Msc before MBA? Currently a Sales Analyst

Hello everyone,

I am a first year institutional sales analyst (Singapore based European bank) looking at my career projection and would like your opinions on if I should do a Msc Finance now, or to wait for an MBA. Previously did 1 year of wealth management sales and literally cold call my way into S&T this year.

Reasons for Msc Finance: - Current bank is not a strong flow house, business is bad, might be hard to move also - I would prefer to move into structured products if I were to stay long term on the buy side. - Also, I want to do an MBA at a M7/T10/T15 but i dont have an ideal GPA badly (3.1) - After MBA: Sell side management or move into a HF

My current stats: Asian / Singaporean GPA 3.1 Economics from a target local school Languages: English (native), Mandarin (native), Cantonese (proficient), French (basic) GMAT: 700 (took it with 1 month studies, will retake) Work Experience: Total 2 years at Matriculation (if i take the Msc next year) - wealth management sales (left just before promotion) - institutional sales

--

1. Do you think I should accumulate the experiences and head straight for an MBA? I'm worried mainly about the stereotype on "sales roles" and also if my weak GPA will hinder my chances. Extra curricular and recommendation letters hopefully should not be a problem in another 2-3years.

2. If I were to do a Masters in Finance, what do you think are my chances at the following schools?

- HEC, LSE, Imperial, Oxbridge, Essec. - My main aim is HEC as I think I can get a scholarship, there's many HEC alumni at my bank who can write me a letter. UK's a tad too exp. I have no preference for work location after grad.

Haha, I think I just revealed where I work. Oh well. Btw, I'm not certain that if I could get any professors to write me a letter. Is it ok not to have a professor recommendation although that is the standard requirement?