Target Masters vs Full-Time BB

Have an option to do a target masters (MSc at Imperial) or Trading at a top BB (GS/JPM/MS). I will still have the option to start FT in the BB after the MSc since its an SA position. However, I can start FT shortly after the SA stint if I choose not to do the Msc. I eventually want to be a trader at a top firm (citadel/Millenium etc.), would having a non-target bachelors hurt recruiting despite being a trader at a top BB? I would only do the Msc if it would help my long term prospects, since I am not as interested in academics as I once was. Thanks!

9 Comments
 

I’d probably just go with the FT position while you have a solid chance at it. It sounds like good experience.

Bird in the hand...

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Also, you didn’t really state what kind of MSc it is, so it’s hard to ascertain what you will gain from it without knowing the course of study and what you plan to do with the degree.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/programmes/msc-programmes/

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Thanks for the reply, i don't wanna say the exact course but its a STEM MSc, not business school. I am happy with this because I would like to lean towards a quant trading career path. Also, would you still keep your current suggestion if the option for the FT BB is still there after the MSc?

 

Not sure if it’s different in Europe but from a US perspective I don’t see how that MSc will have any long term benefits to your career given the aspirations you laid out. If you can confirm that you can start FT shortly after the SA stint I would just go down that path as opposed to paying for another year of schooling in what sounds like a somewhat unrelated field.

 

Is your full time offer in the quantitative or fundamental world?  IMO the personalities required for each of these roles is completely different.  While a trader role at a top BB is quite prestigious, and could make switching roles easier, it may be hard to do graduate level STEM coursework or the intensive research needed to be a quant after a few years of normal trading

 

Laudantium eligendi quia aut nihil. Aut et beatae in fuga.

Quis quia iure et minima velit reiciendis explicabo. Aut deserunt qui eum doloremque possimus id veniam. Perferendis dolorum vel autem beatae corporis quia aut. Reprehenderit et aliquid laborum aut. Ducimus nihil rerum est nemo sunt. Iure harum omnis omnis quo.

Dolor assumenda minus illum sunt earum. Sequi deserunt est magni sit. Nisi similique nemo quo omnis. Praesentium error ea qui quod aut delectus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”