New Monkey. Need Help

Hi Friends.

I need advice on breaking into the finance industry. Before I go into details, I will first provide some background information on me, which you may find useful in tailoring your advice. To start, I studied biomedical engineer in undergrad because I originally wanted to be a doctor. I changed my mind (for various reasons). I then decided to pursue my JD because, in all honesty, I played soccer in college and didn't want "grow up" (just yet) and law school provided a 3 year hiatus between "the real world" and "school." I did very well, but quickly realized that I loved my business and financial principals classes the most. After graduation I worked for a large VC/PE firm, but learned, little to nothing, because despite it's size, the management was, for a lack of better words, very disorganized.

I want to find a job in finance but not sure what area would suit my attributes and interests. That is, I love working with people. In my humble opinion, I am a great networker and truth-be-told, I often use my "female attributes" to open the doors, but never close them. I save that for my brains. Sorry for my blunt honesty, but it's more or less a man's world, and I'm not afraid to admit this fact.

Second, I am a competitor. I played professional soccer and thus, thrive on competition. The idea of a compensation-based salary excites me more than scares me.

Third, I lack a traditional "finance" degree; however, I am a quick learner, and I picked up the basics via law school business classes and my self-tutorials. Moreover, with my JD, I acted as in-house counsel for my PE firm, which helped acquaint me with the financial jargon--at least as it pertains to PE and VC.

Fourth, I need variety. I need something fast-paced. But most importantly, I need a job that will mentally challenge me.

In all honesty, I feel a bit overwhelmed, so I would greatly appreciate any advice and/or suggestions--i.e. what type of area I should I pursue, how do I bolster my current resume, where the hell do I start?

Thank you in advance!

 
Best Response

Perhaps you should think about a career in investor relations. That's the first thing that came to mind for me - you should definitely see what the more experienced monkeys have to say.

I think you should provide us your school's relative ranking in finance - what we usually refer to as "target" (banks actively recruit there), "semi-target" (less recruiting, good alumni connections), and "non-target" (state schools with no recruiting, community colleges, etc).

Also, experienced monkeys might want to comment on how likely it is for her to nab an associate position in banking, given that she has a JD and what sounds like some good experience - again, I may not be the most well informed in this area.

Good luck...

in it 2 win it
 

I graduated from Butler University, a private school in Indiana. Where do I find out their ranking in finance?

Thank you for your help!

Sarah Ashley
 

I first thought about S&T but wanted to wait to hear from others. I don't mind a challenge, but can you suggest some starting points? I warmly welcome any advice! Thank you!

Sarah Ashley
 

Temporibus accusantium nihil odio illo. Qui voluptas est vel hic ab ipsa aut. Ipsum alias repellat delectus iure. Earum ad laborum voluptatem aperiam. Id itaque laboriosam voluptatum veritatis. Possimus deserunt ab quo dolorum similique autem. Saepe veritatis ipsa commodi at corporis distinctio non.

Ducimus labore deserunt non atque est. Architecto et nisi adipisci enim est enim. Et perferendis natus laborum.

Veniam ut est atque a quis officiis nostrum. Perspiciatis id blanditiis est optio. Sunt eum illo architecto dolor. Repudiandae beatae neque omnis molestiae minima enim. Aut dolor voluptas odio aliquid vitae nemo laborum.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."

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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
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...”