Want to become an Equity Research Analsyt
I'm gonna be 30 next month, am I too old to start a career as an equity analyst. I am currently studying towards my ACCA [in UK].
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You're never too old but I can tell you now, neither the ACA or ACCA will really help you get into Equity Research.
I was told differently about the ACCA. Why do you think it wont help. Also would you recommend the CFA even when not studying on the job.
It will certainly be useful to show you are competent with financials, but it won't get you a job. Neither will the CFA, although is arguably much more valuable than an AC(C)A as it shows you are not a career accountant and have aspirations for high finance.
You have to look at it from an employers view. Would you take: a) 21 year old who is graduating from university with a degree in economics / finance / similar, will be more than happy to work for £45k a year and do all the bitch work for 90 hours a week
b) 30 year old who has been working for 9 years (assumption) in accounting which is essentially a back-office role (I currently work in accounting so am well aware of this!), has more commitments (again, assumption) and is likely to value his time and 'dignity' much more than a fresh college kid
You see the problem - you and your qualifications and experience in themselves are great, but the competition is ridiculous. Especially in ER where it is less 'burn and churn' and more 'nurture'.
My advice to you is this: - Do at least level 1 of the CFA to show you have an interest in finance, aim for the June 2013 sitting. - Depending on how far through you are, finish your ACCA to show you are completely confident with accounting. - NETWORK LIKE HELL. Even though you're in the UK and networking is pretty bad here, it's still an essential and can get you a job. - Read the FT, Bloomberg and WSJ every single day. Show that you take an interest in markets, economics and corporate finance.
Not going to lie, it's going to be a very tough and uphill struggle assuming you havn't been working in banking / AM / other finance role since you graduated, but it is possible with proper networking, knowledge and attitude
Would you be willing to move for a job? I never hear about ER in UK, but there are plenty of opportunities in the U.S. and if you network properly, you could land at a small firm and works your way up. 30 is not too old for anything.
As it happens, I will be marrying my US girlfriend in December of this year and will be planning to make the move permanently in the following year. Do you know where the best place to be is obviously New York, but any other states?
What qualifications would be best?
Thanks
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