underlying theories and mathematical models that drive these methodologies.
This depth of understanding has been crucial in my current work, where financial analysis often requires adapting models to fit complex and evolving real-world scenarios. Instead of simply applying formulas, I learned how to critically assess financial situations and tailor my approach accordingly.
Beyond the core curriculum, the elective courses further refined my technical skills with a more hands-on, industry-oriented focus. Electives covering discounted cash flow and mergers and acquisitions provided practical exposure to high-level financial modelling, and by the time I started my job, I already had experience working through complex valuation problems, which gave me a strong head start.
Targeted success through strategic career support
The Career Development Centre at Saïd Business School was instrumental in helping me navigate the recruitment process. I greatly appreciated the personalised guidance provided by the career coaches, who were incredibly supportive throughout my job search. I was able to schedule meetings easily, ensuring that I could get professional guidance even during the busiest periods of interview preparation.
Their mock interviews were particularly valuable, offering detailed feedback that helped refine both my technical responses and my overall interview strategy. Insights from their extensive recruitment archive also made a significant difference, allowing me to approach interviews with a clear understanding of what to expect and how best to structure my responses.
Real-world application with industry experts
The Finance Lab and Asset Management Masterclass were also hugely valuable, as they offered hands-on training in financial modelling, investment analysis, and commercial acumen. For example, activities like the AmplifyMe Challenge and the stock pitch competition provided a great way to apply these skills in a real-world context.
Another big part of these courses was the guest lectures, where senior professionals from private equity, investment banking, hedge funds, and credit markets shared real-world insights.
They gave us a window into how the finance sector really works, from deal structuring to market trends, and more importantly, they created opportunities to connect with people working in the field. Some of the guest speakers were incredibly open about their experiences, offering practical advice on recruitment and career progression.
I ended up staying in touch with a few guest speakers, and their guidance proved invaluable when I was going through the job search process.
Mentorship that shapes careers
One of the biggest advantages of the MFE programme was the incredible mentorship and support network. A special thanks goes to the School's industry advisors, who played a key role in my preparation for investment banking and private equity interviews.
They have decades of industry experience between them, having worked in top-tier investment banks and funds, and their guidance went far beyond just technical preparation. They helped me refine how I approached different firms, ensuring that I demonstrated strong financial knowledge and aligned with each firm’s culture and expectations.
A community that opens doors
The Oxford alumni network was another major source of support. The MFE has a strong presence in both London and Hong Kong, which meant that during networking events - and even in some of my interviews - I frequently came across MFE alumni. These shared connections made conversations much more engaging and productive.
The sense of community was remarkable: whether it was discussing interview strategies, industry insights, or career paths, there was always someone willing to offer advice or share their experience.
Having access to such a strong and supportive network gave me a real advantage during recruitment.
Shared journeys, lasting connections
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of building relationships with my classmates alongside the academics. The MFE is an intense year, and the people around you will be going through the same challenges, from recruitment to coursework. Many of us supported each other through interview prep, shared opportunities, and exchanged industry insights.
These connections don’t just make the job search easier - they continue to be valuable as everyone progresses in their careers.
Find out more about the Oxford MSc in Financial Economics.
