Family Office --> ER?

Hey Guys,

I managed to get a FT position as an investment analyst at a local family office this past Fall. I'm excited to learn more about various asset classes and see how significant sums are allocated. That being said, I am really much more interested in securities analysis and would like to break into equity research.

The goal going into recruiting was to find an ER position right away, but given my lack of networking and very weak (and irrelevant) work experience, I was out of luck. My role at the family office will be similar to a FoF - focus on manager selection, portfolio/risk management, etc - without much secondaries or co-direct opportunities.

My plan is to work for 6months-1 year and try to network my way in after adding this experience to my resume. How viable do you guys think this will be?

I'm sitting in on the CFA level 1 this December, but it seems like getting the charter would be of minimal help. If all else fails, would my weak work experience hurt me even if I went back to get an MBA in 3/4 years?

Thanks in advance.

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Best Response
My plan is to work for 6months-1 year and try to network my way in after adding this experience to my resume. How viable do you guys think this will be?

Certainly viable. You might have a harder time getting attention at BB firms but most MM and boutique firms would take a look. The biggest question mark will be your ability to analyze securities from a bottom up perspective.

I'm sitting in on the CFA level 1 this December, but it seems like getting the charter would be of minimal help.

Oh? I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion.

would my weak work experience hurt me even if I went back to get an MBA in 3/4 years?

Your work experience at the family office is what it is. If you learn a lot and gain a lot of investing experience, then it will help your chances of both landing an ER job and being admitted to a good MBA program. If the experience is poor then it won't help with either ambition.

I would focus on 1) passing the CFA level 1 and 2 exams and 2) performing well at your family office job. You'll know where you stand on both counts by fall 2017. Reevaluate your position then and plan accordingly.

 

Thanks so much for the great advice.

Regarding the CFA...I only meant passing the exams seems like it would be of little help in and of themselves. Of course it would add credibility, knowledge and perhaps give an edge when combined with networking, etc. But it doesn't seem like something that will break me in alone.

Just a sentiment that I've seen around these forums.

 

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