Certifications everyone can get that will look good on a resume?

Something you can do online in maybe a week or two

Curious how many people went and googled how to get CFA in a week or two after this

What's your academic background? How far along are you or did you already graduate? Target or semi, what major, GPA? Based on your given info, I can say it's good that you're taking the Wall Street Prep and that you possess some experience in the industry. Breaking into S&T (especially within your current firm) is probably within your reach, but making the leap from Tech to PE/HF is nearly impossible given your resume...that is unless you graduated with honors from MIT or from a top-tier engineering school. But then again, selectivity varies with where you apply and for what position. In your case, the most feasible way to break into PE or HF is to take up a permanent front office role and gather a few years (2-5) of experience in executing successful deals while building up clientele.

thanks illuminati. I have two degree in computer science and business. I might be way off but I thought at a junior/entry level the skills are similar between PE/HF/equity & credit research, in that you study companies, model them and crunch numbers. At a low/entry level are they are the same? My goal is to break in and then work my way up. Ideally, I want to get into PE because in addition to research and valuation, I'll get to help with operational restructuring of the firms.

Also in the current role, I'll be exposed to more to flow traders who are executing on behalf of clients(some may give them leeway but overall they are order takers). I tend to be make more mid-long term thesis's and more research driven then alot of the traders there(they mostly just use technical and news to pump/dump). Because its just order taking, there is not really any deals(but I plan to talk to the ibankers).

I plan to network within the firm hard but wanted to make more use of the 3 months of free evenings I'll have to somehow get more traction when applying.

Yes and no. Similar in that they all work at the front office and require the same basic skill sets (i.e.: quantitative, deal-oriented, great negotiators, etc.). Different in that one half is responsible for managing funds while the other half advises clients. The same parallel exists with managing a hedge fund and working in private equity except that you’re dealing with massive amounts of capital.

Since you're currently employed at an investment firm, I think you’re in an excellent position to get all the help you need. My suggestion is to seek advice from an HR rep and/or an associate that you know (and works in the area that you wish to work in) before you approach an MD unless you’re in good standing with one. If you’re more inclined to PE than HF, go after advisory but keep quiet about your future plans. And remember that whatever you do, don’t dump all your eggs into one basket.

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http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/certified-users

There is more than one "argus certification" out there - get the one that is the most official. Not because it matters, but because it would look good if you lost your job and needed to polish your resume.

Agreed, Argus would be good.

CCIM

I'd take sommelier courses personally, seems way more fun.

on a serious note, what are some of the certifications your seniors have? because I'd just go for those

If you want to get into development the LEED AP may be beneficial.

http://www.usgbc.org/credentials