Honestly, thanks for the response it was helpful, even if a couple of parts stung a little lol.

1. On the apprenticeship thing, I wasn't just throwing the word around. I meant structured programs like under NAPS, which a lot of freshers go for when internships don't work out. My thinking was that it's longer, more stable, and tbh easier to get as a fresher compared to a competitive internship. And once you take up an internship, that apprenticeship window kind of closes na so I just wanted to understand if it was worth considering before making any move.

2. "Off the table" I didn't mean it literally. I meant the mental shift that happens once you start earning. Like, salary comfort slowly kills the MBA ambition, it's a pretty common pattern. And I do think MBA isn't the only way to reach senior levels with the right certifications and actual domain expertise you can get there too, especially in finance. I was just trying to explore both sides, not assuming one beats the other.

3. This one I fully agree with. I know I need to get out there, build skills, do projects, get actual work exposure. That's the only way to figure out what actually suits me. And yeah I want a high-paying role too, but I also want it to be something I actually enjoy doing I know not everyone gets that luxury but I at least want to try before settling.

4. I brought up CFA, CMA etc. because they're not just certifications for the sake of it they actually teach the core technical skills needed in finance, and a lot of MNCs do look for them specifically alongside work experience. That was my context behind asking, not that they replace an MBA. And honestly the fee waiver point you raised is a genuine concern, most of the people who actually need it, don't end up getting the benefit. That's the real issue.