The title says it all but I have some specific inquiries for which having a little background about myself is useful. Long term (20+ years in the future) I see myself retiring to the academic world so I can just teach and research but the past few years have really shaped me into believing that there is not much point in being an empty intellectual and that I should experience the real world and earn to be known as an expert. As such, despite a non-traditional education in mathematics, I started working in banking. I'm currently an analyst at an approx. 20B AUM regional bank doing mainly risk reporting, operations, and miscellaneous research. I'm sitting pretty comfy here but while the job is challenging, demanding, and stimulating I know that what I'm doing is not what all the famous people from Wall Street in all the books I've read did to become the giants they are today.
As such I aspire in the medium term (5-10 years) to be in an environment more akin to a Hedge Fund or Private Equity in a position where I can make a bigger impact. I've done some research and I know that for the kinds of positions I want I have some opportunities internally (same bank), locally (regional offices of the big players), and internationally. And really all I want is that when a good opportunity, from any of these sectors, appears I can confidently apply and know I have a non-zero chance of getting the position. And really that's where I'm going with all of this. I'd appreciate any advice regarding actionable steps I can take towards my goals.
However, more specifically, I know that one of these actions could be getting a master's degree from a well-known university in Europe or the U.S so that I can be seen as having the same level of education as applicants from these places with the added bonus of regional experience in LatAm. But I have to accept that there is some uncertainty regarding when the proper opportunity will show up for me, and if when it shows up I'll have the option to leave my job for 1-2 years to pursue my education. Of course, I do believe that the opportunity will show up and that I will take advantage of it but I hate planning based on a perfect world. As such I see as the second best thing and a more secure bet going for some certifications. My plan is to first go for the FRM as it applies more directly to my current position, and if when I finish I still have the need and freedom (i.e. I am still in my current environment and haven't gone abroad for a master's, etc.) then go for the CFA.
My main question regarding these certifications is really how valuable they are in Latin America and if there ever is an opening at the kinds of places I'm talking about and I apply having, say, 5 years experience in my current position, FRM Level 2 and CFA Level 1, will this be enough for them to consider me as a worthwhile candidate and not throw my resume immediately into the trash? Could this be enough for them to see me as a top candidate?
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