Demystifying Derivatives: A Comprehensive Guide for MBA Finance Students

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) found that finance was one of the top intended fields of MBA specialisations in the past few years. A survey by a leading recruiter firm also observed that 78% of employers worldwide are planning to hire MBA graduates in finance to handle their financial operations. Pursuing an MBA in finance is a reliable pathway to a stable, high-paying, and lucrative career, offering exceptional employment prospects and climbing up the corporate hierarchy. In India,  this programme undeniably stands as a compelling career choice for students with a genuine interest in the financial domain.

However, several students may still remain unaware of the opportunities that they can access after completing their graduation in this field. To assist students in choosing the right career trajectory, we have come up with our comprehensive guide. Read on!

Why MBA in Finance?

Finance is an indispensable component of any organisation's operations, helping to sustain and propel business activities. An MBA in Finance helps the students to access a wide range of opportunities across different industries. The curriculum of this specialised programme is thoughtfully designed to render a comprehensive understanding of finance and managerial concepts. Students learn about stock markets, financial risk management, trend forecasting, capital investments, and business analysis, among others. The multidimensional approach equips the students with a holistic perspective on finance, enabling them to make informed and strategic decisions. MBA finance graduates are well-suited for roles in diverse areas, including stock exchanges, asset management, auditing firms, and taxation enterprises. Furthermore, the allure of an MBA in finance extends internationally, with many prestigious universities offering programmes with lucrative placements on a global scale. This international exposure helps the students explore rewarding career opportunities across a variety of financial landscapes.

Course Duration and Eligibility

The duration of this MBA programme is 2 years, divided into four semesters. The eligibility criteria for an MBA degree in finance requires a good CGPA or GPA (minimum 50% aggregate score). Furthermore, students should score well in competitive entrance exams such as GMAT, CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, SNAP, and others. Besides these examinations, the students must write an appealing and comprehensive resume that serves as a snapshot of their skills and accomplishments. MBA essays are equally significant for admissions as they help students articulate motivations, aspirations, and suitability for the programme. Some business schools prefer candidates with prior work experience, though it may not be mandatory in the majority of the cases.

Course Curriculum

The primary objective of an MBA programme in finance is to foster a strong analytical and statistical foundation in students. Leading business schools employ a combination of economic analysis, statistical techniques, and mathematical tools to achieve this goal.

The core subjects covered in this MBA programme comprises corporate finance, financial derivatives, macroeconomics, and international finance. The other topics that are usually covered in MBA finance syllabus include risk management, venture capital, fintech, business strategy, equity, and others. Students are required to attend compulsory internships and participate in seminars, workshops and onsite project visits as a part of their curriculum.

Career after MBA Finance

The career scope after completing an MBA in Finance is diverse and promising. Students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the financial industry and beyond. They can pursue diverse career paths in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, risk management, and financial consulting. Within the corporate world, students can access opportunities as financial analysts, treasurers, or finance managers, responsible for managing financial operations and making strategic decisions for organisations. In investment banking, students can work as analysts, traders, or investment advisors, helping clients make sound investment choices. The asset management field offers careers in portfolio management and wealth management, catering to the financial needs of individuals and institutions. Risk management specialists are in demand to assess and mitigate financial risks in various sectors. Financial consulting provides opportunities to offer expert financial advice to businesses and individuals. Moreover, the skills acquired during an MBA in Finance, such as financial modelling and analysis, are highly sought-after by several corporations. Students can leverage their knowledge and skills in other sectors like technology, healthcare, or real estate, where financial expertise is invaluable. With the continuously evolving financial landscape, an MBA in Finance opens doors to well-paid career options, making it a versatile and in-demand qualification.

Final Thoughts

To summarise, an MBA in Finance presents a promising career pathway with diverse opportunities. This specialised degree equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the financial industry. The curriculum provides a robust understanding of financial derivatives, macroeconomics, and venture capital. After graduation, students can explore career roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and financial consulting. The field of asset management provides careers in portfolio management while risk management specialists are in demand to assess and mitigate financial risks. Given the dynamic financial landscape, an MBA in finance is a highly coveted qualification.