Chances of Ibanking

I wanted some thoughts on a couple questions I have, but first a little background info. I am just starting university at a non target state school majoring in finance (maybe adding a double major of mathematics). I have a goal of working on the buy side out of undergrad (hedge fund,pe,am) eventually becoming a portfolio manager. I currently aim to research at least 50 stocks a week. I also have been trading my own small account for about 9 years with a pretty decent trading strategy. (I am 22). I have been working for a IT company since graduation of high school.

How will being 25-26 effect the recruiting? Do they look at age as a hinderence?

I am currently working on a tech start up, how can I implement entrepreneurial pursuits into my resume? Is it looked at in a positive light?

What else (besides internship experience) can I do to increase my chances given the circumstance?

Thank you for those that reply.

20 Comments
 

Well I have been applying for loads of Ibanks and not even got an interview. I have a 4.0GPA in engineering (non target) and came 3rd int he world in a mathematical modelling competition and competed at national level in sports. I have been working in engineering for 3 years as a project manager and I did not even get one interview!

I don't like your chances! Sorry

 
Nathan-Duncan1

Well I have been applying for loads of Ibanks and not even got an interview. I have a 4.0GPA in engineering (non target) and came 3rd int he world in a mathematical modelling competition and competed at national level in sports. I have been working in engineering for 3 years as a project manager and I did not even get one interview!

I don't like your chances! Sorry

Were you going for banking or for a more meritocratic group like trading, quant research, or fixed income research?

If you are still having trouble, I am pretty sure you're going to have a good shot at a top tier MFE program.

 

I was applying mostly for sales & trading roles plus a few M&A roles as well.

I have been trading futures with my own money since 2009 as well.

I am considering a Masters in Financial Economics at Oxford but it is SO expensive!

 
Nathan-Duncan1

I was applying mostly for sales & trading roles plus a few M&A roles as well.

I have been trading futures with my own money since 2009 as well.

I am considering a Masters in Financial Economics at Oxford but it is SO expensive!

It wasn't you- it was the fact that you were applying in 2009, and applying to investment banks rather than trading firms or hedge funds.
 

Not sure that's the same as "analyzing", but okay.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 
Nathan-Duncan1

Unfortunately most of their responses is to check online and fill in an application and if they like it they will contact me.

Are you actually networking, or are you sending out messages to ask, "Do you have any positions at your firm?" The two are different things.

Remember: be friends first, ask favours later.

Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)
 
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Currently: future neurologist, current psychotherapist Previously: investor relations (top consulting firm), M&A consulting (Big 4), M&A banking (MM)

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