Getting back in aged 35 after Leaving Finance

Hi All,
Was wondering if anyone had any good ideas they would be so kind as to share with me.

I graduated Oxford in 2001, no internships.

Unsurprisingly I couldn't get a decent job in Finance, particularly as I only started looking after September 11th and the associated slump in hiring.

I went to China for almost 3 years teaching English and Economics and educating myself on investments.

After that I did 3 finance jobs - at a prop trader (3 months), Fund of Funds and, finally worked as an analyst for Putnam Investments (Telecoms / Utilities) in London for almost 2 years.

I passed CFA Level 1, first attempt.

I quit in 2008 as I didn't much like London life, I could also see a crash coming and didnt much like the firm. I actually quite enjoyed the job and was good at it...

Between 2008 and the present I have worked in HE administration - basically doing returns to the government for a university - latterly 3 days a week. I have also invested successfully for myself. My CAGR between 2008 and present is circa 22% per year. I blog on this (deepvalueinvestments wordpress - it wouldnt let me post a link...

I would now be interested in getting back in to Asset Management - ideally outside of a high cost of living population center.

Does anyone have any ideas? - I have sent my CV to a few places but have received zero interest back. I am not a natural networker so that route is pretty much closed to me.

I have considered doing CFA level 2 but question whether it would really make a difference - I am now nearly 36.

All views welcome.

 

Step one is don't write off networking because you're not a "natural networker". It's a skill, and anyone can practice it and become better at it. And it's damn important.

Oxford gives you a great group of people to reach out to within the UK and Europe. Start there.

Don't be so blunt as to ask for a job, cast it as someone who was involved in finance for a while but has been away for a bit and wants to know their opinions about recent developments or something (this is written through a U.S. cultural lens, adjust if you think it's wildly off base for your situation).

 

Eius iste labore quis velit sapiente tempora fugit. Sit placeat quis et tempore quibusdam laudantium. Sed veniam molestias vero quia dolor illum eum.

Ullam delectus et omnis sunt. Dicta aut dolores maiores ut. Incidunt dolor fuga aut eveniet voluptas voluptatum eaque.

Architecto voluptas recusandae nobis non quia. Aut dolor commodi quos unde nisi fugiat. Tempore ratione aut corporis aut molestias et.

Expedita quis perspiciatis non. Consequuntur reiciendis et ullam fugiat beatae velit. Est aut enim assumenda alias. Accusantium exercitationem omnis molestiae qui officiis quis dolor doloremque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
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...”