Oxford Said MSc in Financial Economics Essay Analysis, Tips and Strategies

In this in-depth Oxford Said MSc in Financial Economics Essay Tips, we cover:

•    Overview
•    Mission, Goals and Values
•    Ideal Candidate
•    What to Highlight in your Essays
•    Essay Tips – 5 year Plan and How Program will Support

Overview

The MSc in Financial Economics (MFE) at Oxford Saïd is an intensive nine-month program designed to equip students with the critical tools of finance and economics required by today’s financial sector. Delivered by Saïd Business School in partnership with the Oxford Department of Economics, the program prepares students for roles in Investment Banking, Asset Management, and Consulting. 

Key experiential opportunities include the Oxford Saïd Finance Lab and Asset Management Masterclass, ensuring that graduates gain practical skills that are highly valued by top financial recruiters worldwide.

Oxford Saïd: MSc in Financial Economics – Mission, Goals & Values

Mission

Oxford Saïd’s mission is "To develop global leaders who create lasting economic and social value by combining intellectual rigour, creative thinking, and a commitment to the highest ethical standards." 

The MSc in Financial Economics aligns with this mission by equipping students with the essential financial and economic tools to drive positive change in global business. 

The program focuses on creating leaders who can adapt to the complexities of the financial world while fostering innovation and collaboration. The co-curricular programs, such as the Finance Lab, emphasize practical problem-solving, ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the finance industry.

Values

Transformational: This value emphasizes pushing boundaries in both thought and action. The MFE challenges students to think critically about financial issues, applying cutting-edge theory to real-world problems, as seen in programs like the Asset Management Masterclass.

Collaborative: Collaboration is key to success in the global financial industry. The MFE fosters a team-oriented environment where students learn from each other and work with diverse peers and professionals.

Respectful: Respect for diverse perspectives is a hallmark of the MFE program, reflected in its multicultural cohort. Students are encouraged to share their unique insights, enriching the learning experience for all.

Purposeful: The focus on sustainability and responsibility is critical in today’s financial world. The MFE encourages students to consider the ethical implications of financial decisions, preparing them to lead with integrity.

Entrepreneurial: Entrepreneurship is woven into the fabric of the MFE, with students encouraged to innovate and think beyond traditional financial roles. The program nurtures creativity through experiential learning opportunities, enabling students to explore new financial solutions.

Excellence: Oxford Saïd’s commitment to excellence is evident in the high standards set for academic and professional success. Students are expected to strive for the highest level of performance, ensuring they emerge as top-tier financial professionals.

Ideal Candidates for the Program

The MFE program attracts ambitious individuals who display a rare combination of academic talent, leadership, and a global perspective.

•    Academic Prowess: Candidates should demonstrate a top-tier academic background, with an exceptional performance in quantitative fields like economics, finance, or mathematics.
•    Professional Experience: While the program caters to individuals with less than two years of work experience, successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated some form of relevant practical exposure, whether through internships, projects, or entrepreneurial ventures in finance.
•    Leadership and Initiative: Leadership potential is vital. Candidates must have shown maturity and the ability to make an impact in previous roles or projects.
•    Global Perspective and Multicultural Fluency: Given the program’s international nature, candidates should be adaptable, able to collaborate in diverse environments, and passionate about solving world-scale financial challenges.
•    Integrity and Networking Skills: Oxford Saïd values talent paired with ethical behavior. The ideal candidate is one who not only excels individually but also thrives in building meaningful, global networks to create collective success.

What to Highlight in Your Essays

When approaching the application essays for the MSc in Financial Economics, it’s crucial to articulate both your personal and professional alignment with the program's distinctive goals and values. Your essays should go beyond listing your achievements to reflect a clear understanding of how your background fits within the program's framework.

•    Alignment with the School’s Mission: Demonstrate how your long-term career goals align with Oxford Saïd’s mission to shape leaders who impact global business. If you’ve worked on projects or initiatives that had a broad societal or global impact, discuss those experiences.
•    Collaborative Leadership: Highlight specific instances where you led teams or collaborated across diverse cultures, showing your capacity to flourish in Oxford’s highly international environment. For example, discuss any projects where you influenced positive outcomes through inclusive decision-making or mentorship.
•    Analytical and Practical Skills: Emphasize the blend of analytical and practical skills you bring to the table. If you’ve already engaged with financial tools—whether through internships, academic projects, or entrepreneurial efforts—outline these experiences. Mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or participation in finance-related competitions that demonstrate your readiness for the program’s rigorous curriculum.
•    Entrepreneurial Mindset: Reflect the entrepreneurial value Oxford cherishes by showcasing examples where you’ve embraced change or innovation. Whether it’s spearheading a new initiative, adapting to new environments, or launching a successful project, show your ability to think creatively and act decisively.
•    Commitment to Excellence and Integrity: In line with Oxford’s emphasis on excellence, provide examples where you went beyond expectations in your academic or professional pursuits. Additionally, your narrative should reflect a commitment to integrity—highlight how you’ve made ethical decisions in complex situations and maintained professional standards.

In essence, your essays should demonstrate not only your qualifications but also how you will contribute to the program's rich academic environment and how the MFE will be the catalyst for your future ambitions.

Essay Tips

Essay Tips: "What has attracted you to the MSc Financial Economics and how will the program support your five-year career plan?"

How to Approach

Craft a Clear Five-Year Career Plan

Your first step in addressing this essay should be outlining a clear five-year career plan that is both ambitious and realistic. This plan should reflect your professional aspirations, such as pursuing roles in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity, or other sectors that align with your background. 

Ensure that you do a thorough research on Venture Capital, PE and Investment Banking to assess the changes happening in the niches.

Once you fully understand the rising and falling industries, illustrate how the MSc Financial Economics (MFE) will support your trajectory.

Tip: Identify specific roles, industries, and regions you plan to target in your career. Demonstrating industry knowledge will strengthen your application and allow you to connect your future goals with the MFE program.

Example: Michael, an MFE student, could have written about his goal to apply the skills learned at Oxford to drive financial solutions for organizations globally. With his experience in Investment Banking and his leadership role at the Global Disruptors Society, Michael could clearly outline his ambition to become a leading Investment Banker in socially responsible finance over the next five years. He could emphasize that the program’s rigorous training in finance and economics will directly contribute to his career in solving complex organizational challenges.

Connect Oxford’s Unique Offerings to Your Goals

To make your essay stand out, you need to tie the curriculum and co-curricular activities of the MFE program directly to your goals. Highlight specific courses, practical learning experiences, and extracurricular opportunities that will help you develop the skills necessary for your five-year career plan.

Tip: Mention courses such as Financial Econometrics or Corporate Valuation that will provide technical expertise. Additionally, take advantage of co-curricular programs such as the Oxford Saïd Finance Lab and the Asset Management Masterclass to show your engagement with the real-world financial environment.

Example: Michael could describe how the Asset Management Masterclass will deepen his understanding of fund management from both micro and macro perspectives, directly preparing him for a career in Asset Management. His goal to implement innovative financial models for societal change could be linked to the expertise gained in the Finance Lab, which provides a hands-on approach to evaluating financial models and transactions.

Leverage the International and Collaborative Environment

Oxford’s global network and collaborative culture provide unparalleled opportunities for MFE students to gain international exposure and develop leadership skills. In your essay, reference how being part of a diverse cohort from over 40 nationalities will help you build a global perspective and expand your professional network.

Tip: Showcase how working alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and industries will enhance your collaborative and multicultural capabilities, which are essential for leadership roles in the global finance industry.

Example: Michael, with his experience across Canada, the UK, and Germany, can explain how the collaborative environment at Oxford will allow him to share his insights on social innovation while learning from peers in different finance sectors. This international exposure will sharpen his ability to implement financial strategies on a global scale.

Highlight Oxford’s Experiential Learning Opportunities

Oxford Saïd’s emphasis on experiential learning through projects, internships, and practical workshops is a significant strength of the MFE program. Tailor your essay to emphasize how these opportunities will equip you with the skills and insights necessary to excel in your desired career path.

Tip: Mention experiential opportunities like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Educational Partnership or the Consulting Development Programme that will further strengthen your financial and consulting skills.

Example: With his background in trading and venture investing, Michael could discuss how the CFA Educational Partnership embedded in the MFE program will enable him to achieve a deeper understanding of financial analysis, a critical skill for his future roles in Investment Banking and social impact investing.

Align Your Ambitions with Oxford’s Vision and Values

Oxford Saïd’s mission is to "educate leaders who transform businesses and positively impact the world." Ensure that your essay reflects how your long-term career goals are aligned with this mission. Explain how your work will not only benefit your professional growth but also contribute to solving global challenges.

Tip: Identify a challenge in the financial world that resonates with you, such as sustainable investing or financial inclusivity, and show how the MFE program’s values align with your vision for tackling these issues.

Example: Michael could write about his ambition to use finance as a lever for social and economic transformation, a goal that directly aligns with Oxford Saïd’s purpose of shaping leaders who impact global business challenges. By leveraging the MFE’s rigorous curriculum and Oxford’s values, he will be well-prepared to drive financial strategies that create positive societal change.

Emphasize Career Support and Alumni Network

Oxford’s Career Development Centre and the school’s expansive alumni network play an integral role in shaping your professional future. Highlight how the support from these resources will assist you in achieving your five-year career plan.

Tip: Show that you understand the value of networking and professional guidance by mentioning specific resources such as mentorship programs, the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network, and career development workshops.

Example: Michael could emphasize how the Oxford Saïd Alumni Network, which spans over 150 countries, will be invaluable as he seeks international opportunities in impact investing and consulting. The personalized support from the Career Development Centre will further guide him in navigating a career path that aligns with his passion for social innovation.

Students Profile References

• Michael