Career Path Opinion

Hey everyone,

I have read some threads about this topic on this site, as well as some other external sites, but nothing was too specific regarding my question and path.

Being a junior at a non-target already makes it tough to break into large firms, whether they be IB, HF, PE, etc. I somewhat regret my decision on choosing this school because it is a non-target, however, I was offered a soccer scholarship and at the time, couldn't pass up the opportunity to play division 1 soccer.

My question to all is this: I want to make myself marketable and stand out when it comes to internships and FT positions upon graduation. My heart and mind is set on one day working for a hedge fund, starting as an analyst and working hard through the ranks to PM. I know this path is very difficult and is not easy, but I am determined to put tons of hard-working hours into achieving this goal. I am a finance major with a "major GPA" of 3.8 and an overall GPA of 3.3. On top of my major, I also have 2 minors; one in Computer Science and the other in Mathematics. I was told by a few professors that employers don't give a shit about minors. I somewhat agree with them, but I also feel that the minors show employers and HR that I have a set of skills outside of finance. However, I have started to study for the CFA Level 1 exam for June.

For my goal of working for a HF or AM firm, should I keep the minors, not worry about the CFA and continue to network, or should I really focus on the CFA Exam, pass the first and start preparing for the second, so long as I pass the first, and drop the minors. Do HR at AM firms or HF care about minors or would they rather see a good GPA and a CFA Level 1 student?

The reason I ask on here is because of the mixed answers I receive at school and through my connections. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

Cheers!

3 Comments
 
Best Response

You can't keep the minors and do the CFA?

Assuming the minors are dragging your overall GPA down (because it's important, they won't only look at your major GPA by any means) I would ditch the minors, do the CFA Level 1 and bring up your GPA as much as possible. Your minors make you seem a little scattered too- do you want a job to do with finance, maths or CS? See what I'm saying? Just finance would be enough since you don't want a quant type of role. Maybe do finance and CS and drop math, if you can handle one minor.

 

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