AM Career Progression Advice

I'm seeking advice on transitioning from a back-office role to graduate opportunities in asset management (AM) or private wealth management (PWM).

To provide some context, I graduated from a semi-target UK university in June 2024 and have completed internships with the investment division of a pension fund and a wealth management firm. While at university, I also self-funded and earned the IMC qualification.

In my last application cycle, I applied to a limited number of firms and accepted a graduate offer from a well-known asset manager, partly due to the strength of its brand. However, I didn't fully evaluate the role. While the program was advertised as offering rotations in areas like corporate development, strategy, investor relations, and FP&A, I’ve since realized that, in my location, the rotations are confined to back-office finance and accounting. After speaking with colleagues, it seems unlikely that transitioning to other departments or locations is an option.

I'm now two months into the first of two year-long rotations in an FP&A-type role, where I focus on reporting, calculating AUM, and tracking net new business flows. I plan to apply for AM graduate roles in this cycle, ideally in investments, though I’m open to sales/product roles given how competitive front-office positions are. I'm also considering PWM opportunities.

My main question is whether I should list my current role at a prominent asset manager on my CV during this application cycle, leveraging the brand to secure a front-office position at a smaller firm, or if front-office professionals might view the back-office experience negatively. Additionally, could my short tenure of just two months at the firm be perceived unfavourably?

Alternatively, would it be wiser to complete the current graduate scheme and attempt to transition after a few years in the industry?

Any advice on this, or other tips for the application process, would be much appreciated.