Quit PHD for JOB?
Hi there! This is my first post on WSO, which I think is a good place to ask for advice. I'm so confused at this time of point.
A little bit of background: I’m an international student, 23, 3rd year in statistics phd program (top 50). My dissertation would be bioinformatics, which I’m not quite interested in, at least for future career.
Career goal: At the third year of phd study, I’m quite clear that academia is not career path that I want to pursue. I want my work have an immediate and visible impact on society. From my point of view, the tech side work have a very limited impact comparing to strategy work. Besides, I’m a big picture guy and am more interested in thinking about strategy rather than tangling with tech details. So I think consulting or non-quant job (like M&A) in investment bank might be a good fit. But a MBA from top school should be prerequisite.
Possible paths:
1. Stick with the phd study and get the degree, which should not be a problem. Getting doctorate at age 25 is really sweet. But I’m concerned that a phd would limit my job opportunities given my recent research on the campus career site-- Most intern jobs recruit BS and MS only. Another thing I need to consider is H1B Visa. I’m not sure whether a phd degree is more helpful in getting the sponsorship.
2. Quit the program. I’m getting MS degree this May. So I will just leave with this degree and hopefully locate a job. Then what company should I go given that I attempt to apply top MBA programs a couple of years later?
So which path do you think I should follow? Any input is greatly appreciated.
To help with your recruiting, can get a finance certificate or also get an MBA at your current school? Or of course keep going with your degree and network for jobs under the assumption you will start after your MS, and if that doesnt work out, continue going for your phd
I'm not sure how helpful is certificate like CFA, and the MBA program here is far from top. So basically you think quit is a better idea if I can get a job?
With a PhD, you can (potentially) go in at MBA level to the MBB firms. And get paid for the next two years. And not have to worry about Visa issues between now and then.
MBB firs do say they recruit phds, but I'm afraid only phds from target school stand a chance.
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