Can I Get an Analyst Position at an Investment Bank?

Dear Investment Banking Forum,

I would like to ask everyone who has a couple of minutes to view my LinkedIn profile and give me their honest opinion whether I have any shot at getting an investment banking analyst job and how best to get it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjanamiri

Sincerely,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

 

Dear WoodySan,

No finance experience no, Although I do have a strong liberal arts education from a target school. I also studied micro and macro economics, quantitative research methods, introduction to business and computer science in college. Do you think that would be a good response in an interview? Thanks for the post.

Regards,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

1_Billion_Bound_Stallion B.A. Political Science Pursuing A Financial Analyst Position In Investment Banking
 

Dear dolphinfish,

Thank you for your feedback. I will definitely reduce or omit the Cinnabon experience.

Sincerely,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

1_Billion_Bound_Stallion B.A. Political Science Pursuing A Financial Analyst Position In Investment Banking
 

Just some thoughts, take them for what you will. I'm a 2nd yr analyst.

  • too much BS on your linkedin profile, you don't need 10 bullets for cinnabon
  • your GPA is quite low, general cut off is 3.5 ish +
  • people in finance like people with some sort of quantitative background, given that you will be modeling, vs liberal arts
  • your educational history doesn't make too much sense, why do you have 5 colleges within the last decade

overall, I would say pretty hard to break in but anything is possible with hard work and persistence.

-
 

Dear yelloweat,

Thanks for your feedback. I agree with you. I suppose there is a lot of unnecessary information on the profile. With regard to having 5 colleges, I transferred from SF State to Laney to Cal (then got the B.A. from Cal) and am now currently doing post-bacc work at Hunter. The reason why the academic work spans across 15 years is because I have a younger brother with special needs. I studied part-time and even took time off school to take care of him and advocate for him. (That's my interview response.)

Sincerely,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

1_Billion_Bound_Stallion B.A. Political Science Pursuing A Financial Analyst Position In Investment Banking
 

This is by far the longest linkedin profile I have ever seen. I really hope your resume is not this long. After reading through most of your bullets, it seems like you are just trying to find an excuse to have a ton of bullets for each job or activity. I mean seriously, after reading some of your bullets, I really think you should meet with the career services department and learn how to craft a one-page resume.

Also, I really don't think it's such a good idea to link your profile as now it is very obvious to identify you.

Here are some of the worst bullets:

● Confronted personal, cultural, moral, and social problems that are an inevitable part of human life ● Ensured uniform and personal appearance was clean and professional ● Welcomed and acknowledged all guests according to company standards ● Friendly visits with patients ● Ambulation and mealtime assistance

Take the time to come up with few but meaningful bullets for each job or activity.

 

I'm glad you're asking for advice. You have a pretty extensive linkedin with information that's not relevant towards your career goals. Nearly 20 bullet points for Cinnabon is quite impressive, but unnecessary. Just list your most recent work experience and degree granting institutions. No one is interested in the community college you attended or the Cal Grant award; unless it was a Cal Grant A Competitive Award and even then most probably don't care because it's only a 3.0gpa requirement. Overall, cut out the bullshit and find more alumni connections.

 

If I have to be honest your resume does not look good for an IB firm.

Social science degrees from semi-target, non-target universities and extensive work experience in non-finance related sectors, in my opinion, does not suit with the ideal candidate for an associate or an analyst.

I think you are far better of what you are best able to do and earn far much than starting position in IB.

 

Dear Communist:

Thanks for the input. There were some medical issues in the family which caused me to take time off and study part time. Last year I began studying at Hunter as a post-bacc interested in pre-med. That was not for me and am now interested in pursuing a career in investment banking or real estate finance.

Sincerely,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

1_Billion_Bound_Stallion B.A. Political Science Pursuing A Financial Analyst Position In Investment Banking
 

OP I wouldn't suggest putting your linkedin out like this on an anonymous forum. You should instead upload a resume with your details blacked out (and maybe some other specifics).

If this isn't a troll attempt, I'd suggest maybe applying for an MSF Program (not sure if your GPA is enough though). And what is with the 10 year stint at UC Berkeley?

 

Dear iggs99988,

Thanks for the candor your feedback is appreciated. In response to your question, there has been a medical issue in the family since 2003 which caused me to study part time and take time off from school in order to work.

Sincerely,

1 Billion Bound Stallion

1_Billion_Bound_Stallion B.A. Political Science Pursuing A Financial Analyst Position In Investment Banking
 

That is quite a profile. I have never seen something so extended. I would ****consult**** (and pay, if need be) a resume/CV expert to give you a new face lift. WSO offers a service most find satisfactory, given that you have no financial background (let alone quantitative background), makes it a tough break for you to get in.

These people are not wrong, but the odds are against you. I would suggest consulting a few people in terms of career advice, though. It is not impossible, but if you really want to work in finance, I would suggest MSF and if anything, MSA for CPA/ACA (good foundation and you will never be unemployed ---- get a strong GPA). Once you are done (and have some proof concept of the markets or the math behind it), employers -will- look at you to some extent. I am already 30, but interviewed a lot of firms based on my work background history in engineering (as oppose to school). I can understand the part of finishing school so late (finances wise), you will have to do a lot of convincing to get the position and why they should you over the 22-year old target student.

Remember, there are plenty of applications and people way more qualified in the interview process.

 

Simply put, I would look for jobs outside IB.

Why do you have what a high school chemistry student can do on your LinkedIn. Get rid of all the bs.

● Applied fundamental chemical principles ● Carried out simple multistage chemical calculations quickly and accurately ● Provided an answer so that the reasoning at each stage of the calculation is clear and easy to follow ● Provided appropriate significant figures and units

 

Breaking into banking will be VERY HARD, but not impossible. If i were you, I would think long and hard about whether I want to be an ANALYST at 35. and sometimes, to get where you want to be, an alternative path will yield better results.

The goal isn't impossible, but the journey ahead will be long and full of disappointments.

Keep ya head up and keep kicking ass

 

A. You have too much experience to get in as an analyst.

B. Even if you limit your experience, You're 35. Do you really want to be ordered around by 23, 24/25 year olds?

 

Thought it was a troll at first but seems legit based on this thread? My advice for you is not to waste time trying to get into IB. Realistically, you are 35 with 0 finance background or experience and no real career progression. On top of that your GPA will limit you from most top tier business schools, so getting an Associate position through that channel is unlikely. Ask yourself why you really want to do banking and go find something else that helps you do that.

 

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