Canadian PhD (Medicine) w/ biotech & finance experience aspiring to work on Wall Street

Hi Everyone,

I am a PhD student doing clinical research in the field of medicine at a Canadian university. I have had a strong interest in finance, largely derived from trading experience and research over the years. I have built a fairly solid CV and will continue to do so until the end of my degree.

As a member of the BoD of a biotech startup in the fundraising stage, I have become further aware of the opportunities that exist on Wall Street in Equity Research and Investment baking at some big firms including Piper Jaffray, Jefferies, Guggenheim, and Cowen, wherein PhD's with bio/medical backgrounds are sought. I have also seen that posts MD / PhD Fellowships every now and then.

I'm looking for some advice on how to pursue a career in financial services, given my position.

Some specific questions: Should I take the CFA Level 1? Do I apply for a visa before applying for a job or apply to a job and hope a company sponsors me? I am in the 3rd of 5 years - when should I begin applying / testing?

(TL;DR: I'm a Canadian PhD (med) with biotech experience looking to pursue my interests in finance for a career on Wall Street).

*Though I have searched, if there are any similar threads on this forum, please kindly refer me to them

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