Banking Transition into a FLDP

Hey monkeys,

Today I came to the sad realization that I might not graduate with a full time banking offer and am trying to look for alternatives. No big deal. Gotta carry on, learn from my mistakes and come up with a backup plan. I'd come across finance rotation programs (yes, I know that they are not as prestigious as banking but there is some overlap in skills and I think I might actually really enjoy it). I was wondering if there is anyone else out there that made a similar transition from banking to corporate finance, or someone who is aready in these programs, and would be free to offer any pointers/advice? I'd really appreciate it.

 
AMhopeful:
I'm currently a month and a half into my first rotation at a f500 FLDP program. I'm doing kind of a hybrid finance/accounting role as my first rotation. My main responsibilities include cash flow forecasting, some GL work, and then a myriad of special projects (I did one recently on projecting future severance pay for employees that are slated to get laid off).

This was not what I had planned on doing and I really want to be able to make the switch to banking/IM/trading, with IM being the preferred. I'm from a top 10 ugrad, econ major, college athlete, 3.5 gpa, and a tech internship before this.

My question is what should my steps be in trying to make a switch? I'm working hard and doing well at work. I already took the gmat and got a 710, looking to take the CFA this December. Is it all about networking at this point? And if so what should be my approach to that. Thanks for any input in advance.

If you are planning to take the CFA, then you are going for investment management, not investment banking. There is a big difference. I suggest you do some research if you truly want to do banking.

 
ValueInvesting:
AMhopeful:
I'm currently a month and a half into my first rotation at a f500 FLDP program. I'm doing kind of a hybrid finance/accounting role as my first rotation. My main responsibilities include cash flow forecasting, some GL work, and then a myriad of special projects (I did one recently on projecting future severance pay for employees that are slated to get laid off).

This was not what I had planned on doing and I really want to be able to make the switch to banking/IM/trading, with IM being the preferred. I'm from a top 10 ugrad, econ major, college athlete, 3.5 gpa, and a tech internship before this.

My question is what should my steps be in trying to make a switch? I'm working hard and doing well at work. I already took the gmat and got a 710, looking to take the CFA this December. Is it all about networking at this point? And if so what should be my approach to that. Thanks for any input in advance.

If you are planning to take the CFA, then you are going for investment management, not investment banking. There is a big difference. I suggest you do some research if you truly want to do banking.

I specifically said IM was what I preferred to do, but I wouldn't be opposed to banking and this subforum gets more action so i'm looking for general advice.
 

The switch will be difficult but not impossible. Start by going to your career center and compiling a list of all of the alumni that work in your city in IM/trading/banking. Try and meet as many people as you can regardless of whether or not they do EXACTLY what you want to do. If you hit it off/impress them, its likely they know other people within finance that you can sit down with. Have something to talk about; research their background and ask poignant questions so the conversation doesnt ramble on. BE BLUNT. Tell them you are looking to make the move and ask them if there are openings at their firm or if they know of any.

Here's the thing. If you can't spot the sucker in the first half hour at the table, you are the sucker.
 
bullbythehorns:
The switch will be difficult but not impossible. Start by going to your career center and compiling a list of all of the alumni that work in your city in IM/trading/banking. Try and meet as many people as you can regardless of whether or not they do EXACTLY what you want to do. If you hit it off/impress them, its likely they know other people within finance that you can sit down with. Have something to talk about; research their background and ask poignant questions so the conversation doesnt ramble on. BE BLUNT. Tell them you are looking to make the move and ask them if there are openings at their firm or if they know of any.
Alright, is heavy networking the key? Also, i'm in a fairly big city, but not NYC/Chicago/etc. Think more along the lines of Philly/DC/Boston/etc. Not a ton of finance in this area but some. Best thought on making contacts elsewhere?
 

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