Guys, I want to enlist your advice. I've been offered a place on a taught MSc course in Investment Analysis, which covers the following: economics; statistics; computing; security and portfolio analysis; regulation; corporate finance and financial reporting statements. Do you think this would help get a derivatives job? Or would I be better trying to get, say, a trading support/back or middle office position? Any comments and advice would be very much appreciated. Feel free to email off-list (see profile) if you would rather. This is a rather urgent enquiry, as I have about 24 hours to respond, having only found out today! Many thanks, Jungle.

Jungle, because you say this is urgent I am sending you an "answer"getting a Masters degree covering those subjects always helps, but exactly what do you mean by "a derivatives job"? you mean quant? trading? sales?it also depends on how old you are, what your financial situation is, where this degree is given, whether you like school or not? ...sorry this is not really helpful advice, but I guess I am trying to say this is rather a personal decision.

hi rezathanks. i'll be a bit more forthcoming with the details! re: derivatives job, i'm interested in trading. i'm 22, i do like school, and financing the study is not a problem.regards, jungle

still, I'm not sure what to tell you.getting that Masters does not guarantee you'll get a job in Derivatives Trading, but it certainly helps.If it's specifically Trading you are interested in, you might be better off going for an MBA ...in which case taking a trading-support job for a year or two is not a bad idea ... but I do know people without MBA who are successful traders, specially in Hedge Funds.

Reza, I've decided to go for it. Thanks for the advice, very timely! I spoke to some people I know in the industry and they think it's a good idea, so...back to a life of penury, damp housing and non-Michelin starred food. Kind regards, Jungle

Best of Luck !