After almost 5 years spent in M&A, IB (coverage group) and Merchant Banking, I am now looking for advice on how to transition into fund placement.

I have read quite a lot about this topic and I want to join a group in charge of raising capital for Private Equity (and Hedge Fund) firms.

From my perspective, the job looks really interesting: international exposure, involves strategy, consulting and people skills.

I would be really interested if someone already in the business could:
- Briefly describe the job as a junior (Analyst, Associate or VP)
- Share the positive (and negative) aspects of the job
- Let us know what are the technical aspects of the job
- And lastly, how a background in IB is look upon to work in Fund Placement?

I am interested in making the jump from IB to HF and would appreciate any and all advice. I have two years of experience as an IB M&A analyst and an MBA. A few questions:

What level/position would I be looking at for HF?

What is the best way to actually make this transition? FWIW, I am on the West Coast and have heard a number of suggestions: establish a track record through personal trading, start at a prop shop, direct outreach to interesting HFs, recruiters, etc...

Hello all,

I have posted on here before, and have been part of the community for years. I'll soon be returning from my second deployment and I'm at the point of my military career that I am ready to transition. I've wanted to be a trader for many years and am here to see if there is anybody who would be willing to look at my resume and possibly establish a dialogue.

Additionally, is there anybody here already working in some trading capacity who would be willing to give me a few minutes of their time to discuss any opportunities? I am primarily interested in FX, Commodities, and Equity Derivatives, but I'm realistically interested in anybody who will listen to my story.

Many thanks in advance

Is it common to transition from a prop firm to trading at a hedge fund, or perhaps even raise capital to start your own fund, or would one be far better off doing grunt work at a BB?

Haven't posted on here in a while, but this site helped me land my current job, so I'm back here again for some advice. I am currently a trader at a prop market making group, but am considering switching careers. My compensation is great, but the daily stress and wildness of the culture around it are beginning to take their toll on me. Where can I lateral my skills to (bank, hedge fund)? I am still pretty young (youngest trader at my firm), does that mean I should consider going back to school for an MBA as an option? Thanks.

I'm a Ph.D. student in philosophy at one of the best schools in Texas. Recently I've grown kind of tired of philosophy and tired of living on a T.A. stipend. I'm interested in getting an M.A. in philosophy instead of a Ph.D. and pursuing a MSF but first I need to do more research especially on the specifics of the jobs that an MSF sets me up for.

I think the transferable skills from philosophy are that I'm an extremely good good writer, researcher and critical thinker. What are some specific positions in finance where those skills and my educational background would add value? Would my background at all improve my chances of getting a position after graduation?

x

Anyone here worked for Wolverine Trading?
What is this shop like? What is the corporate culture, and what do they look for?
They have a rotational program with offices in chicago.

Hey guys:

is it possible to transfer from management consulting to sales and trading? (or ibanking)?

If i get an internship in consulting the summer after my junior year in college (I missed deadlines for i banking internships at my school), can i still get i banking for full time offer after my senior year?

thanks!

Hey guys:

is it possible to transfer from management consulting to sales and trading? (or ibanking)?

If i get an internship in consulting the summer after my junior year in college (I missed deadlines for i banking internships at my school), can i still get i banking for full time offer after my senior year?

thanks!

I have been an analyst at a small hedge fund for 2 years. I'm 27 years old and wanting to shift into FX sales or a similar sales role. My resume/personality etc is strong, however I have zero sales experience and no series 7.

What would be the best way to go about this switch? It seems most boutiques only want sales people with lots of established clients. If i was to go to a bank I'm guessing I would have to start on a graduate scheme? Has anyone any ideas?

Thanks

Hey Everyone,

I'm a graduating finance and accounting major (2011) who got an offer from one of the big 4 (audit & risk). The package is great and you rotate through different industries which is pretty cool (i'll most likely get placed in financial services).
I wanted to see what the views are on the transition from Big 4 into finance. I would like to work in equity research / investment management industry in the long term.

Would taking the offer and staying with the firm for 3-4 years + MBA be good enough to switch into finance (or hurt my chances)? Or should I discard the offer and try to find a finance job instead? I'll also have to get my CPA if i take the offer (I've heard many people have it in the finance industry as well)

I am from a non-target school - senior and have pretty much exhausted my network and found zero opportunities to get my foot in the door within Investment Banking. I do have strong technical and accounting skills and have learned how to build a 3 statement financial model, spread comps and also have a working knowledge with Merger models and lbo models.

Hello All,

So I am looking for advice from WSO users regarding a career move that I have been contemplating for some time. First- here is a quick background: Started my career in Big 4 public accounting (4 1/2 years)and had exposure to a broad base of clients (including audit work for a small broker-dealer). Then was recruited out of the firm for an operational finance role (4 years) for a $4B global building materials company. Last six years have been in a senior finance role for $225M engineering / commercial construction firm in Connecticut.

I hold a BS (Accounting) from Univ of Connecticut, and a MA (Finance) from Harvard. Note this is not an MBA from HBS.

Current compensation: Base- $135K; Bonus- $27K; Other (auto allowance & stock grants)- $17K; total comp = @180K.

I was wondering what area would make for a good transition into the finance for for someone who's been working as an actuary on the P&C side for three years? It would be cool if I eventually landed a gig in private equity or a equity research role specializing in the insurance industry but perhaps I'm high on ignorance. I'm not particularly picky about what the next step should be (financial analyst at a insurance comp or anything). Also, just some other random information, I had an internship as a performance analyst (that gips stuff) my last semester of college, went to a somewhat reputable school but not a great gpa (3.3), and currently reside around the san francisco bay area. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Ok, for starters, I know nothing about finance besides talking a couple of economics courses and statistical courses in undergrad, and corporations law in law school. Since then I went to graduate from law school in the US, work as a lawyer in a civil litigation firm for 2 years, and then last year I moved to Europe to get my LL.M. in International Law.

Does anyone have solid advice on moving from the back office to a trading desk or other front office position and how realistic it is? I'm starting working in application development aka writing code for a BB bank in NYC this summer but don't see myself programming more than a year and a half or so. Unfortunately I discovered that I find finance and trading much more interesting than my major (electrical engineering) long after accepting a job offer. I know it would be a hard path and judging from what I've read back office guys are generally regarded as unworthy support staff. Would I need to go to business school first or is it possible though lots of networking plus learning on my own (CFA tests, trading books, etc.)? Keep in mind that I am definitely not like your average IT guy (actually enjoy talking to people, fraternity member, play sports, etc.).

Also, any recommend reading material would be appreciated.