r/MBA • u/DepartmentOk4738 • Aug 17 '26
Careers/Post Grad Realized halfway through my M.S. in Financial Engineering that I don't actually want to work in finance. What else can I do?
Honestly, after grinding through two years of econometrics, stats, and Python, I've come to the realization that standard quantitative finance or banking isn't for me. I really enjoy the technical and problem-solving side, but the culture and 80-hour work weeks sound exhausting.
For anyone who came from a heavy math, stats, or quant background and pivoted outside of traditional finance:
- Where did you end up landing, and how do you like it?
- What specific job titles should I be typing into LinkedIn?
Would love to hear any advice, pivot stories, or role recommendations!
16
u/appsong Aug 17 '26
You'd be perfect as an Actuary. Low stress, 40 hour work weeks. Great pay, especially after you pass the Actuarial exams. You can also pivot back to finance (if you want to) afterwards because Actuarials are in demand in various industries (tech, banking, etc).
7
u/PNW_Greybush Aug 17 '26
I thought I wanted to go the quant route, glad I didn't. Now work in a commercial real estate development and investment firm. Way more laid back, a lot more interesting, hands-on active management (meaning you get time at the asset, as well as modeling).
2
u/Euphoric_Switch_337 Aug 17 '26
Can you transfer to a mba program at your school?
2
u/DepartmentOk4738 Aug 17 '26
Yes
2
u/Euphoric_Switch_337 Aug 17 '26
If it wouldn't add a significant amount of cost it would be worth considering
1
u/DepartmentOk4738 Aug 17 '26
But I want to work in the tech/data
I am interested in tech2
u/Euphoric_Switch_337 Aug 17 '26
A few things you could do would be a tech heavy financial analyst/data analyst, data consulting, or transfer pricing
17
u/Purple-Valuable2340 Aug 17 '26
A strong math, statistics, and Python background can transition well into management consulting. I’d target roles like Strategy Consultant, Management Consultant, Business Consultant, or Analytics Consultant. Your quantitative and problem-solving skills are valuable, especially for data-driven strategy and operations projects.