Hey, I’m pretty young (early 20s) and started last year my professional career, I already had a promotion and already saw front and back office (in a pretty good financial institution in Canada). I would love to gain some experience and get an MBA in a couple years. What are some tips/things that you would’ve given yourself at my age, for someone who wants to climb the ladder. Thanks ☺️

Go for your mba sooner than later. It gets harder once you’re married or have a child. I did mine right after my bachelors. It was brutal working full time and taking two classes a semester.. but my husband started his mba when our son was one. That was way worse.

As noted by SM1, get it while you're still young. I've always wanted to pursue my MBA, but time and money was always a contributing factor so I never had the opportunity to. Now I'm almost 39 years old, married and although I don't have an MBA, i've been in the Finance industry for almost 20 years so my experience speaks when I lack 3 letters from higher education. I may still try to get an MBA, but it won't be anytime soon. And I'm still striving to climb higher in my career.

Thank you for your answers ! ☺️ very interesting

My observation is that fewer and fewer senior leadership jobs in financial services actually require an MBA. It’s a pretty expensive proposition for someone who’s not looking to switch career fields or start their own business. I made Director at 29 and do not have an MBA. A lot of my peers have instead opted for the CFA (I did not), but that’s more common in asset management than other parts of finance. I’d say focus on learning a lot, going above and beyond, raising your hand for stretch assignments, and expanding your professional network. This in my view will get you farther in most respects than going for an MBA — if you’re looking to remain in the financial field.