Help me get past this conundrum WM vs AM vs HF

So I'm from the bronx and went to a public school (CUNY). Not that many recruiters came to the public schools and I wasn't able to build the kind of network that would be helpful to secure a summer program either (I tried but didn't work out). The dream was to get to IB and then into a HF. Long story short, I found my way into a HF (West Coast) but it was just in investor services. The experience was great and I learned a lot about the industry, albeit from a different angle. 1.5 yrs later, I got laid off (along with about 60 people). so I'm currently enrolled in a 6 month FinTech bootcamp (python for finance, blockchain etc)

I am now interviewing for three positions (still in the W. Coast). The thing is, I still want to find my way into the investing side and I am hoping to get some advice here on which route would be best from the below positions I am interviewing for..

Position 1

Investment Specialist at a wealth management firm.

Job Description:

  • monitors/reviews client portfolios and maintain balance across asset classes.
  • Makes portfolio recommendations when out of tolerance with models/as necessary. Reviewing daily cash positions, margin activity, new cash flow activity (inbound/outbound), and regular portfolio review.
  • Places trades through a custodial trading platform, under CIO's direction. Regularly audits/reviews trades for accuracy / cost basis implications.
  • Compiles cost basis calculations.
  • Assists in managing all firm data integrity. Works across teams to monitor data input and output. Runs regular audit reports and assists with data clean-up as appropriate.
  • Works closely with Advisors, provide in-depth investment analysis of prospective client portfolios, communicate ongoing portfolio management of client portfolios.
  • Assists with portfolio research to refine and focus portfolio construction and implementation.
  • Create / compile reports used in monitoring of portfolio management operations.

Position 2

Associate Fixed Income Analyst Investment Grade Research at a very large asset management firm

Fairly straight forward but among the responsibilities are

  • relative value analysis for securities
  • performing financial modeling of security/company/industry information and assumptions.

Position 3

Investor Services Associate a relative value strategy HF

This one is basically the same thing as my previous role, although it is a level up to an associate. Back in the previous job, I was networking and trying to improve my technical skills etc hoping to eventually transition to the investment side or at least to a risk management role. That was why I had enrolled in the FinTech Bootcamp (Management was supportive and company even paid for the program). Although I had the advantage of being in the inside, the transition to the investment side looked like an uphill battle back then.  If I end up taking this position, I will be in the same situation but at least I will continue to build my network while getting more experience and the salary isn't too bad for my short term needs.

 

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