Finance MBA in current economy

[lateraldeath]

Dear Stacy, I have been planning to get my MBA in finance for most of this year. I've taken my GMAT and is planning to apply next spring. But I'm starting to have second doubts about the outlook of finance MBA. All's well until mid September and the rest is history. Although i never thought of myself of becoming a broker (my personal goal was to become a financial analyst), I was wondering if this huge change in the financial structure would cause the market to need less MBA skills in finance in general in the years to come. Due to the recession there will already be an increase # of competition when I graduate as it is. I've tried to read much about the continuing changes in the economy to try to find an answer but haven't found anything that'll make me feel more at ease. I was wondering if you would know a better picture of the outlook for finance MBAs. Thanks in advance!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear lateraldeath,

There will always be a demand for MBAs who concentrated in finance. These folks take a variety of positions in almost every industry. How high the demand is will vary in any given industry year-to-year based on market conditions. If your ultimate goal is financial services, it might not be the best time, but then others would argue it is as they expect the market to rebound by spring 2011 when you graduate. My advice--don't use current market conditions to predict the job market in 2.5 years. If you feel you are ready for business school now, then you should apply now.

Good luck,
Lisa