Career Path Advice
Current Industry: WM
Age: Mid 30s
Career Goal: PM at an investment firm
Kind of stuck on the career path right now. I have my BBA and have been in WM for about 1.5 years.
I am currently studying for a finance certification (not the CFA, but similar). After this I was going to get my MBA from the college I graduated from (Not a target, but I can finish in 1 year).
Assuming I complete my MBA, would I be able to secure an internship or full-time position at an investment bank, hedge fund, or asset management firm?
I really love investing and want to work at an investment firm. I would also be interested in IB that underwrites securities. What else can I do to get my foot in the door?
How do I overcome the age part and being in my mid-30s?
Thanks in advance.
First thing: figure out which one - investment banking, hedge fund or asset management.
I'm more interested in hedge funds. I want to be more of an active manager towards investing and try to beat the selected benchmark.
I'm most interested in a long-short equity hedge fund. I would also be interested in an active fixed income approach if there is a hedge fund that specializes in that.
Not really interested in real estate or distressed assets.
What's the next step here? MBA? PHD in Economics?
No PhD. Even if you do an MBA, you still need to learn most of the skills on your own. MBA will teach you the technical skills, but the profession expects a lot more from you when you interview.
Figure out why equity vs fixed income. Then learn modeling and fundamental analysis, and then analyze companies on your own. Then go network.
So it sounds like it is doable? Just gonna take some effort.
Thank you for the information.
Sure. Yes, it's doable. Depends on how badly you want it and your aptitude.
Another thing: you at mid-30s, is hedge fund something you want to pursue if you have family obligations? (it's a question to ask yourself, not something you need to answer to everyone on this forum) It's not a profession known for stability. Just something to know, shouldn't be a deterrent if you discover yourself to be a great investor down the road.
Thanks for the information, I really appreciate it.
I think I have a better idea of what to do now.
I’m working on learning the markets more with the certification I’m studying for, so that leaves me with finding an internship at a HF or cold calling one or messaging one through LinkedIn I think.
I need to learn more modeling skills, and I think I could get those from courses through an MBA.
I still have a lot to learn though.
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