Advice needed on career moves to break into IB from Defence Force
Background:
Age: 28
- Air Force Pilot for 5 years with an additional 4 years project and operations management experience within defence
- Have just graduated with an Economics & Finance degree from a top 5 university in Australasia (GPA 3.7ish idk how you guys do it but it was an average of A/A+ across my papers). I studied while doing in the project management roles as I had a 9 year contract and couldn't leave before this was up.
- Applied and was accepted into a financial analyst role recently within defence as soon as I was allowed to leave. I start in one month. This role is heavily focused on cost modelling large projects (new aircraft, ships & infrastructure etc).
- I plan on doing this role for 1 year whilst learning as much as I can along the way. From here I think I need to sidestep to a corporate finance role before making the move to IB? I'm driven as hell to make this transition and this has been my plan for the past 5-6 years.
Questions:
1. What should I focus on learning during my first role as a Financial Analyst that will help me break into IB? There are some obvious differences between the modeling you do in public sector vs private but the concepts are the same.
2. What type of organisation should I look to move to once I have gained some experience? Straight to applying for BB IB's or will this require a staged approach over a few years?
3. Will networking be of use to me straight away or should I focus my efforts on strengthening my technical skills first?
4. How much time do I have, noting I am 28 already? I have seen some people say it's basically pointless trying to get in as a career change but this is really my first opportunity after serving...
TIA
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:
1. Focus Areas During Your First Role as a Financial Analyst
2. Next Steps in Your Career Path
3. Networking vs. Technical Skills
4. Age and Timing
Additional Tips
By focusing on these areas, you can strategically position yourself for a successful transition into investment banking. Good luck!
Sources: First Year IB Analyst Trying to Move into Tech, Which Models Should I Focus on Learning?, Q&A: HF Analyst @ $5bn+ Fund - Breaking In and Transition to Risk-Taking Role, Prepping for an MBA Career switch into IB, Should I take a gap year before as an IBD analyst at MS?
bump
Et ipsa qui sit dolor. Dolorem voluptatem recusandae ratione impedit blanditiis. Fugit consequuntur fugiat culpa. Perspiciatis rerum unde rem consequuntur sed nostrum ipsam.
Voluptatem iste consequatur omnis corporis. Vero perspiciatis quia nobis impedit laborum ipsum tempora. Quo veritatis amet numquam cupiditate qui sit dicta ratione. Ad eum aut modi pariatur quia.
Vero est soluta quo perferendis sed aut distinctio. Optio dolore nesciunt expedita. Ipsum voluptates tempora rerum iusto quo blanditiis vitae ut.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...