Hey everyone, wanted to kick off a Q&A for anyone interested in learning/gaining knowledge about getting into the industry, leaving for something totally different, and then going back into it.
Quick background:
I came from a non-target school (Baruch College) and broke into Bank of America Merrill Lynch for investment banking (junior summer internship + return) where I spent a little over a year after graduation in the Consumer and Retail group.
After that, I left to join early-stage tech in the healthcare space, where I spent the next ~4 years in various roles like strategy and corporate development.
My last tech stint was in an e-commerce startup as a strategic finance manager.
Funny enough, through writing my equity ideas on a blog, I ended up getting attention from various investors, portfolio managers, and news publications (Reuters, Bloomberg, The Atlantic, Yahoo! Finance, etc) and have invested my private capital with the intent of formally launching to outside capital this year.
I've been through and seen a lot of things, so hit me with your questions that I can help answer.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key takeaways and advice for someone with a similar background or aspirations:
Breaking into IB from a Non-Target School:
Transitioning to Tech:
Returning to Finance:
General Advice for Career Pivots:
If you have specific questions about any of these transitions or want tailored advice, feel free to ask!
Sources: Q&A: Non-Target School to Portfolio Manager at a Top Hedge Fund – 6 Years Out of Undergrad, Q&A: Non-Target School to Portfolio Manager at a Top Hedge Fund – 6 Years Out of Undergrad, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, Networking 101 – 8 tips from a “non-target” school student, Transitioning from Tech Sales to IB
How much money you running to call yourself a PM?
He runs a paid subscription service on Substack and as far as I can tell none of the entities he lists are registered with the SEC, so I doubt his AUM is anything other than his PA.
He's right - it's private capital at the moment, which is why I stated that we're launching to outside capital later this year. The substack was to share ideas and have a proof of concept
Just not sure if you are here to help or self promote
Hello, I appreciate the post! I am an Incoming intern at MS/GS/JPM and a non target student
What should I do exactly on the first day I hit the desk as an intern? I.e. can I bring coffee, water, can I use the bathroom?
Are you genuinely asking if you can use the bathroom?
In a way, yes. It sounds frivolous, but here me out:
Perception is reality in this industry, and face-time is very important especially when in the eyes of senior officials. Going to the bathroom means I have to go away from the desk. In the first few days of my internship, can I use the bathroom because I fear every second I'm away from the desk, its a second that people are going to ask: where is the intern?
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