Which is better for a CS major with interests in finance? CFA or MBA?
February 8, 2022 10:34 AM Subscribe
Like the title says, I'm interested in finance, and supply chains as well which sort of falls into that. I already have a background in CS and have worked as a software engineer, probably will continue to do that if I pursue these things anyway.
However, I've looked into these things, and I was wondering if anybody had some opinions. My priorities for making a choice in between those things are as follows:
1. Networking potential, especially to make inroads into finance or supply chains.
2. Learn more about finance and potentially supply chains.
3. Want to run a business one day, MBAs and CFAs are all around the money sectors, I want to pick up contacts in this area for that.
So, I was wondering what people could tell me about this and if it's something common to see Computer Science types or STEM types in general poking around these areas.
However, I've looked into these things, and I was wondering if anybody had some opinions. My priorities for making a choice in between those things are as follows:
1. Networking potential, especially to make inroads into finance or supply chains.
2. Learn more about finance and potentially supply chains.
3. Want to run a business one day, MBAs and CFAs are all around the money sectors, I want to pick up contacts in this area for that.
So, I was wondering what people could tell me about this and if it's something common to see Computer Science types or STEM types in general poking around these areas.
I'd think MBA would be more useful. If you like the Software Engineering angle an MBA might help you become CTO-track one day instead of hitting the ceiling of where technical people can't advance anymore. I can name 4 or 5 technical people with MBAs at my (not crazy large but 500-700 person, has nothing to do with finance, but directly related to supply chain) company that have MBAs. I cannot name any of them with with a CFA.
posted by cmm at 10:46 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by cmm at 10:46 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Hmm, so it seems an MBA is deemed as better. I tend to agree. I know it does not have to be focused on finance, but a lot of MBAs have that option from what I've heard.
posted by Tarsonis10 at 11:36 AM on February 8, 2022
posted by Tarsonis10 at 11:36 AM on February 8, 2022
You're attributing a value judgment to the advice you're getting, but that's missing the point: They are qualifications for very different paths. One is not better or worse than the other, they just get you to different places in life.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 12:15 PM on February 8, 2022 [11 favorites]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 12:15 PM on February 8, 2022 [11 favorites]
I have a MIS (business computer science) degree and an MBA with an emphasis on corporate finance. I went from being a software designer to doing project finance/software design for the same company because I hate interviewing and liked my company but wanted to get paid more and have more responsiblity.
However, your ability to work 'in finance' in a really direct way will be limited because to truly work a finance job, you have to pass FINRA exams. Most of the finance majors in my MBA courses had already passed Series 6 and Series 7 and were going for more simultaneously.
I don't think I could directly pass a CFA test (or could back then- certainly couldn't now) with just my MBA, but you do cover all the things the test covers, but perhaps in slightly less detail. So getting an MBA would be a bridge for also getting a CFA certification.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:47 PM on February 8, 2022
However, your ability to work 'in finance' in a really direct way will be limited because to truly work a finance job, you have to pass FINRA exams. Most of the finance majors in my MBA courses had already passed Series 6 and Series 7 and were going for more simultaneously.
I don't think I could directly pass a CFA test (or could back then- certainly couldn't now) with just my MBA, but you do cover all the things the test covers, but perhaps in slightly less detail. So getting an MBA would be a bridge for also getting a CFA certification.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:47 PM on February 8, 2022
Best answer: Oh yeah your second question: 50% of my class was working engineers [due to proximity to a big engineering employer and they covered 100% of tuition], 25% was accounting and finance professionals, and 20% were software engineers like me, and 5% owned their own business. There was even a guy with multiple medical and technical degrees. Man that guy was smart.
So yeah software engineer to MBA was very common.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:51 PM on February 8, 2022
So yeah software engineer to MBA was very common.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:51 PM on February 8, 2022
Best answer: 3rd there are generally multiple specializations within a MBA degree. The ones I recall are personal finance, corporate finance, something with legal finance, real estate investments, general business [imo the easiest one], general management [2nd easiest], and advanced accounting.
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:59 PM on February 8, 2022
posted by The_Vegetables at 12:59 PM on February 8, 2022
I see you are favoring answers that boost an MBA. This is actually a decent way to identify what you actually want.
It's like flipping a coin to decide and then seeing if you feel disappointed or not. If you want to pursue careers that an MBA will grant you that a CFA will not, you should do that. But if the CS/CSA careers seem more up your alley, consider whether you are just societally biased to think that an MBA is 'better' without examining the actual results it will get you.
posted by ananci at 4:26 PM on February 8, 2022
It's like flipping a coin to decide and then seeing if you feel disappointed or not. If you want to pursue careers that an MBA will grant you that a CFA will not, you should do that. But if the CS/CSA careers seem more up your alley, consider whether you are just societally biased to think that an MBA is 'better' without examining the actual results it will get you.
posted by ananci at 4:26 PM on February 8, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
An MBA provides you a broad exposure to a full range of issues businesses (and other organizations) face, including in the areas of finance and supply chain.
A CFA is a professional designation demonstrating expertise in a very narrow field (investment analysis).
Just making some generalizations: If I saw someone with a CS degree and an MBA, I'd expect them to be running product management at a tech firm, or a corporate function (marketing, HR, finance, etc.). If I saw someone with a CS degree and a CFA designation, I'd expect them to be building tech platforms for financial service firms.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 10:46 AM on February 8, 2022 [1 favorite]