Advice Required!

Hi,

I am currently looking for my first investment role. I am determined to break into the industry but am uncertain regarding what roles I would be most suitable for and which organisations to target.

I am Irish, 25 years of age and currently work in the corporate finance departments of one of the Big 4 in Dublin.

I attended an Irish university that is highly regarded domestically but would not be well known internationally. I have a BA in Accounting and Finance (GPA 3.5) and a Masters in Accounting from this institution.

I completed a 3 year graduate programme as an auditor focused on the construction and engineering sector and laterly financial services (hedge funds and spv's). I qualified as a Chartered Accountant (UK and Ireland equivalent of CPA) in late 2010, achieving the highest grade in my firm in the final exams.

I have also completed all three CFA exams, passing each level at the first attempt between Dec 2009 and June this year.

I have been in my current role for the last 2 months while I was waiting for my final CFA result but now that is secured I want to make the transition to an investment role asap.

Given my background and the research I have done I feel that my best prospects would be in M&A or equity/debt research roles. Am I correct in this assumption?

Given that I am 4 years out of university will my applications be entertained for analyst level positions? Are there other routes I can pursue for entry-level positions?

Also, given my academic and employment history I am completely in the dark with regard to what is realistic for me in terms of the type of employer I should target.

As an Irish citizen I have freedom to work anywhere in the EU and I also am entitled to a 1 year Visa for the USA. Accordingly I am focusing on London and New York as potential destinations for me. My preference would be New York but I will go anywhere really for a good opportunity.

I have given some though to taking the GMAT and possibly pursuing an MBA if I can get admitted to a reputable school but I would prefer to get at least a couple of years good work experience before going this route.

I would appreciate any advice or guidance.

 

I think at the age of 25, you must be genius to have completed the accounting and CFA. I might just suggest maybe you take your time to look at job descriptions posted in sites such as efinancialcareer to find out more about the job itself. Also maybe look at major investment bank websites to learn more about their activities to decide which one interests you the most. I think with 4 years accounting and CFA, you could potentially start from associate position rather than entry level. Well done mate !

Centrinoaht
 

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