Should I finish my Masters?

I have two years of experience at an Eastern European Central Bank. I hold a BSc in Economics & Politics and an MSc in Public Policy from top London universities. Currently, I’m pursuing a second master's degree in Switzerland, focusing on economics and finance, funded by the central bank. My main goal is to transition into the private sector in Switzerland. 

Recently, I received an offer to work for a year in the treasury analytics department of a major pharmaceutical company in Switzerland starting soon. While this aligns with my goal of shifting to the private sector, I’m now uncertain about the best path forward.

Should I:

  1. Finish my second master’s degree (set graduate in Feb 2026)
  2. Pursue the CFA 
  3. Invest more in data science and analytics skills through certificates like MITx

My main concern is whether completing the second master’s while working is the best use of my time and energy, considering I already hold an MSc and already in the workforce.

What would you recommend as the best path for career growth and intellectually stimulating work? 

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of your options and recommendations:

  1. Finish the Second Master's Degree:

    • If the degree is highly regarded in Switzerland and directly enhances your expertise in economics and finance, it could strengthen your profile for private sector roles. However, since you already hold a strong MSc and have work experience, the incremental value of this second degree might be limited unless it provides unique networking opportunities or is a prerequisite for your target roles.
  2. Pursue the CFA:

    • The CFA is highly respected in finance and could be a strong differentiator, especially if you're targeting roles in asset management, treasury, or investment-related fields. It demonstrates a deep commitment to finance and is often more practical than an additional academic degree.
  3. Invest in Data Science and Analytics Skills:

    • Given the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making in finance and other industries, certifications in data science and analytics (e.g., MITx) could be highly valuable. These skills are particularly relevant for treasury analytics and other quantitative roles, making you more versatile and future-proof.

Recommendation:

  • Prioritize the Treasury Analytics Role: This is a direct step into the private sector in Switzerland and aligns with your goal. Gaining practical experience in a major company will likely outweigh the benefits of completing the second master's degree.
  • Combine Work with Targeted Skill Development: While working, consider pursuing the CFA or data science certifications part-time. Both options are highly complementary to your role and will enhance your career prospects without requiring a full-time academic commitment.
  • Evaluate the Second Master's Degree: If the degree offers significant networking opportunities or is highly valued in Switzerland, you could consider completing it part-time while working. Otherwise, it might not be the best use of your time.

In summary, focus on leveraging the treasury analytics role to transition into the private sector, while strategically building additional skills (CFA or data science) that align with your long-term goals.

Sources: Lateral to Quant PM - MBA, MS Data Science, or MS Finance?, MSc in Economics to get into S&T, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/transition-from-data-science-to-asset-management?customgpt=1, Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Which masters to choose?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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