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JOB or MFE ??

Joined
12/16/07
Messages
29
Points
11
Hi,

I recently graduated with my Bachelors in Computer Engineering and Minor in Math. Currently working on an internship with a bank as Strategic/Information Systems analyst ( I have to deal with Business Intelligence issues). I am going to start my MS in FE degree in Fall 2008.

But something very unexpected happened yesterday. I received a job offer from a company where I would have to fulfill the following duties-

Position : Software Developer
This position requires knowledge of relational databases, C#, and ASP.net as well as excellent communications skills. Responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with other Developers and Analysts to design new software
  • Contribute to code reviews, design discussions, and testing
  • Actively participate in an on-call rotation for escalated support of critical software systems
  • Provide estimates, documentation and status updates for all assigned work.
I was in a quandary for some time. This job pays pretty good. I will have the opportunity to gain experience before my Masters etc. I also have the option of delaying my MFE for one year and considering the market and hiring conditions right now would it be advisable to wait for a year before continuing my studies ?

I am just writing this post to see what other people might think about this . I have already made up my mind and I am going for my Masters. I am quite confident that I can land a similar job anytime I want . But I want to know what you guys think.....maybe I overlooked something.

-Regards
 
Do you want to do software development? How does that fit with your goals?

Some people on this board are pretty dismissive of being in a software development role; they say that if you get pigeonholed there at an IB you may just miss the boat on getting to the front office. (I am probably oversimplifying.)

Sounds like you already made a decision to do the MFE; if you really want, you can do software development afterward. What do you really gain here?
 
Financial Software development is certainly one of the fields that I am interested in. But the MFE program also has a lot of programming/ algorithm courses which can prove to be useful. I guess you are right when you say that opportunities like this can be entertained at a later time.

Right now the only benefit that I will gain by taking up this position is that I might make some money .....but I will be delaying what I eventually want to do ...MFE
 


"Some people on this board are pretty dismissive of being in a software development role; they say that if you get pigeonholed there at an IB you may just miss the boat on getting to the front office. (I am probably oversimplifying.)"


Hey Doug,

I did not understand this part. Could you please explain a little bit??
 
Is both an option?

Hello,

You couldn't do both? Perhaps work full time and MFE parttime (2 courses/semester)?
 


"Some people on this board are pretty dismissive of being in a software development role; they say that if you get pigeonholed there at an IB you may just miss the boat on getting to the front office. (I am probably oversimplifying.)"


Hey Doug,

I did not understand this part. Could you please explain a little bit??

See the interview with Dominic Connor, I believe he voices that opinion.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Dominic Connor of Paul & Dominic (P&D) - QuantNetwork - Financial Engineering Forum
 
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