IB to Econ PhD
I love Econ, but I also love money (maybe the two are related!).
In a dream world, I would have gone to grad school to study economics after college. Now here I am two years in taking the A-to-A promotion at a BB. I don't feel upset, but I'm not fulfilled either--the path ahead is more of the same.
How do I make this choice: Do I exit IB to get an Econ PhD? Would anyone care about the few years of "real-world" experience that I have now when trying to get a job after? Or instead, should I take a better role for WLB and read econ papers on the side, dabbling in it as I wish?
The dilemma you’re facing right now is something you’ll laugh about deeping later in your life. You already have 2 An years under your belt, realistically going back into IB post PhD won’t be as difficult as you might think. I think if this is something that would fulfil you then you shouldn’t hesitate to at least apply and see what happens.
A bit of a different example, but there are quite a lot of PhD’s in London working at BB/EBs, usually having studied in pharmacology/chemistry and then specialise in the appropriate coverage team. Think there are always opportunities as a whole for PhDs and you for sure are a step ahead given you’ve already done 2 years FT.
know a guy that went from GS ECM to Asset pricing PHD, another guy went from Jane Street developer to some stem PHD ( i forgot whether it is bio/ biochem or something like that) both of them are happily living their life in Oxford now. I can't lie it is a hard decision but if you really find your passion i say why not?
I may be caving to big education by saying this, but formal education is an awesome avenue to do research and learn with lower stakes, and we will likely have the technology for everyone to work into their 70s. With this in mind, your runway to make money is long, but your runway to go to school is not (well assuming you don’t want to be 35 in a class with 24 year olds). Econ PhD is very applicable and can lead to some really unique jobs at places like the IMF, Treasury, etc. or traditional banking/research/HF roles. Apply and see what happens.
Quae consequatur magnam fugit iure suscipit est dolores. Neque veniam odit id aliquam. At enim et autem magnam aut. Qui consequatur dolorem voluptate quae natus ut voluptate.
Laborum tenetur non minima tenetur ut et qui. Adipisci officia quis doloribus sequi voluptas quas dignissimos. Qui quas minus mollitia non cupiditate.
Exercitationem iusto voluptatem eligendi dolores. Necessitatibus doloribus velit repellat. Laboriosam numquam et modi quia ut rem. Dolorum deserunt et molestiae ad ipsam magni repellendus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...