MO to FO or just do MSc Finance to get into FO?

Hey all,

First post here, and I would like to get your perspective and advice.

I am being offered a position at Schroders as a trainee for 12 months (subject to a full position after) which will involve a rotational approach moving through; Wealth Planning, Middle Office Operations, Wealth Management (Client Facing) and Middle Office (Account opening team).

From my understanding, its a MO position and is there any room for moving to a FO in the upcoming years? Or should I just do a Masters in Finance at LSE and then hope to get into a FO position?

I just want to get the relevant experience to kickstart my career in banking pref FO, and if its possible to move from MO to FO, I'd do that, but if not I'll take up MSc.

Edit: I will soon graduate with a 1st and have been applying to roles since November 2021. My late graduation is due to exceptional circumstances, so I hope that doesn't affect my chances of getting into any roles or MSc.

5 Comments
 
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I made the move from MO to FO, and I was exactly in the same position as you. Heres what i did:Take the one year traineeship program, but do not stay after that one year. Defer your masters till next year - that way you will have some money in your pocket to fund your masters and have some experience in your pocket. Whilst doing your masters go hard on networking.To move internally from MO to FO is extremely difficult. Working in MO will pidgeonhole you.

Tldr: take the one year experience and do your masters the next year whilst networking.

 

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