Future Career -- Suggestions Needed

I am currently doing my master's degree in economics and I am graduating in June 2023. 

Undergraduate: University of Toronto (Canada, Cgpa was not ideal) Double major: Economics & CCIT

Postgraduate: Fudan University (China, Current Cgpa: 3.4)  Economics


3.5 years in the fitness industry in Canada. I have started a small business (Fitness Studio) when I was in the second year of my undergraduate. Started everything from a scratch: building a team, seeking investment from friends and acquiring bank loans, hiring, construction, etc. Managed employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Max employees under the management were around 20. The total investment for this business was around half a million. Closed down at the beginning of the pandemic. 


1-year tech company start-up. Went back to Slovakia, and co-founded a tech company with my high school friend. The main product is still under development and it will be finished soon. I am still having meetings and working while I am doing my graduate degree. 


  1. I am wondering how can I transition to the IB industry since I do not have any experience related to this field. 

  2. Is investment banking a good exit opportunity in my case? Some of my banking friends suggested that PE/VC may be a better choice. What do you guys think?


Any advice would help. Thanks in advance! 

 
Most Helpful

I'll be honest, if this resume came across my desk, at best I'd consider you for an analyst but more than likely I'd pass. I'm not trying to put you down, hopefully you'll find this helpful.

There's nothing in your background that speaks to an interest in finance or banking. It's really cool you started and ran your own business, lots of respect for anyone who goes down the entrepreneurial path, but it just does not translate at the analyst level IMO other than work ethic. GPA is not anything to write home about either.

VC MAY be an option given your founder experience but the world in Canada isn't huge, is hyper competitive and you don't have a track record as a founder. PE is an absolute no shot.

If you really want to position yourself for banking, you absolutely need to land a co-op or internship this fall or in the spring. Even better if you can swing into a late summer one at a boutique and then lateral up for a fall or spring one. Frankly, you have no shot without one.

 

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