Need Advice: trade ops to ER

Hi All,

I’m looking for some advice on getting into ER. Little bit of background, I graduated from a non target with a non business degree. Started out in WM for a small family RIA and now currently working for a BB in trade ops.

My question is, do BB/MM actually consider candidates without business degrees but have a FMVA certification and if so is CFI or BIWS a better route to go? Does having FINRA licenses hold any weight (I hold SIE, 7, 63,65)? Lastly, for those that have been in similar situations or have been in the business for some time, do you have any advice on what I can do to stand out during the screening and interview process?

Thx in advance for the help

5 Comments
 

Thank you for the advice. Does an MBA hold that much weight for relatively recent grads (graduated about year 1/2 ago)? I know with better MBA programs most like having candidates with a couple years experience in the business under their belt, unfortunately I am not in a financial position to get an MBA, currently, and don’t see the benefit of doing it online in the current state of the world. As for the CFA, I do plan on sitting for lvl 1 in June. I guess my question is what can I do to get past the screening process (other than networking and passing at least CFA lvl 1)? I know if I can at least get through the door for an interview and explain my story in person I’ll at least have a fighting chance.

Thx again for the help.

 
Most Helpful

I would wait until you’ve got about 3 years of experience to go and get the MBA. If you don’t want to wait that long then networking internally within your bank is your best bet. Look up alumni of your school at the bank and talk to everyone. It’ll be the next best thing probably. You won’t get much traction at other banks unless you hit up your alumni network religiously there too but it’ll be a harder move. Your story might be good and all, but you have to remember for every job/slot you’re going to be competing with people who either did Finance in school or have prior equity research experience - so the only way to make yourself competitive really is to take the time to pass the CFA levels and get that certification. That will have to be your finance degree instead, because you’re not doing any finance in the ops role.

 

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