How Marketable Am I?
Howdy,
I'm currently working for a PWM team but things aren't going as planned. I was naive when I entered PWM and it's just not the right fit.
I've been in PWM for about a year and was an auditor prior to that for 1.5 years. Prior to that, I had a temp job in the finance department of a pharmaceutical company.
I am 25, have a B.S. in Accounting from a non-target with a 3.96 GPA, and am sitting for CFA level 2 in June.
I'm looking to make a switch to an analyst role within IBD and plan on networking my face off to try to get in, but I'm still in the brainstorming phase.
I haven't spent much time on WSO but I know many here have seen it all and want to get more involved in the community here.
How are my chances of getting an analyst gig?
Thank you.
First off, who is John Galt?
Your post reads like the torments my mind took me through, wondering about my prospects and questioning my own abilities. That was a big mistake. It's not so much a destiny as it is just putting in the work. I just had to go out in search mode to get the required tools before I'd be permitted to succeed. It's like Pokémon for the Gameboy; once you complete the tasks, you unlock the gym and you're able to proceed in the game. Your only real destination in life is death--it all depends on you to determine how you get there.
The point is, you're going for CFA Level II, and so I wonder if you even know what IBD is. If I were you, I would just start my search by actually being open minded to what I find, and taking serious the challenges on which you are about to embark. Definitely read over this site because there are some excellent insights here. I say this because it's not really about prestige, and IBD is not just something to go for because you don't really know what else to do. I noticed you seem to regret PWM but IBD is more PWM than it will be CFA; which is to mean that sales is the main route for bankers unless they exit (which some say is more technical, although I bet it is still sales once you become more senior). For some, it happens to actually be the right path, but for others, you might really find ER or AM or Corp Dev, etc. to be better suited for your pallet. And I hear the CFA is supposed to be a solid networking tool, as well as a good paper skill for certain careers, which might help you later on get interviews.
If you are certainly set on IBD, then that's good and half the battle is already won, because you'll be able to network effectively and develop effectively over time. Use resources like WSO, network like hell, ask great questions, maintain an open mind, use the application portal, and that will be a good way to go. I would target small boutiques. They typically like people who fit in well with culture, can learn financial modeling quickly due to a similar numbers background, and who display professional maturity which allows the potential to advance quickly.
Also, at 23, I know that some older folks than me have said it gets harder the older you get. So, maybe look into an MBA if you find it difficult to get in through purely networking.
Thank you for the feedback iBankedUp.
I'm definitely going to continue soul-searching but I'm pretty set on IBD. The retail side of finance is just not doing it for me, and the exit opps aren't there. I also don't get a chance to exercise my analytical muscles in PWM as my role is centered around sales. I value sales skills, but want to get the valuation, modeling, and M&A experience.
I will continue to network and absorb all of the knowledge I can on WSO in the meantime.
Keep in mind that I do not work in IB. However, I think you are very marketable - solid GPA and some good experience. I would be ready to address the quick switches in your career in any interviews. I would make sure it is what you really want before diving in. I understand that when a job is panning out it is time to move to the next stake.
Thanks for the response, Ehmerica.
I've had concerns about the job-hopping thing but I think I can spin enough of a story to show how each move was necessary/valuable in reaching my goals
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