From an international PM to roles in U.S. funds.
I graduated with two high honors from a top 10 liberal arts college in the U.S., majoring in math and philosophy with a 3.9+ GPA (Phi Beta Kappa). Two years ago, I took a gap year and joined a small East Asia hedge fund where I made a great impression and recently became an associate PM (so I got two years of experience in total, but just one year of full-time experience since college). However, due to our small size and bad macroeconomic conditions, our investors are hesitant to stay with us. I am now looking for opportunities in larger funds in the U.S. to gain more experience.I have a serious passion for investing and a decent track record with over 200 analyses written and over 30% return achieved in the past 7 months. But I've had a tough time with the recruiting process. Out of nearly 100 roles applied (mostly junior positions, 40% are ER roles), I've only had two responses. I got a first-round interview for the FT analyst with a prestigious MM (Citadel, P72, Millenium), where they turned me down right after knowing that I need sponsorship. And I just got dinged from the P72 academy role after the questionnaire stage (really shattered my confidence by this one).As an international student from a non-target school, I know my background is not doing me any favors. I am wondering what would be a realistic goal for me (as in what type of positions/companies). I am fine with going into other industries to be better prepared, but I am not sure if my experience would fit me into an IB role. (I am currently on OPT with stem extension, allowing me to work in the U.S for at least next 28 months. I used the first 8 months with the current fund cuz we were planning to launch a U.S. fund).
Thanks in advance for any constructive advice!
Visa requirement makes your move impossible unless you get a green card either by marrying an American or getting the EB2/3 visas (which is hard for people with <5 years of experience and it takes 1-2 years to get the approval). Best option is doing an MBA which allows you an OPT (work permit) for 1 year after completion that you can renew for more one year, which gives you two years to try to get the EB2/3s or be sponsored by your future firm.
Thanks for the suggestion. I def plan to get an MBA no matter what but good programs usually require two years of exp after college. I am on STEM so I have two years left on the current opt. Trying to see what kind of job that would boost my background for MBA here
The post below does not reflect the fact OP is still within the US and has not left. OP has an active EAD card and started OPT. Requires only H1b sponsor and a job.
If you are international and the ultimate goal would be to live/work in the US - you have to stick around. Probably for a decade or longer. If you leave the country you are pretty much announcing that you are no longer interested in living in the US to establish a residency.
Getting back to the US is only possible through:
Another degree on F1 (then the traditional visa process afterwards)
Marrying a USC
Making a higher investment for EB greencard
Making a lower investment for a non-immigrant E1/E2
A transfer visa from a subsidiary or partner office(s) in another country after a minimum of 12 months
If you are a real capacity in your field or published, you can sponsor your own green card (but most finance folks won't be special enough)
Entrepreneur parole pathway for your own company
Play the DV lottery if your nationality qualifies
(..)
There are many more ways of getting to the US legally, but I think education is one of the more straightforward ways. The other way is to get transferred into the US from an existing/new employer. Or try Canada if being in North America is enough.
As you already know, the economy isn't great atm. So finding employment is not as easy as in previous years. Given the ongoing economic and banking crisis, hiring is either frozen or minimized to a point where many locals are struggling to find a job. You could bridge the time with a degree.
Thanks for the insights. These are really helpful. I realized the importance of staying in the U.S. so I haven’t left since graduation. I got 28 months left in my work authorization but now it’s hard to find a company willing to sponsor me.
I’m preparing myself for a MBA degree. But as I mentioned, I am not sure my work experience is enough for me to get into a good program.
With a 750+ GMAT I think it's very possible to get into a top 15 program. You should try it.
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