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GRAD SCHOOL DILEMMA

I am currently an accountant and I am getting tired of it, yes I do love numbers but doing the same thing over and over is not me anymore. So I decided to get a career change, I have two things in mind, one is Masters in Finance and the other is Investment banking.

So I am asking for you guys help, advise me on what I should do, tell me about all the programs that you know of that could help me finance grad school.

Financing it is my problem. I am asking you guys for suggestions on how to finance this venture? What programs are available, Scholarships any useful information is welcome.

Do you guys think its a good idea to change? I

Thanks in advance

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Permalink Reply by Ray on February 4, 2009 at 1:41pm

I am currently in a Master's of Public Administration program where the tuition is waved as long as you have an internship. When you start looking for schools, check out things like that.

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Permalink Reply by JackoStain on February 4, 2009 at 2:12pm

The thing is i have a full time job that i want to keep, and if i do i cant do an internship.

Thanks for sharing

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Permalink Reply by Katja Michelle on March 14, 2009 at 9:45pm

If that's the case make sure you check program requirements very carefully. I don't know about your field but in mine internships are a MUST in order to earn a masters degree.

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Permalink Reply by Writing to Reach You on February 4, 2009 at 2:17pm

When you apply to grad schools, they will prepare a financial aid package for you with loans and scholarships and everything.

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Permalink Reply by JackoStain on February 4, 2009 at 3:25pm

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Mindy on February 4, 2009 at 2:17pm

Not sure how to finance school, but on the up side, if you currently have any student loans, once you go back to school, you can stop paying them until you graduate again.

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Permalink Reply by JackoStain on February 4, 2009 at 2:22pm

Well I have a not so high one now that I was hoping to pay off before I get another one.
But with so many high profile people being laid off, I think I should get a higher degree in order to compete with these guys who has ton of years of experience
dont you think?

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Permalink Reply by Angela on February 4, 2009 at 2:36pm

Hey. The first thing you need to do is fill out the FASFA form. That will opening up the opportunities to find out about grants and the government back loans. I don't know what state you're in but I know in Texas, I received $1000 grant each semester just to go school. And then I had about $10,000 a year in government backed loans. Granted, my tuition was only $2000 for full time graduate work, but it allowed me to focus on my studies and get internships without having to worry about money. Also, my second year of grad school I received a TA position and that basically covers all of your costs for school. If you can get in your first year that is great. You won't have to worry about a thing, you'll just be helping your professors out, grading papers and occasionally teaching a class. You need to look in to these positions, but you really can't do any of that until you fill out the financial aid FASFA. As a grad student, you will quality for a lot of grants you just have to do the digging to see what you can come up with. It's going to be some work but it's worth it. I hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by JackoStain on February 4, 2009 at 3:14pm

Thanks for sharing, I want to get in NYU grad program it’s a bit pricy I think its like 1400 per credit. Thanks for sharing.

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Permalink Reply by David Stehle on February 4, 2009 at 2:57pm

Well I kind of lucked out when it came to going back to school for my masters. I run a Network Security Consulting company and one of my clients is Carnegie Mellon University. So since part of the time I work for them, I was able to get a really good deal on tuition there, which is great because normally their tuition is pricey (around $40,000).

So maybe if you can do work for one of the colleges or universities you are interested in attending, you could get some type of break on your tuition costs as well? It's worth looking into. It's worked out great for me because I'm still collecting a paycheck while attending school at discount. I see it as a win-win situation.

If that isn't possible for you, then most likely you'll have to look into financial aid, which may be tough due to the crappy economy. Whatever you choose to do, good luck!

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Permalink Reply by JackoStain on February 4, 2009 at 4:26pm

Thanks dude, thats a really good idea, and i will def look into it.

So how is your business doing?

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Permalink Reply by June on February 4, 2009 at 6:02pm

I don't think there's such thing as an Investment banking degree and not a lot of people get MFA's unless they want to get their PhD. If you want to do investment banking or have more options after graduation, you should consider an MBA. Most people do a combination of scholarships and student loans to cover their expenses. Some people also try to get their companies to sponsor them. Good luck!