Seeking Career Advice: Re-Entry into Asset Management or Potential Pivot

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out for some career advice about re-entering the asset management industry or potentially exploring other areas of finance. Here’s my background:

I hold a bachelor's degree in business administration from a European university (business school branch) and a master’s degree in portfolio management from a French university, though neither are from a target school. Despite this, I was fortunate to secure a position in asset management, not through networking but based primarily on my skills and performance. I began with an internship, followed by a work-study program, and eventually secured a fixed-term contract as an equity analyst, accumulating around two and a half years of professional experience. My focus was on long-only equity funds value orientated.

After the company I worked for went through a merger, I chose not to renew my contract for both personal and professional reasons, even though I had the option to continue. Now, as I explore my next steps, I find the asset management job market to be highly competitive, with many positions filling up quickly.

Given this context, I’m wondering:

• What are my chances of re-entering the asset management industry, given my non-target school background, but skillset in programming and fundamental analysis, along with my experience?
• Would it make sense to pivot to a more stable branch of finance, and if so, what areas might be worth exploring given my profile?

I’d appreciate any insights or recommendations on how best to navigate this stage of my career.

Thanks in advance for your input!