Experienced engineer finishing MBA --> break into equity analysis
I am wrapping up my EMBA at Boston U (not tier 1 but what are you gonna do). Trying to get the hell out of defense contracting and break into Wall Street in an tech equity analysis role. (I am also very interested in VC) I am getting so frustrated about not getting any bites I think I would take just about anything at this point.
I think I have a solid resume but maybe you guys can help me.If not, then maybe it will give some others ideas.
I'm a recent BU MBA grad (also switiching from an engineering to finance) so I understand that the career center loves this format for mid-career switchers, but I'm not a fan. It puts too much important stuff onto the second page. Rather than a skills and experience section, try to combine them, so that the experience shows how you utilized the skills. Additionally, you should try to show some of the results rather than just listing what the job responsibilities were.
Lead off with the experience to get it on the first page. If you want to have a separate skills section, put it after the experience, and use two lines at most--not half the page.
You probably know this but it's gonna be really tough. Going to a top-ranked MBA was possibly your last chance to make it easy on yourself in breaking into a good finance position and you obviously did not do that. It's not surprising at all that you are not getting any bites due to your current job / background, so you'll need to just network I guess.
Sixracer, I'm a bit like you. Currently a VP in a MM energy S&T shop, finishing my MBA in the spring of '14 at a 2nd tier (part time bc the opportunity cost and family), and my competition is all into the Yale thing. STIBOR is right, network, network, network. Actually use LinkedIn and start combing your network for banking contacts. Probably 50% of the folks I'm referred to are open to a chat and coffee. Just reaching out to people and saying f*** being scared to ask has put me in contact with VPs and MDs at multiple BB firms.
The fact is, without a stint as a summer analyst, some banks won't give you the time of day. But I've found that with persistance, 2/3 will say sure, come on by. That's all guys like us can ask for. Your only goal is to get in the door for first round interviews. I could be horribly wrong, but once you secure that first round interview, many of the biases could disappear and everybody is measured by the same metrics: Can he do the work? Will he stick around? Is he cool to be around 14 hours a day?
As far as your resume is concerned, try and quantify your project results. Identify a few projects and say how you saved time or money for the client/your firm. That's my only major comment. Be SPECIFIC.
Again, recognize that it's going to be an uphill battle. If I'm sitting at my desk this time next year without something secured for the fall, I will be devastated. But! It won't be because I didn't scratch and claw, make the extra phone call, send out the extra email, etc. I suggest you do the same. Good luck.
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