[ImBetterAtGolf]

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thanks for the replies. my conclusion:

-getting trading job straight out of undergrad is best route, since first year on job will be really useful and a learning experience in itself

-PhD unnecessary/too much time unless i was actually interested in it in itself

-would probably only try to get MS if can't get any good offers, in order to boost credentials

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This is pretty logical. All four of the options listed can work, but you laid it out nicely. It's hard to argue with the value of getting actually work experience; if it is good enough, you never have to take the time to walk down the other paths.

A few additional thoughts:

1. Getting the right type of experience is very important. Try to get a position with a high quality firm as close to the firing line as possible. It's hard to know what the hot area will be in a couple of years, so maybe it's best to emphasize right firm and right job rather than specific market segment.

2. While in school, get the highest grades possible. if it's too late for that or you just can't do it, it is going to be tougher.

3. I don't know how much the prestige of a school is related to the quality of the education, but it definitely affects the likelihood of landing a good trading job out of college. If you don't attend a school that is a feeder to Wall Street or hedge funds, start figuring out how to get to know people in the industry. The price you pay for not being at a "top" school is that you have to fight harder to get on the interview circuit. If you aren't a senior, get a summer job in the business, it will help you know which end is up when you do interview as a senior.

4. You ask if the senior guys at hedge funds have advanced degrees. Not aware of any survey, but my own experience is that that is mostly true and certainly true in the quant world. Nevertheless, it isn't a requirement.