4.0 GPA, taking CFA Level 1 in august, graduating in a month, no job lined up

I'm currently in my senior year of college at a non-target with a 4.0 and I'm scheduled to take the CFA level 1 in August. I want to work in AM, but due to my imprudence didn't start applying until a month before I graduate. Any recommendations and how to approach this situation. My ideal terminal role position would be a portfolio manager, and with that I'm looking for a place that I can learn the most in, which I'd imagine would be the top shops whose positions open up a year in advance. Is networking my only chance to get an attractive AM position or should I accept that I'll likely have to settle for less? Also, on a kind of side note, what roles would best put me in the position to become a portfolio manager? ER or just working my way up as an analyst at a fund? 

 
Most Helpful

Any internship experience? Assuming none, your best bet is to take one of the following (considering It’s likely too late to recruit ER/AM and, in addition, it will be tough to even break in without internship/extensive networking.):
1) Get a related finance role > CFA/MBA/MSF > SS ER > AM
2) Direct MSF > SS ER > AM (maybe CFA between SS ER and AM)

These would be the two paths that would lead to your highest chances of breaking in imo. However, I’ve seen ex-commercial airline pilots break in to ER so it’s always possible regardless of your background.

 

I was apart of the student managed investment fund for 2 semesters in which I definitely learned a lot from, however on a resume that won't stand out compared to a related internship. I also had a corporate finance internship this last summer, but not very relevant for AM.

I don't plan on doing MSF because of the cost, so as for "related finance role" what would you recommend? Any second or third tier firms you think I would have a shot at if I networked? 

 

Autem sint voluptatem animi labore hic architecto amet. Hic ipsum velit eveniet dolor est. Qui rerum et aperiam ratione reprehenderit quaerat. Dolores non aut sit velit quis assumenda dolorem.

Ea vel consequuntur suscipit distinctio hic officiis dicta. Laudantium excepturi iusto totam cupiditate. Reiciendis quam cupiditate laborum quia optio autem. Id nostrum et culpa qui delectus praesentium. Aut earum quibusdam architecto vero hic.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”