Big 4 TAS to Asset Mangement

Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice on making a career move and hoping to get some insights from those who’ve been in a similar situation. I've been with a Big 4 TAS group for about 8 months and am thinking about switching roles. My long-term goal is to become a portfolio manager at a mutual fund or hedge fund. I’m considering making the move to another position around the 2-year mark after a promotion to senior to show career progression and I’d like to avoid starting at an entry-level position, but I’m unsure if that’s realistic given my goals. I’m also debating whether to start studying for the CFA or to get my CPA first. One of my mentors, a retired F100 CFO, suggested getting the CPA first and staying with Big 4 until I reach a manager position and thinks having both of them would provide more flexibility long term but CPA kind of feels like a waste of time for what I want to do and my big 4 group doesn’t require it. Although I find my current work boring and don’t see myself staying for another 5 years, I do have my 150 credits, so I’m contemplating cranking out the CPA in the next 6 months, before taking the CFA. I haven’t applied to any new roles yet but keep job alerts on for equity research and investment analyst positions. I’d love to hear what types of positions would best set me up for my long-term goals. Besides networking and preparing for interviews, what else should I be doing to get ready for a new role? Thanks in advance for your help!

3 Comments
 

Thanks for your insight, I hear what your saying about them being dramatically different positions and edited my post for the path I think I would like more right now. I think my indecision comes from how fresh I am out of school and the fact that I do find both HFs and Private Credit interesting but definitely need to do some self reflection and make a more committed decision.

 
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