Author Archives: Jeremy
Master of Science in Finance or MBA in Finance: What’s the Difference?
Undoubtedly, earning any advanced degree can have benefits to your career. The question is, though, which degree is the best for you and your goals? In some industries, degree programs that sound similar may actually be quite different, and choosing one over the other can have a lasting effect on your career.
One such example is the decision between a Master of Science in Finance and MBA in Finance program. At first glance, it might appear that they are the same thing, as they have similar names. However, when you explore these programs in greater detail, it becomes clear that they are actually quite different from one another, and which one is best for you depends on a few key factors.
Program Differences in a Nutshell
Many people automatically assume that an MBA is their best option if they seek a career in business and want to reach the executive suite. And for some, that is true. An MBA is ideal for someone who wants to work in a management role. Coursework in an MBA program, which usually takes between two and four years to complete depending on if the student is full or part-time, tends to focus on a wide array of business topics, including management, accounting, economics, marketing, and yet, finance. Most MBA students opt to specialize in a particular aspect of business — hence the MBA in Finance designation — but the finance-related courses are studied in conjunction with the core subjects. The overall goal of most MBA programs is to prepare students for executive positions in a variety of industries, as the skills are highly transferrable.
A Master of Science in Finance, on the other hand, is highly focused and specialized. Usually completed within two years, coursework focuses almost exclusively on finance. More specifically, student can expect to take classes in financial theory, reporting, and analysis, as well as investments, markets, quantitative finance, and math. Some programs also include a leadership or management component, with those skills being examined through the lens of finance, but in general, MSF students do not take the general business courses associated with an MBA.
Students who enroll in an MSF program are those who want to land leadership positions in the financial industry. Often, those who wish to earn the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, a prestigious credential earned via a rigorous educational program and exam, opt to earn a Master of Finance degree, since the coursework usually dovetails with the principles on the CFA exams. In fact, many professionals find that their graduate program prepared them for the first part of the exam without any additional education.
Admissions, Career Potential and More
MBA in Finance and MSF programs tend to attract different types of students. MBA candidates, in general, tend to be those who have a few years of work experience under their belts and who are looking to build upon that foundation and move up the career ladder. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of MBA candidates who go to graduate school directly upon completing their undergraduate degrees, but overall, most MBA students have some work experience.
MSF programs, on the other hand, tend to attract a younger student base, as many students go right into the programs from college in order to improve their prospects in the job market. That’s not to say that experienced professionals cannot benefit from an MSF program, especially given that most are part-time and more easily integrated with a career than MBA programs, but for those looking to make headway in the financial field quickly, an MSF is a viable option.
One area in which MSF and MBA in Finance programs do align, though, are in career prospects and earning potential. Those who hold an MSF tend to move into more executive than management roles, but in either case, an experienced professional can expect to earn a salary of between $75,000 and $125,000 per year, depending on the market and specific position.
Finance specific master’s degrees are relatively new on the academic scene, but as more students look for alternatives to increasingly competitive MBA programs, or question the value of an MBA to their career goals, they will become more popular. So as you explore your option for business graduate degrees, consider where you hope to go with your career, and whether an MBA or a more specialized degree would be the best path to get there.
How to Turn a 2.1 Essay into a 1st
A 2.1 is a very respectable mark. It shows that you have presented a high quality piece of work which demonstrates your understanding of the key issues and your engagement with the subject. A 2.1 will show that you know how to present and write a good piece of academic work, plus prove that you have paid careful attention to the key sources in your subject area.
But what if you have greater aspirations? The line between a high 2.1 and a low 1st is incredibly thin. This means that there are a few steps you can take which could be all that is required to make your 2.1 essay first class. If you can attain a 65% 2.1 with your essay, there are a number of things you can do to make sure it crosses the 70% line and becomes a 1st class piece of work.
Just to refresh your memory, here’s how University marking criteria works:
- 80+ – High 1st
- 70-79 – 1st
- 60-69% – 2.1
- 50-59% – 2.2
- 40-49% – 3rd
Now here’s how to jump from the high 60s to the low 70s and attain your first. The useful tips below come straight from the essay writing service “Oxbrigde Essays”. For more tips, tricks and support follow Oxbridge Essays on Google plus to get the latest helpful how tos.
1. Know your sources
Understanding the most important sources in your subject area is essential. If you want to turn your 2.1 essay into a 1st, you need to know a lot about the theoretical landscape of your essay. That means you should give the most important writers on the subject precedence in your essay, while also exploring other, lesser known writers who may have contributed unusual ideas or less popular theories to your field of study.
A good way to do this is to take a good look at the references and bibliographies attached to the best existing essays and books in your subject area. Exploring your university library, along with online resources like JSTOR will also help you extend your range of sources and learn which authors really matter.
2. Be original
Although your essay should contain all of the most important sources (and a few extra interesting ones) , your work should never just be a collection of the best sources and their most illuminating quotes. Your essay needs to show original thought if you want to get a 1st. Use your sources to back up or inspire your argument, don’t let them take over. Every time you use a quote or reference ask yourself “how does this back up my argument?” or “how does this extend the discussion?”. If it doesn’t, don’t include it.
3. Plan your argument
A key difference between 2.1 essays and 1st class essays is the quality of the argument. While the argument in a 2.1 essay will be clear and logical, in a 1st class essay it should be even better. You need to demonstrate a sophisticated argument.
To do this it’s vital that you plan your essay thoroughly before you begin writing. Decide on your viewpoint, then think through every persuasive argument you could use to make your standpoint convincing. Make sure you also think about arguments which could disprove your points, then make sure you address these in your essay too. Prove that you’ve thought everything through, step-by-step, to leave the marker convinced of your ideas and you’ll have earned a 1st.
4. Talk to your tutor
One of the best ways to raise your mark is to talk to your tutor. They can cast an expert eye on your essay, recommend extra sources, point out weak arguments and tell you where you’re going right. With this expert advice you can hone your work and make sure you get a 1st.
Not a fan of college? Here are a few suggestions!
You’ve got the grades, the aspirations and the brains – but does that make heading to college worth the effort?
It’s the question running through the heads of most 18 year olds, and your decision can change your life – for better or worse.
And it’s not just a question of aspiration. If you’re not a Richie Rich-type, heading to college could leave you in debt for the rest of your life. More than this, the proliferation of applicants with degrees is making most employers shrug their shoulders. They want experience, not grades.
All this might leave you searching for alternatives. Not everyone fits the mold of college – so what are your options? Here are some other ideas for profitable careers without hitting the books (too hard).
Trade on up
The university literati can be a bit snooty about the prospect of those in a trade. But what they don’t realise is the success that grafting as an electrician or plumber can provide. Electrician courses, for instance, can pave the way to success is you’ve got the knack for business.
All you have to do is learn your trade and head into business yourself. After a few years of hard graft for a company, you’ll have accrued enough experience to guarantee your customers an electrical job well done.
Build up a catalogue of references and you’ll soon have a business that’s raking in the cash.
Net yourself success
Gone are the days when you could design a dancing pixel online and become an internet billionaire. Now, successful sites require great content, layouts and a constant stream of new content.
But making money is possible if you put in the work and have a nifty idea. Just look at the billion-dollar megaliths like Facebook and Instagram. Chances are their creators won’t be looking down the barrel of an overdraft charge any time soon.
One of the most important factors is to make Google play nicely with your site. Find out about the world of search engine optimization, also known as improving your effectiveness with Google, and your idea could boom into a global success.
Nowadays, the internet is a perfect place to make millions – you just have to stand out from the crowd.
Hit the art scene
Have you got creativity flooding your veins? Do you fancy yourself as the next Picasso? Does the idea of straining over paint and easel sound like a dream come true? Then show the art scene what you’re worth – it could be the perfect route to success.
It’s not an easy way to make cash, however, and the strain of creativity is no guarantee of results. But art isn’t just about profit – it’s a way of life, and could be the way out of the college path.
Struggling with student style? Here’s our remedy
Ramen noodles are strewn along the floor, a Domino’s pizza box is discarded on the table, a thing has grown in the kitchen sink (no one knows what it is) – and you’ve got to get ready for a night out.
These are the hallmarks of student living. They ain’t big and they ain’t clever, but boy are they fun.
With all these wild nights out, your skin and dress sense will take a battering – unless you follow a few of these style tips.
Over the skin
The average student diet is about as healthy as exclusively ingesting felt for a lifetime. With a steady intake of greasy foods and Apple Sourz, your skin is going to look as healthy as a coma patient’s.
And those budget high street face washes are about effective at fighting spots as General Custer was at defending the Alamo (we’ll cut down on the weird analogies for a while).
However, there are various alternatives to your bog-standard face creams. Proactiv, used by a raft of celebrities, is one of the most sought after skincare products you can find on the market. Who knows – it could even help you escape the grime and facial grot of a heavy night.
Classic style
Think about all those classic glamour icons – Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman. What is it that’s made them so timeless in their glamour?
Answer: the beauty of simplicity.
Plain blacks and glistening whites mixed with brief splashes of colour; these are the styles that have outlived Twiggy’s 60s’ chic, the flares of the 70s’ and the glittering glam of the 80s’.
So, take a leaf out of their book. You’ll be looking glamourous whether you’re at a dapper cocktail party or a scuzzy nightclub.
Shakeup your makeup
There’s a full-on fashion revolution going on right now –and it’s filled with angles.
You’ll see it on Cara Delevigne as she strides the catwalks. For heavily angled makeup simply take your eyeliner brush and swish it further past your eyes than usual. Combine this with a tight hair bun and you’ll be looking as sultry as any A-list fashionista.
Diet control
That Pot Noodle marathon you’ve been having can’t last long. Soon, you’ll have more cholesterol than a slab of lard. And it’ll have a dire impact on your style.
Just look at those people who are so healthy that everything makes them look glamorous. Kate Moss, could wear a bin bag and still look great.
And it’s easy to concoct healthy meals on a student budget. Have a look at Reduced to Clear sections in your local supermarket for budget veg, make a few meals filled with superfoods and you’ll enjoy a cleaner complexion within just a few days.
How To Save Money For A Master Of Urban Planning
Paying for graduate study is hard, and even with a qualification as prized as a Master of Urban Planning, few will want to graduate and begin their working lives in (even deeper) piles of debt. A master of urban planning degree is crucial to one’s success because it will enable practitioners to develop the necessary skills for balance, community development, social justice, and so much more. Here, we offer some tips on saving cash to pay for your all-important study.
Clear Out Your Closet
It’s highly likely that you will have a lot of unused possessions laying around at home. With an estimated 85% of women owning clothes they never wear (and a high percentage of men too, no doubt), now’s the time to convert them into cash. Be ruthless- unless something has sentimental value, if you don’t use it, you can sell it. Do your research- sell valuable items and branded clothes on eBay, and cheaper things at having a yard sale- you’ll be amazed at how many people will be prepared to pay for old crockery, opened nail polishes, and used books. And whatever you don’t sell, donate!
Work At A Bar
Going out is expensive. Instead of spending your money on beer, get a part-time job in a bar instead. You will still have the opportunity to socialise and meet new people, and you can put your tips straight into your savings. Plus, bar staff often get free drinks after their shift- it’s a winner all round.
Become A Freelancer
Working for yourself is exceptionally satisfying- there’s no office you have to sit in, and no boss you have to answer to. Take a close look at your skills. Are you a whizz in graphic design? A Photoshop Queen (or King)? Can you write well? There is a selection of legitimate freelancing sites online where you can monetise these skills. You won’t get rich, but some decent money can be made, and best of all, you can fit it around your schedule, and continue completing your briefs when you begin your studies too.
By planning carefully, you can save money to pay for your Master of Urban Planning degree. Try to avoid unnecessary purchases, and if you really do need to buy something, check if it can be found cheaper elsewhere. With some discipline, you can stretch your money further.
