Operations - Project Management

Hey, i couldnt find much topics on this Project Management (Operations) role in an investment bank.

Anybody knows what are the prospects and exit opportunities of this role (such as moving into research, front office, or consulting)? And what do you really do in this position? Working hours?

From some descriptions, it seems that It is pretty IT related and that Project Management skills such as Prince2. As i am actually a business/accounting student, I'm wondering if someone like me without strong IT background will be suitable for such a role.

Thanks

7 Comments
 

You're not going to be able to come in as a PM, even with a certification, without experience. Your best bet is to apply for a Business Analyst role or Client Service , get your PM certification in the meantime, and then get promoted. Just be careful with the PM certification programs out there bc the pricing is ridiculous- between 2k and 6k for the same course. When I was in Client Service, I took a PM class through NYIF and it was like $1500.

Best part about it is that you are rubbing elbows with Portfolio Managers and MDs so if you impress them enough, you can always switch to the "front lines". I used Client Service as a foot in the door to IB.

 
Best Response

BA is an extension of client service so it's managing implementation projects, upgrade projects, requirement testing, opening accounts for shareholders, etc. If you're coming in entry level, then I would suggest taking a series 7 prep course and one BA course through like Global Knowledge or one of the University extension training programs. No, BA doesn't add anything to CFA requirements. It depends what you want in the long run. I knew I wanted to be in banking but at the same time I knew that the line to get in wall street wraps around the corner. Client Service gave me the chance to interact with the big wigs from multiple divisions: MDs, Portfolio Managers, VPs of technology. Definitely don't underestimate the earning potential of the IT side in I-banking. Yes, you will only make 40k coming in but if you get your PM and BA certification and work your butt off for 5 years, you can easily make 150k base. By the time I divide salary/hourd, my hourly rate isn't all that much more than my friends who stayed in IT.

 
moneyneversleeps2 Definitely don't underestimate the earning potential of the IT side in I-banking. Yes, you will only make 40k coming in but if you get your PM and BA certification and work your butt off for 5 years, you can easily make 150k base. By the time I divide salary/hourd, my hourly rate isn't all that much more than my friends who stayed in IT.

Yeah but hows the bonus for IT? No one cares about the base

 

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