Can an MSc Finance & Economics at WBS launch your finance career?

WBS alum, Orestis Lagouvardos, describes his time studying an MSc at Warwick and its value to him pursuing his career goals.

I chose to pursue my MSc Finance & Economics at Warwick Business School following a strong recommendation from one of my professors during my undergraduate studies at Athens University of Economics & Business. His guidance played a defining role in shaping my academic ambitions and eventually joining BCG’s Value Science Centre where I am a Senior Analyst. He spoke very highly of both University of Warwick and the specific programme.

Having researched it further, I was particularly impressed by the school’s academic reputation, international outlook, and strong links with the industry. It felt like an environment that would challenge me intellectually while also positioning me well for a competitive career in finance.

MSc experience at WBS

Coming from an Economics background, I was keen to transition into a field that combined rigorous economic thinking with applied finance. I was looking for a programme that would allow me to deepen my technical knowledge while also broadening my exposure to financial markets, valuation, and corporate finance.

The structure of the MSc, and especially the flexibility to select elective modules either from Economics or Finance, made it an ideal fit. It offered both depth and choice, enabling me to tailor the degree to my evolving interests.

My experience at WBS was truly unforgettable. The first semester was particularly demanding. The academic content was significantly more advanced than what I had previously encountered. Balancing lectures, assignments, interview preparation, and networking events was challenging and required discipline and resilience.

However, that intensity also accelerated my development. By January, I had secured two job offers, which gave me clarity and confidence. As a result, I was able to enjoy the spring semester much more and fully appreciate the academic and social aspects of the experience.

Career after Warwick Master’s

After completing the programme, I joined FTI Consulting within their Financial Advisory Services team. During my time there, I qualified both as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) and as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). This period was instrumental in strengthening my technical foundations and exposing me to complex financial assignments across different industries.

I am now a Senior Analyst at BCG’s Value Science Centre, a global team of around 30 specialist consultants focusing on portfolio strategy, valuation, and financial modelling. In my current role, I work closely with publicly listed companies across Europe. We help management teams understand the key drivers of historical and forward value creation and evaluate strategic portfolio decisions.

A significant part of our work also involves supporting clients in articulating a clear and compelling equity story to the capital markets. This requires a combination of analytical rigour, commercial understanding, and strategic thinking.

One of the most interesting aspects of my journey so far has been the opportunity to travel and present our findings to C-suite executives of large, multinational organisations. Engaging directly with senior leadership teams and contributing to high-stakes strategic discussions is both challenging and rewarding. It has given me invaluable exposure.

Applying MSc to practice

Many of the skills I developed during my MSc continue to underpin my work today. The programme provided me with strong analytical tools, including hands-on experience with platforms such as Bloomberg and MATLAB, and a solid grounding in financial reporting and analysis, an area I would highly recommend to future students. Equally important was learning how to prioritise effectively and apply an 80–20 mindset when tackling multiple assignments under time pressure.

For anyone considering an MSc at WBS, my advice would be to come prepared. Have a clear sense of your career objectives, ensure your CV is ready before you go to Warwick, and engage proactively with the recruitment process from the outset. Coming prepared will pay off when modules start.

Most importantly, be ready for an intellectually demanding but highly rewarding academic journey!