Hello all,I'm currently a CS/Economics double major and will be graduating coming May. I've recently gotten very interested in finance and have taken a bunch of finance courses so far. I'm seriously considering doing a MSCF or a MFE straight after I graduate and I have some queries that I hope you all can help clarify1. I have no working experience in the financial sector whatsoever, would that significantly jeopardize my chances of applying successfully into such programs?2. Does admission for programs such as MSCF@CMU and MFE@Haas look for any research experience or projects in finance?3. What kind of recommendations are they looking for and what would stand out?4. What can I do at this point in time to increase my chances of applying successfully into these programs?Any pointers is appreciated.Thanks.

Hi,If you are still interested in the MSCF program....1. You don't necessarily need work exp. in finance. But you must have some background in finance.2. No. They don't look for reserach experience specifically but if you have resarch exp. it's not going to harm.3. I think the reccommenders should talk about your interest/proficiency in maths/quant. So thats where it differs from a typical MBA reccommendation.4. DEepnds on what your background is.Let me know if this helps.

Berkeley's 2002- 2003 class has an average of 5 years of work experience. I wouldn't apply there right out of college.

Plus, I would hope that students have sufficient work experience so that they can contribute in classroom discussions and projects.Someone coming right out of undergrad/grad with no work experience will not be "value-added" in the classroom.Just my opinion here, but this is what I experienced at the MBA level.

Hey, Selcon,If I were you, I would go visit the campus before you make a decision. Go talk with with professors, program directors and students at both schools. In my humble opinion, there is a subtle difference in terms of focus on curriculm between the MSCF program at CMU and MFE at Berkeley. For example, CMU's program puts more emphasis on computer programming than Berkely's. You can pick a program that fits you better.