New Monkey. Need Help

Hi Friends.

I need advice on breaking into the finance industry. Before I go into details, I will first provide some background information on me, which you may find useful in tailoring your advice. To start, I studied biomedical engineer in undergrad because I originally wanted to be a doctor. I changed my mind (for various reasons). I then decided to pursue my JD because, in all honesty, I played soccer in college and didn't want "grow up" (just yet) and law school provided a 3 year hiatus between "the real world" and "school." I did very well, but quickly realized that I loved my business and financial principals classes the most. After graduation I worked for a large VC/PE firm, but learned, little to nothing, because despite it's size, the management was, for a lack of better words, very disorganized.

I want to find a job in finance but not sure what area would suit my attributes and interests. That is, I love working with people. In my humble opinion, I am a great networker and truth-be-told, I often use my "female attributes" to open the doors, but never close them. I save that for my brains. Sorry for my blunt honesty, but it's more or less a man's world, and I'm not afraid to admit this fact.

Second, I am a competitor. I played professional soccer and thus, thrive on competition. The idea of a compensation-based salary excites me more than scares me.

Third, I lack a traditional "finance" degree; however, I am a quick learner, and I picked up the basics via law school business classes and my self-tutorials. Moreover, with my JD, I acted as in-house counsel for my PE firm, which helped acquaint me with the financial jargon--at least as it pertains to PE and VC.

Fourth, I need variety. I need something fast-paced. But most importantly, I need a job that will mentally challenge me.

In all honesty, I feel a bit overwhelmed, so I would greatly appreciate any advice and/or suggestions--i.e. what type of area I should I pursue, how do I bolster my current resume, where the hell do I start?

Thank you in advance!

 
Best Response

Perhaps you should think about a career in investor relations. That's the first thing that came to mind for me - you should definitely see what the more experienced monkeys have to say.

I think you should provide us your school's relative ranking in finance - what we usually refer to as "target" (banks actively recruit there), "semi-target" (less recruiting, good alumni connections), and "non-target" (state schools with no recruiting, community colleges, etc).

Also, experienced monkeys might want to comment on how likely it is for her to nab an associate position in banking, given that she has a JD and what sounds like some good experience - again, I may not be the most well informed in this area.

Good luck...

in it 2 win it
 

I first thought about S&T but wanted to wait to hear from others. I don't mind a challenge, but can you suggest some starting points? I warmly welcome any advice! Thank you!

Sarah Ashley
 

Voluptate vel totam doloribus quibusdam. Nam qui inventore dignissimos est molestiae quibusdam explicabo. Qui beatae porro officiis qui sit in repudiandae recusandae. Recusandae rerum rem modi itaque distinctio amet laboriosam aut. Quia dignissimos sed dolor similique consequuntur molestias. Et eligendi id cum recusandae impedit unde exercitationem. Molestias est nobis omnis aut necessitatibus occaecati cum.

"They are all former investment bankers that were laid off in the economic collapse that Nancy Pelosi caused. They have no marketable skills, but by God they work hard."

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”