Advice Needed: Asset Management vs. Government - Plus guidance how to break into AM
Currently I am trying to decide what I want to do as a career once I graduate college. I am going to be a senior this semester and would like to receive some guidance on the paths I could go.
I have a passion for investing, like many users on this website. I enjoy researching stocks to buy for my own portfolio and taking the time to decide the best choices for my portfolio. As with most, a Portfolio Manager would be an ideal career to have if I wanted to go that route. On the contrary, I like the aspect of a work/life balance working for the government. I have been getting mixed information about work/life balance in AM. There is alot more job security working for the government as well. You still get paid really well after a couple years but most of the work isn't the most interesting. However, let me give you some background about myself to help aide you guys.
I am graduating from a non-target school.
If I wanted to go the AM route, I wanted to apply to the 2+2 program at Harvard, Silver Scholars Program at Yale, and a deferred admissions at UVA because I want to have more work experience before I go for a MBA. However, I could always work and apply to more target schools.
I know a CFA would be very important as well.
I had/have the following internships:
- Freshman summer: Ameriprise Financial
- Sophomore summer: Economic development department for a local government
- Junior year: 1.5 month externship AXA-Advisors (probably not much weight because it will mainly presentations about the industry)
- Junior summer/Senior year: Started a 1 year internship at the FDIC dealing with financial systems security.
What worries me if I wanted to do AM, I wouldn't have a great start unless I networked like crazy. If anyone could provide guidance on how I should approach this. I am not too worried about working for the Government because once my internship ends I will be converted to a full time employee. However, if someone could help me weigh the pros and cons, that would be great. Also if you recommend AM, what would be the best approach in my situation? If anymore information is needed, let me know because I really want advice from people who are knowledgeable in this area.
Thank you!
