2 years in - trying to determine the next step

Hey all, Thanks in advance for any advice. Essentially, I'm at sort of a crossroads and I'm not sure what my next move should be. Was hoping that people with more experience could point me in the right direction.

Background: - 25 years old - School was a liberal arts college with a good rep, but is definitely non-target. Majored in economics/finance and was a D-1 athlete - finished with 3.48 GPA - Currently I work at a major data provider (Bloomberg / Thomson Reuters / Dow Jones) on a team specializing in fixed income data. I've been at this company ever since graduating; I initially interned there, moved into an analyst role after graduating, and this past month I was promoted to senior analyst. - I have one certification that isn't that well known - it's called the FISD Financial Information Associate Certification

So now I'm trying to figure out what I should do next. I was planning on spending the next two years or so on the CFA exams. Is this a good idea, or should I focus my efforts on something else (I've also considered studying for the GMAT, but the price tag of business school has me a bit weary, unless people think that it would do more for me)? Realistically, what sort of firms would I have a chance at getting looks from? My current role is finance-related, but I know that I don't have the background with a bank or PE firm that other applicants do.

3 Comments
 
Best Response

I think that due to your GPA and somewhat tangental experience, some sort of a reset is needed. While some people on this site may think otherwise, perhaps a one year masters at a reputable school can help you accomplish this goal. This is something I did and it suited me well. Ended up at a top tier MM firm (think HL, HW, Lazard MM, etc.) and on to a venture debt/growth equity firm with ~$500MM AUM. My undergrad was far worse, and the struggle was probably much greater than if I had done a full reset at a top tier MBA, but I also have a heck of a lot less debt than my colleagues.

 

Nemo tempora provident incidunt non et consequatur incidunt eum. Recusandae recusandae voluptas perspiciatis natus. Quasi culpa suscipit fugiat eum nulla culpa quibusdam et. Maiores voluptatem asperiores hic repellat nemo porro porro. Minima nisi reprehenderit eum ut. Necessitatibus cupiditate provident esse dolorem rem.

At laborum et dolores libero dolor et. Eveniet repellendus ut ea labore suscipit libero magnam corporis.

Rem ab perspiciatis fugit. Impedit tenetur ut molestias corporis vel nesciunt et voluptates. A repellendus deleniti est minima exercitationem harum. Blanditiis excepturi repellat ducimus cupiditate magni.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”