Breaking out of ops: MSF, MBA, or neither?
Hoping someone has been in a similar position and is willing to give their two cents. I've looked at the career trajectories of FO folks in my network, but many started FO. The few ops-to-FO guys I know are older, so I'm unsure if their paths are still indicative of the reality of the industry today.
About me:
-BA psychology from top 15 target undergrad-2 yrs client-facing experience in equities ops at BB in NYC
Looking to break into a FO role out of ops…
MBA seems heavy-handed, as I have no FO experience, although it would nearly guarantee shots at FO roles. Targeting M7, but given I'm an ops guy, I will likely end up T25/30 at best.
MSF from a T25 program seems logical given I have no degree in finance, although I'm concerned the boost it gives my FO chances won't outweigh the opportunity cost of a year's salary and BB experience.
My research has also turned up some alternatives (obtaining CFA, networking my ass off to potentially land an FO analyst role). Those are much more cost-effective options, but I'm skeptical I'll be taken seriously when applying to FO roles since my highest education level is a BA in psychology.
Thanks for reading this far, would greatly appreciate guidance and/or (ideally constructive) criticism!!!
In my opinion MBA is the way to go.. Pricey (unless you can get a scholarship) but will give you the most direct access to hiring (assuming you go to a target ie top 10/15). Of course no guarantee you get an IB job, but there is a legitimate and direct path into FO. (I did it to go from BO to FO)
Right now, with banks dialing back hiring and in reduction mode, there will be more experienced bodies on the street, and the vast majority of hires will likely be laterals or those with similar and prior experience.
But, should try the free networking option in the interim. Never know what happens.
Good to know the importance of T10/15.. a lot of resources online talk about M7 as the end-all and be-all of MBAs for IB, so I wasn’t sure how big the drop off was after that as far as opportunities those degrees will afford graduates.
Thank you for taking the time to respond here- really nice to have insight from someone who has been in my position and is currently where im trying to get to.
MSF should be good for you, CFA prep should take a backseat to networking for you. Would recommend reading up on some old posts by Flake / @OpsDude / Blank999 for reference. Also check www.msfhq.com
The opportunity cost you mentioned will be well worth it on the typical 30-40+ yr career path all things considered.
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