Hi, looking for some input on these career choices...I'm 23, have a bachelor`s degree in Computer Engineering.I'm currently a derivatives trader at a small investment bank in Brazil.My choices are:1) Stay at my job.2) Go work for a large Broker/Dealer (also in Brazil) as an options market maker (would potentially make more money because of the size of the firm, but have less freedom to trade).3) Do a Master's degree in Operations Research at Columbia University. This would be completely funded by the Government as I have a scholarship.What would you do?Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I don't see much downside to 3), unless it means some sort of personal sacrifice that you haven't revealed. We have decent churrascarias around here...

Do 3) and get a job in trading emerging market debt.

Hahah no, I'm not really worried about the food...My main concern with 3) is I'll not be working for two years and giving up two good jobs. Don't know how easy it will be to get another job when I come back.So I wonder if I shouldn't keep working for now and study a bit later in life.

Famous last words. I also vote for 3). Prestigious education in one of the great financial centers; people that may influence your whole life, and fun.The main downside is loss of a good beach!

QuoteOriginally posted by: AlanThe main downside is loss of a good beach! actually the main downside would be his loss of brazilian women...he would have to move to NYC i imagine

Brazil economy will land hard at some point in the years to come, hit by credit crunch (komma).Overseas professional opportunities must be considered.

I think you'd be crazy to give up a decent job for a Masters in Operations Research.

QuoteOriginally posted by: MattFI think you'd be crazy to give up a decent job for a Masters in Operations Research.I guess it depends if he wants to go back to Brazil eventually (as it seems), in which case the masters might be not so useful indeed. But one needs to consider overseas opportunities as well

I'd have to come back to Brazil for two years after the Masters (because of the scholarship terms), but I don't really feel like I have to stay here after that.I think the Masters would help in case I decide to work overseas, as DevonFangs and tagoma said.Other than that it would really be more about enjoying living in NY/taking a break from working than anything else.

Education is easy to obtain. Good trading job is not easy to obtain. Do a MS later. trade now and make money.

QuoteOriginally posted by: hcklukeI'd have to come back to Brazil for two years after the Masters (because of the scholarship terms), but I don't really feel like I have to stay here after that.I think the Masters would help in case I decide to work overseas, as DevonFangs and tagoma said.Other than that it would really be more about enjoying living in NY/taking a break from working than anything else.if you're any good, you should be able to find a masters in OR which will fund you itself (either by a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship or a fellowship) without strings attached.Practical training of 1 year follows, which enables you to get a job and stay in the USIt's a lot easier finding a job in the US when you're in the US than when you're in Brazil, plus you would lose the 1 year practical training visa

If you do 3), you will most likely get a J1 visa and then have to get back to Brazil with no possibility to stay in the US, right?

Yes, I would get a J1 Visa.I would still get the practical training period, but after that I would have to wait for 2 years before re-entering the US to work.