The only problem that arises with C++ is when people want to use EVERYTHING in the language, because if it exists, it has to be in my project, right?
Things are in the language for a reason - if you've got the issue then you use the feature.
I hardly ever recommend C++ these days as it's not worth the slower dev time. There are a few cases where run-time really does trump everything else and it's still appropriate.
In that case the code will be templated to within an inch of its life, because that's how to write real C++.
Although STL implementations are getting closer today (regarding underlying speed), unless you plan to lock to particular implementation, even version, you'd better use subset ;)
Things like testing, agile, tickets, code indentation, patterns - none of that you'll find there.
If you aim for serious environments like Wolfram Research or MathWorks, that could be different. If you aim for quantitative firms, usually you'll find there scientists writing prototype in mathematica/matlab/r/python (messy again) and devs who will re-write it in c/c++/java/asm.
When one looks outside the traditional technology industries, there are a huge number of technology jobs as the tech person in a non-tech industry, being forced into the tech world. These tend to be C-Suite level jobs, so picking up an e-MBA is also be pretty good idea - to know how to talk and operate in their terms, how and why what you're doing for them is what you're paid to do. They have no idea, and very likely a history of being burned by low level tech consultants.
The way I describe my career goals now is: I want to work in a domain where quality and performance is the product.
I hadn't considered getting an MBA and using it in that way, that's something that I will take a hard look at. Thanks for the advice!
It really is best if the language doesn't include the kitchen sink in the first place, if you want the code to be clean in the most general circumstances.