Introduction & Request for Advice

Hello all!

I am currently a graduate student working towards my master’s degree (specifically, an M.A. in something akin to strategic management) from a target school while working a full time job in the tech space. I have become increasingly interested in the finance industry, particularly investment banking. I am very interested in the structure and inner workings of organizations (hence my chosen field of study) and want to apply my knowledge in the finance space to advise clients across many different industries on deals. Given my lack of finance credentials and the fact that my degree is not a top MBA, I know breaking in will likely prove to be an uphill battle. I would appreciate any advice or insight you could provide. I have kept my introductory post purposefully brief and vague to maintain anonymity. If anyone is interested in DM’ing for more information, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you all in advance.

11 Comments
 
celtics2007:

Why not management consulting?

I have considered that very strongly, as well. And am wondering if I would be taken more seriously as a candidate if I worked in MC for a few years first before trying to move into IBD. Is such a transition doable? I'll say this much, if I can't break into high finance, I would definitely want to break into management consulting instead.

 
"Djcnrledi"

Unfortunately for you, entrance to IBD nowadays seems to be a race starting from freshman undergrad

You can still try to network as much as possible and try to break in, but that's hoping to get lucky and in summary a low quality strategy

I figured as much. I'm wondering if there's something I could do to make my resume more palatable to recruiters/hiring managers. Financial modeling courses? Certification exams?
 

What's your current role at the tech co? Can you get on the finance/acquisitions team?

Try getting exposure to deals internally at your company. Doing a financial modeling course doesn't say much imo.

Also, you said you want to, "apply my knowledge in the finance space to advise clients across many different industries on deals."

Most financial advisory services are industry specific. A tech deal is vastly different than an oil deal. Figure out what industry you like, find a bank that covers that industry, and start networking.

Craft a kickass story, learn how to pitch yourself, your experience, and your career ambitions, then start grinding. It's doable.

"Out the garage is how you end up in charge It's how you end up in penthouses, end up in cars, it's how you Start off a curb servin', end up a boss"
 

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