Breaking into IB at 36 – Analyst or MBA Route?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently a Financial Advisor at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, working full time while completing my B.S. in Finance from Penn State online. I’ll graduate when I’m 36, with a 3.8+ GPA and experience in financial services, real estate, and the Navy. 

Given my age and background, I’m debating the best route to break into investment banking. Should I try to go the traditional route—pursuing an internship and aiming for an analyst role—or would it make more sense to go straight into an MBA program and recruit as an associate at 37-38?

I’d appreciate any insights from those who have seen non-traditional candidates break in. Is an IB internship feasible at my age, or would an MBA be the more realistic path?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

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