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…

  1. 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.

2.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 and would greatly appreciate guidance and/or (ideally constructive) criticism!!!

1 Comments
 

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