Unrelated Oxford degree for PE?
First off, I know probably everyone here will tell me not do this. However, I will still put up the post.
I am very interested in potentially taking a master's in sociology at Oxford some years down the line. I already have a top master's in finance. I will mainly be doing it because I want to learn. However, my question is this: will it also position me better for future opportunities? I am mainly interested in Nordic PE
Based on the WSO Dataset, pursuing an unrelated master's degree like sociology at Oxford after completing a top master's in finance can still be beneficial for your career in private equity, especially in niche markets like Nordic PE. Here’s why:
Brand Value: Oxford carries significant prestige and brand recognition globally. This can enhance your resume, making you stand out in the competitive PE job market.
Diverse Skill Set: A sociology degree can provide you with unique perspectives and skills, such as understanding societal trends and human behavior, which can be valuable in assessing the societal impact of investments and management practices within PE firms.
Networking Opportunities: Oxford will offer networking opportunities not only with peers from various backgrounds but also with alumni who are likely positioned in various strategic roles across industries, including finance.
Critical Thinking and Research Skills: A sociology degree emphasizes critical thinking and research, skills that are highly transferable and beneficial in a PE context where qualitative analysis is as crucial as quantitative.
Marketability: As mentioned in the WSO content, having a degree from a prestigious institution like Oxford can make you more marketable to top-tier firms, including those in consulting and PE, which value diverse and robust educational backgrounds.
While the degree is not directly related to finance or economics, the additional skills and the prestige of Oxford can complement your existing finance knowledge, potentially making you a more rounded and attractive candidate for PE roles, especially in regions that value diverse educational experiences.
Sources: European Private Equity Associates backgrounds, 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?, European Masters Ranking | 2020, European Private Equity Associates backgrounds, should I go to oxford?
Cannot believe Monkey Bot gave me such a good answer
Would disagree with the Bot above.
I don't think the masters will position you any better. It may make you slightly more interesting during a conversation, but if I was interviewing you I'd just wonder "why?". The brand value does not count for much when you pass entry level, and if you already have a strong brand name, another one won't move the needle. Nordic PE is very competitive these days, and unless you have a strong DEI profile, (read: you are female), it will be tough for you to break in regardless.
If I saw someone with a MSc in Sociology from Oxford, combined with a top master's in finance and IB experience (regional), I would see the Oxford master's as a sign of intellectual curiousity. I might be wrong, but I feel like PE firms in the Nordic are suckers for brands like Oxford
Intellectual curiosity is a given already in the field that you are competing in, hence my comment that it does not move the needle. And yes, the brand name is strong in the Nordics, but for a completely unrelated field, it won't make you more attractive. The year spent at Oxford will yield minimal returns if you end goal is to work in PE.
You might be right. However, I do not agree that intellectual curiousity is the norm in finance; a lot of the people I have come across simply just want to gain the most amount of money in the shortest time possible.
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