Breaking into IB in Canada/Bay Street

Hey Guys,

I know this is a well sought after/discussed question, but I wanted my individual circumstances assessed. I am planning to immigrate to Canada and am hopeful that my PR will be approved shortly. I was hoping to break into IB in Canada but after reviewing some discussions on this forum, I have concluded that I need a MFin or related degree from a popular/reputed uni to be more hireable. My profile is as follows;

Age – 25 Qualifications – Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, CFA Charterholder and have passed 6 exams of the ASA designation from the Society of Actuaries (but no undergrad). Experience – Working as Head of Treasury for the past 5 years in a small utility company (Market Cap - US$ 200 mln) in Pakistan

I am concerned that without an undergrad, I will fall short from being admitted into any of the top Mfin programs (Queens, Rotman, Schulich, Waterloo or Laurier). Without the MFin, breaking into IB will be difficult. Given that I am new immigrant networking my way in will also not be possible.

Your advise/help is solicited.

4 Comments
 

You might be hooped. I can't see any of the IB firms taking someone without an undergrad. Coming from a nontarget is already hard enough, especially in Canada (Ivey + Queens run the show).

Some of my dad's friends who came from India had to take shit jobs even though they had bachelor degrees in stuff. I know someone who worked in a grocery store and he was a lawyer in India.

 
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