MBA or no MBA?

Hi there! I graduated college 2.5 years ago not knowing what I wanted to do. I went to a NESCAC school and majored in econ but did not have any industry experience in finance so I took a accounting job at State Street (biggest regret of my life). But I have figured out that I want to be a trader. I trade in my own account although not as much as I like due to work. I have been trying to get into ANY entry level trader role for about 6 months and have had nothing... not even one interview. Now I am considering going to get a MBA so banks and investment firms will look at me. Is that the best thing to do in this situation? Will I be able to land a trading assistant role a year into a masters in finance? Is that the best degree to get? Any career advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks

5 Comments
 

If you want to be a trader, you do not need an MBA most of the time. However, with the difficulty in finding a position, diversifying your skills with an MBA is a great idea. A Masters in Finance is also a great idea if you want to work quantitatively in Finance, and may help getting a trading job. Most trading firms want intelligent, numbers oriented, quick thinking people, and tend to care less about resumes and experiences that banking. If you want to go into banking, do the MBA.

 
Best Response

MBA is worthless in trading. Get a MF or even better a masters in financial engineering if you're good with math. This will open up opportunities to quant which could be your thing. Some of the programs are just 1-1.5 years. Had a friend who did the one at Cornell which is 1.5 years and gives you internship experience during one of the semesters. Exit ops usually HF/prop firm/BB trading. Cheaper than the MBA and more marketable IMO for what you want to do.

 

Thanks. Seems like the way to go is Masters in Finance. I will definetly start apply to those programs instead with more focus on the math. Thanks alot for the help!

 

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