<p>I am now a Msc-in-economics student in a world top-50 U. I have planned to find a job in Investment Bank in Hong Kong after education. I have no fulltime work experience, except for some banking internship. Shall I persue a PHD degree, as I have ever heard that Ibank will just offer an associate position to a MBA or a PHD? Or shall I just apply for analyst after this MSc programme? But someone told me it is difficult for an analyst to be promoted to a associate. And additionally, may someone tell me something about PHD placement in finance industries?
Please tell me relevant information or just give me some advice, anyone with relevant experience. Thanks a million.</p>
<p>"I have no fulltime work experience, except for some banking internship. "</p>
<p>You need to get a job, and work for two or three years. While you are working, observe who in the company has the kinds of jobs that you would like to have. Find out how much work experience, and what kind of further education is necessary to prepare you for those positions. Until you have actually been working, and have learned the specific necessities of your industry, you can’t make a wise decision about further education.</p>
<p>Seconding all the way what happymomof1 says - and in addition to that, PhDs aren’t necessary in finance. Most of the people who are successful in the practice of finance don’t have PhDs, although many of them have MBAs and MScs. But really, working for 2-3+ years is the best way to find out how high you can go with your degree and what else you need to get.</p>