Career Advice

Hi guys, just thought I'd share where I'm at in my career planning and get some advice.

I'm in Australia, almost 22, graduated 6 months ago from a Bachelor of Arts in an Australian University. I'm waiting to hear back for an Equity Research position with a small stockbroking firm that has quite a good reputation for Research in Australia (In Au, stockbroking firms are competitive with investment banks when it comes to ER). I have a 2.5 GPA but managed to network my way in for the interview and was able to offset this by explaining how I worked full time in Politics and Marketing while studying full time.

My plan is to spend a couple of years in Equity research before trying to move directly to an Australian L/S or value fund as an Investment Analyst (which is common) or by using my ER experience to secure an Analyst II/III or Associate gig in banking and do that for a year or two before I move to HF.

After this I'm hoping to try and get into a decent MBA program in the US and use this to break into a US HF.

I'm really interested in Activist investing and would love to be able to make the transition to this type of fund.

What would be your advice on getting there based on my history and current situation?

(I know that this is a very difficult goal but I am motivated to see it through none the less)

Is this a sensible plan?

I'm currently pursuing my CFA (completing level 1 in february) and hoping to pass all exams within the next year or two. What other academic qualifications would help make me more competitive? Would an Ms in Corporate and Financial Law be useful for activist funds?

I look forward to reading your suggestions.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond!