(Macro) Research career

About me:

I am a 25-year-old working at an Eastern European central bank in an analyst role. Not much quant. My role is mainly to monitor economic developments and the central banks of other countries.

I have a BSc in Economics and Politics and an MSc in Public Policy.

I am not bad at maths, but I would not say that I am in love with it, so I cannot see myself working towards becoming a quant. However, as far as I can see, data analysis is going to be more and more essential, so I definitely want to work on these skills.

Goal:

I would like to transition into the private sector, preferably in asset management in a research-based role (or a role where investment idea generation is key). I love macro, but I know there are not many positions in that field, so I am open to other roles.

Question:

What should be the next step?

A. Some people in the industry advised me to do CFA Level 1 and apply for analyst programmes next year.

B. I also have the option to do a more macro and quant-focused master's in Basel/Bern. People at the central bank generally thought it was a good idea, but in the industry, people thought it was useless.

C. I can also keep my role and try to build up my quant skills on my own through certifications and courses (I am already doing this) and find some more quant-based projects to work on at the central bank.

D. Is there anything else you would recommend?

Thanks!