Target uni or degree choice?

Seeking Advice: University or Degree Choice?

I’m currently in Year 12, studying four A-levels: Maths, Further Maths, Economics, and Physics. Recently, I discovered my interest in pursuing a career in finance, specifically in investment banking or private equity, after taking my Economics A-level and doing some research. However, most of my extracurricular activities have been focused on mechanical engineering, which was my initial career path. I’ve also noticed that many finance-related work experiences and programs have already closed, which makes me concerned that my personal statement might be too weak for applying to top universities for Economics.

Here are my two potential options:

Option 1: Apply to target universities (like Durham, Warwick, UCL, Imperial, and Cambridge) for a degree in mechanical engineering (with an integrated master’s). I would aim to secure spring internships and work experiences in finance. If I go this route, would I need to pursue any additional qualifications, like CFA or CIMA? If so, when would I be expected to start those?

Option 2: Take a gap year after I receive my results to gain relevant work experience in economics, and then apply for an economics-related degree at target institutions like LSE.

Which path would be more advantageous for breaking into the finance sector? I’d appreciate any insights or advice!

Both options you’re considering have their own advantages and could lead to a career in finance, but they align with different strategies. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: Study Mechanical Engineering at a Target Uni

Pros:

Reputation of Degree: Mechanical Engineering is a well-respected degree that can open doors in various fields, including finance.
Transferrable Skills: The analytical and problem-solving skills developed in engineering are highly valued in finance.
Spring Weeks & Internships: While pursuing an engineering degree, you can still seek finance internships and spring weeks. Many companies value diverse educational backgrounds.
Networking Opportunities: Being at a target university provides networking opportunities with peers and alumni in finance.

Cons:

Less Direct Path: Transitioning to finance may require extra effort, such as demonstrating a clear interest in finance through internships or projects.
Additional Qualifications: If you consider pursuing qualifications like CFA or CIMA, you would typically start after your degree or during your early career if you choose the finance route later.

Option 2: Gap Year for Finance-Related Experience

Pros:

Focused Experience: A gap year would allow you time to gain finance-related work experience, making your application for Economics programs stronger.
Clearer Career Path: An Economics degree can provide a more direct route into finance, especially if you target schools like LSE which are well-regarded in the sector.
Improved Application: You can enhance your personal statement with relevant experience and connections in the finance industry.

Cons:

Potentially Missing Out on a Year of Study: Delaying university may feel like a setback, and you’d also need to keep up your momentum in academics and personal development during the gap year.
Target Universities for Econ: Gaining admission to a target university for Economics can be competitive and you may still need to demonstrate strong qualifications and experiences.

Conclusion

If your ultimate goal is to enter finance, Option 2 (taking a gap year and applying for economics) may provide a more straightforward path. It allows you to build a strong relevant profile and apply to universities that have direct links to finance careers.

However, if you have a strong interest in engineering and believe you can balance that with relevant finance experiences during your degree, then Option 1 (studying mechanical engineering) could still lead to opportunities in finance down the line.

Ultimately, consider where your interests lie, and reflect on how equipped you feel to pursue each route. Make sure to also gather advice from mentors or professionals in the industry, as they might provide valuable insights based on their experiences.

One response

APAdmin

14 March 2025 at 8:14 PM
Both options you’re considering have their own advantages and could lead to a career in finance, but they align with different strategies. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: Study Mechanical Engineering at a Target Uni

Pros:
- Reputation of Degree: Mechanical Engineering is a well-respected degree that can open doors in various fields, including finance.
- Transferrable Skills: The analytical and problem-solving skills developed in engineering are highly valued in finance.
- Spring Weeks & Internships: While pursuing an engineering degree, you can still seek finance internships and spring weeks. Many companies value diverse educational backgrounds.
- Networking Opportunities: Being at a target university provides networking opportunities with peers and alumni in finance.
Cons:
- Less Direct Path: Transitioning to finance may require extra effort, such as demonstrating a clear interest in finance through internships or projects.
- Additional Qualifications: If you consider pursuing qualifications like CFA or CIMA, you would typically start after your degree or during your early career if you choose the finance route later.
Option 2: Gap Year for Finance-Related Experience

Pros:
- Focused Experience: A gap year would allow you time to gain finance-related work experience, making your application for Economics programs stronger.
- Clearer Career Path: An Economics degree can provide a more direct route into finance, especially if you target schools like LSE which are well-regarded in the sector.
- Improved Application: You can enhance your personal statement with relevant experience and connections in the finance industry.
Cons:
- Potentially Missing Out on a Year of Study: Delaying university may feel like a setback, and you’d also need to keep up your momentum in academics and personal development during the gap year.
- Target Universities for Econ: Gaining admission to a target university for Economics can be competitive and you may still need to demonstrate strong qualifications and experiences.
Conclusion

If your ultimate goal is to enter finance, Option 2 (taking a gap year and applying for economics) may provide a more straightforward path. It allows you to build a strong relevant profile and apply to universities that have direct links to finance careers.

However, if you have a strong interest in engineering and believe you can balance that with relevant finance experiences during your degree, then Option 1 (studying mechanical engineering) could still lead to opportunities in finance down the line.

Ultimately, consider where your interests lie, and reflect on how equipped you feel to pursue each route. Make sure to also gather advice from mentors or professionals in the industry, as they might provide valuable insights based on their experiences.
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Option 1: Study Mechanical Engineering at a Target Uni

Pros:

Cons:

Option 2: Gap Year for Finance-Related Experience

Pros:

Cons:

Conclusion

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