Info needed about Canada
Need some information about Canada and Canadian Asset Management market.
1. I plan to cold call people working at Canadian asset management firms. I would like to know how Canadians are towards receiving cold calls. To rephrase, What I am looking for is whether they are receptive like Americans (their neighbours) or unwelcoming like French (their ex-colony) and prefer a formal way of approaching
2. Are qualifications like CFA compulsorily required to break into this field in Canada rather than demonstrating the required skills?
3. how are the job market prospects currently in Canadian AM industry.
PS: I am not currently in Canada and don't have authorisation to work there, but I am eligible to get a work Visa without my future - employer's efforts
AM at the big 6 banks, and in first and second tier boutiques, is ferociously competitive and nepotic. CFA is border line required but will not get you the gig - there are people doing processing/order entry in back offices with their full CFA here, albeit, with the social skills of a wet blanket.
From the brief synopsis of your situation I really wouldn't bother wasting your time, but if you do, offer to send a brief buy side report that you've written or on a company of their choice - most people don't and it'll set you apart + prove interest.
Also, we never colonized France ;).
Are you from a target in U.S.?
I'm not sure why you would be interested in or focused on Canada if you don't have work authorization there, especially since there are more than enough asset management firms for you to call in the U.S. The industry in Canada is disproportionately tiny.
Also, would be helpful to know what your background is...
Thanks everyone for chiming in
A bit about my background:
Masters degree from one of the top 3 French B-schools (better visibility in Canada, I guess). Close to 3 years of IBD experience in emerging economies (among the BRICS).
I don't have work authorization for USA or Canada, but for Canada I am eligible to apply and most probably get one.
I have two strategies, post getting a Canadian work Visa
start cold calling AMs from my current camp location (hence interested in how Canadians perceive cold calling)
move to Toronto, drain my finances and then start cold networking my way. But if there are significant barriers to entry, this doesn't make sense
Assuming I get a job in AM in Canada, my aim is to move to buy side in US after 3-5 years.
PS: Posting this from a duplicate account to protect my identity
Anyone?
Not very perceptive. Extremely competitive here, more tightknit and generally consider people with proven experience in Sell-side, or other Canadian type experience that demonstrates your track. Another way is co-op terms from an undergrad in AM. Alot of the boutique ones have a email where you can just send your resume.
Basically, it's not as dynamic as the US and hence much more controlled and 'stoic'. Word of mouth is also very big. So if somebody on the inside knows you, and wants you in their firm, it's easier that way.
Yeah, +1 on this. Basically, OP doesn't really bring anything to the table that someone else who doesn't have a connection somewhere doesn't. Your best bet, given your experience, would be to aim for EM strategies at funds located in Canada...but again, why limit yourself to somewhere so difficult to break in when thousands of funds are right next door in the US. Even if the "visibility" of your school is better in Canada (though not sure why you would think that), you're probably more likely to find alumni in the US to whom you can reach out.
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