Advice needed: DB Market Risk Analyst vs. Finishing grad school

Could you take the market risk job, finish the degree part-time, and then apply to FO associate positions after you get your degree? That would be the lowest risk position.

I vote for finishing school.

Thanks for the replies.

@imnottheonlyone Work + Part Time Study = ~2 more years to graduation. If I study full time, I can finish in 1 year and be employed by next summer with (possibly) more career choices and higher pay. Of course, I would lose out on the guaranteed work experience at DB. In the job climate we are seeing lately, its hard to say 'no' to something real NOW for something that MIGHT BE a year from now.

THat's why I'm leaning towards taking the job if an offer is given, but I find myself second guessing my decision every day. So your input is very much welcome.

@Flake & @Simple As... Can you guys elaborate on your votes? Any particular reason for choosing school? THanks guys

Finish the program. You have one year left, and you can just continue applying for associate programs. I'm sure most Banks would be very interested in you!

I'll go against the grain and suggest you strongly consider taking the gig and simply deferring the grad program to go back to it later. There are a myriad of options - part time classes, going back and finishing in a few years once the economy's improved and you've got a few years of work experience, etc. With the current hiring environment, unless the economy seriously picks up in a year I'm not sure associate hiring is going to be particularly strong in markets... I also know plenty of career switchers and people from grad programs who haven't been fortunate enough to land opportunities as the one you have.

For the record, I am only just starting my career, but just my two cents. It's not easy finding a job, don't take it for granted!

It sounds like the program is in NYC or did I misread that?

Thanks all.

I worked full time (consulting, not banking but still, pretty long hours and lots of travelling) during my second year of finance master. I DON'T recommend that. It was a horrible year (year and a half really, because I had to delay graduation). I didn't learn anything - I passed my exams fine but now I can't even say what classes I took, not to mention any content. That year of education was basically wasted on me.

I think you will regret it if you take this job and never try getting to S&T which is clearly what you really want. I would take the risk and finish the master, after all in S&T you can't be risk averse;)