quant/HFT

Hardcore quant shops don't go looking for MBAs, or even put much emphasis on them. You would be much better with a MFE or something similar.

However, from what I understand, the economy has caused some degree of credential inflation. A lot of PhDs are out on the job market, so the quant shops can be pickier. Nevertheless, if you can show you have the skills, you should be fine with a reputable MFE. It sure beats a 4+ year commitment to a doctoral degree.

I am sure not a quant guy, but I have been looking around MFE boards lately. So take the above with a grain of salt.

thanks for the input man. so i assume there's no way to segway into the industry with just a bachelors? and even with MFE, you have to be an exceptional coder/alg engineer (not just good) to place?

Not trying to be harsh, but -- hastily judging by your writing and inability to figure out that IT Consulting was going to suck before you took the job -- banking is out of the question.

MFE is one possibility, but if you have a decent pedigree/skills you could also talk to quant headhunters. Don't be surprised if they tech you out a bit. Perhaps you could land a quant developer role at a reputable bank or fund.

dabanobo no worries harsh but honest is always good. but why exactly is banking out of the question? even after getting an MBA?

I apologize. You're right; MBA -> banking is a possibility.

Just keep in mind that bankers tend to be fairly polished and type A, this includes things like style of watch as well as command of English grammar.

Completely generalizing here, of course.