5 Exceptional Finance Courses For MBA Students

On the last count, over 3,000 Indian colleges offer the MBA program, with lakhs of students applying yearly. India has the second-highest number of MBA graduates in the world. More and more students are signing up, but job openings are not increasing as rapidly. Seats are limited, competition is stiff, and there are no guarantees you get hired solely based on your MBA degree.

Not to say the value of the MBA has diminished. It is still widely recognised as one of the best qualifications, especially in the field of finance. So while it is good you have a prestigious certification on your resume, you also need an additional wow factor to impress recruiters and gain an advantage over similarly qualified peers.

As the finance world continues to evolve and grow, many certifications are keeping up with the rapid changes. They help enhance your MBA degree, especially if you are from a tier-two or tier-three B-school.

Below are a few courses for MBA finance graduates that can help them stay in the game and become a strong presence in the industry.

5 finance courses for MBA finance professionals

1. Financial modelling

If you were a recruiter hiring MBA freshers, which candidate would you pick?

1. MBA graduate
2. MBA graduate with a financial modelling qualification

Almost any HR professional would immediately go for the second one. All MBA freshers are equal unless there is a standout feature on their resumes. Recruiters know that most MBA students lack a practical approach and will need training to work in the company. However, a financial modelling certification sets you apart instantly. Do you know how to use spreadsheet software to create financial models, analyse data and make projections? Yes? Then guess what? You’re hired.

Details about the financial modelling course 

• • The course is for around 3 to 4 months.
  • The syllabus covers core knowledge and skills.
  • Subjects include equity modelling, project finance and financial statement analysis.
  • You can attend online or offline classes.

Also Read – How to build a career in finance industry

2. The CFA course

CFA is the best course for MBA finance graduates hoping to specialise in investment management. While the MBA program offers a great overview of the investment industry, the CFA delves deeper. The course has a comprehensive syllabus that explores core concepts, practical skills and new developments in investment banking.

An MBA finance degree and a CFA certification are perfect together, as they make you a well-rounded, knowledgeable professional with a clear area of expertise.

Details about the CFA course

• The program can take 2 to 3 years to complete.
• There are three CFA levels to clear.
• Subjects include ethics and professional standards, portfolio management and financial planning, quantitative methods and equity investments.
• You must be a graduate and hold a valid passport.

3. PG Investment banking certification

Most MBA professionals are drawn to investment banking as a career. However, it is an extremely competitive field, and the odds of landing a job with a top finance company are low. The investment banking certification is the perfect postgraduate course for MBA finance students as it helps you gain a high level of proficiency and specialisation. It is also a good program for working professionals, giving them the edge they need to excel in their careers.

Details about the investment banking course

• The course duration is for a year.
• The syllabus covers subjects such as financial markets, risk management and investment banking operations.
• The course is open for undergraduates in their final year, graduates, working professionals and MBA degree holders.
• It serves as a foundation course that can help you upgrade to the CFA program.

Also Read – Highest, Average & Lowest Investment Banking Salaries In India

4. NCFM Certifications

If you are hoping to specialise in a specific domain, an NCFM course is perfect for MBA finance students. The certification offers various modules in different finance areas. If you want to learn more about mutual funds, risk operations, treasury management, insurance or trading strategies, you can apply for a certification with the NSE.

Details about the NFCM courses

• Each module lasts for two months.
• The self-study course offers online exams.
• Modules are available in beginner, intermediate and expert levels.
• Any student can take the course, as there are no eligibility requirements.

5. Quantitative Finance Courses

Another fantastic course for MBA finance graduates is the quantitative finance program. Here, you learn various techniques and tools that use maths, statistics and computer science to optimise finance management. It is a good option for professionals hoping to work in financial trading or investment advisory services.

Details about Quantitative Finance courses

• The program is around four months long.
• There are several online options to choose from.
• The course also teaches programming tools such as Python, Tableau and R.

Also Read – 5 Most Trending Career Profiles in Finance

How a second course can help elevate your MBA degree

1. Unlock new skills

Courses for MBA finance graduates can teach technical skills and enhance real-world expertise. While the MBA course offers a broad generalisation of the finance industry, a finance course can help you specialise in specific areas.

2. Improve job opportunities

When you apply for an opening in an MNC or one of the Big 4 firms, your second course significantly boosts the power of your MBA (if you are not from any of the IIMs or top schools).

3. Adds value to an old MBA degree

If you got your degree years ago and have been working for a while, you may have noticed how rapidly the industry has changed and grown. A shiny new certification will add fresh value and modernise your existing degree.

4. Shows you are willing to learn and adapt

One of the biggest criticisms that degree holders may receive is that they think there is nothing left to learn. When you study for a second course, it shows you are a life-long learner who stays updated on the latest developments.

5. Can switch between job profiles

A second course for MBA finance professionals can lead to a career shift, promotions, unique job prospects and even new designations. When you are highly qualified, you can choose the path your career takes.

Proschool’s finance courses for MBA finance students

As an MBA graduate, you want to start job hunting soon. This is why you should complete your additional courses as quickly as possible. It is in your best interest to enrol with Proschool, one of the best coaching institutes in the country. IMS Proschool offers an exceptional learning experience for courses such as CFA, financial modelling, PG investment banking and many more. The teaching staff is highly capable and efficient, using innovative methods and training techniques to educate the students. They are very supportive and approachable, offering personalised attention and customised study plans for all students.

Proschool’s USP lies in how the institute effectively bridges the gap between academic theory and practical skills. The staff knows how to engage students with real-world case studies and projects. Proschool’s courses for MBA finance graduates are perfect as they help you gain the expertise to launch into competitive finance job profiles.

Why Proschool?

• The institute offers online and offline classes at your convenience.
• The CFA course has customised study plans and dedicated revision time to ensure you are well prepared.
• Proschool gives students access to many learning resources such as videos, study library, online support, practice papers and mock exams.
• Once you complete your exams, you can look for job openings on Proschool’s placement portal.
• You also get training in recruitment-based skills such as interview techniques and resume writing.

FAQs

1. Can I do a CFA after my MBA in Finance?

Yes. If you plan to pursue job roles in investment banking, equity research, corporate finance, portfolio management or financial analysis, CFA is the perfect course for MBA finance professionals.

2. Why should MBA finance students consider additional finance courses?

While MBA graduates from top B-schools may get incredible job offers, the same may not be true for the other colleges. Finance is a very competitive field. Are you sure you’re ready for it? An additional finance course for MBA finance students gives you an added advantage in the job market and even helps you negotiate a better salary.

3. Can I do more than one course after my MBA?

If you have it in you to do more than one course, go for it. However, you don’t want to waste too many years on multiple certifications when you could be working full-time. You can choose a couple of short-term courses, such as financial modelling and PG investment banking, to enhance your resume.

Conclusion

Your professional education lays the foundation for your finance career. When building your future, you need a strong resume that impresses recruiters from top companies. The right course for MBA finance graduates can make a big difference in deciding which path your career takes. Some of these courses only take a few months but can add so much value to your worth as a finance expert.