Do MSc students find that they reach a ceiling in quant finance because they do not have a PHD? Is it generally a requirement to either progress with a PHD or MBA programme to get into an associate role? Or does expereince in the field negate this requirement somewhat?What are alternative career paths to the traditional bank recruiting programmes, i.e. if you undergrad or MSc then you looked at for analyst roles, but if you are an MBA then you considered for associate roles? Is my thinking on this correct?Does quant finance progression work along these lines? i.e the analyst, associate, senior associate then MD or whatever. Im looking at doing an MSc in financial eng/maths, Im 30 years old with no previous quant finance experience. I am more interested in gaining the core quant knowledge, but am fearfull that this will only take me so far and then in another two years I will be forced to take up an MBA programme of sorts. Am I better off going the MBA or MSc?If I take the MSc, with no previous experience, what would my likely career path look like over a 5 year horizon? Assuming a front office wannabe that is successfull in this role.A lot of questions I know, but I really need to sort this out before I take the leap. All answers, opinions, criticism appreciated. Thanks

how many ppl who graduated w/ a MSc even in financial engineering get a quant or trading job? can we have a poll?

WT,Are you comfortable coding C++ 50 hours every week, for the next 10 years. If yes go get a MFE, else take the MBA route.