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!

 

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
 

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.

 

Imperial is a semi-target, not a target, so definitely go for the BB.

 

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

 

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