What additional certification do i need to my MBA-FINANCE degree, to enhance my prospects in finance?

Question

i've done basic management accounting, and the specialization majors were - Security analysis and portfolio management, merchant banking basics, and international finance.

Answer 1

Even though you have concentrated in Finance for your MBA, you should first figure out what branch in finance you would want to work in. For example, management accounting courses are completely different from M&A or investment analysis. Try to understand the specific career you would want to take and then take the appropriate finance subjects.

If you want the management accounting track, you should also take the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification. If you want investments and capital markets, take the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams.

Answer 2

There is no such MBA. Universities don't grant MBA in information systems, or MBA in finance, or MBA in marketing. They grant the degree Master in Business Administration, or they offer the MS in finance, MS in marketing, etc. The MBA is a general degree preparing students for management positions in any level of a business, up to CEO. MBA students study accounting, finance, marketing, management, statistics, economics, strategy, policy, and other courses. Many MBA programs offer concentrations in these and many other fields, but that amounts to only 2-3 courses in your chosen field in the second year of study. Many students avoid a concentration and take a variety of elective subjects to gain a broader background. MBA programs accept students in any undergraduate field. They prefer students who do not have a business major because they give you the business training but they cannot provide the broad background that managers should have. The best majors are in the sciences, engineering, or math, but other majors are also suitable. Any field of endeavor can use good management. The reason for avoiding a business undergraduate degree is that it results in too much duplication with the MBA and leaves you with a narrow focus. On the other hand, companies hiring MBA graduates are looking for those who earned the MBA but can also communicate with the scientists or engineers that they have to manage as they advance in their jobs. MBA programs prefer students with 2-3 years work experience after the first degree. Some accept students right out of college if they have good grades and a high GMAT score. Some MBA programs are designed specifically for new college graduates without work experience. But in those programs you don't get the benefit of learning from other students who have work experience. A lot of valuable learning takes place through class interaction. Also when you graduate your job offers will be about the same as a business undergraduate gets because you have no work experience, and you've been two years out of your undergraduate field so it's hard to get work in that area.

Answer 3

CPA wouldn't hurt.