Career advice needed: phd or mba
Hello Gentlemen, I will need to make a pretty big career choice next year and I need your advice. A little about myself, I'm 21 about to complete a masters degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics at Cambridge. I'm really interested in the finance world and the business world, and would be interested for a client facing /managing/buyside job (a job that would give me the "corporate" lifestyle) . I need to choose between two career paths : 1- Finish my masters and do a phd in theoretical physics at Cambridge ( I'll be 25) and than find a job in a hedge fund, BB or mbb (management consulting). How realistic is this option? Completing the phd won't be a problem. I really like physics, but I don't want to be stuck in academia. I'm looking for a job that will give the freedom to chose where I want to work, hours,etc.
2- Find a job in a BB or management consulting firm immediately after my masters in physics and work for 2-3 years --> do a mba at top business school---> continue in IB ,PE or in a hedge fund. I'll be 25 too after the MBA.
Which one is more appealing in your honest opinion? I do have some finance-related work experience so getting interviews in these companies won't be impossible. In short, what is more valuable in the eyes of the employer between a phd from Cambridge or 2 years work experience+ MBA from top Business School? This Dilemma is driving me crazy so any advices would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much for your help.
