How to start a career in finance?

Question

Hi everyone!
I need an advice what better to do in my situation. 
A year ago I finished one of the best universities in Russia with Dual Degree Program with University of London International Programmes, Under Academic Direction of London School of Economics. I am BSc Economics and Finance. Was top 10% in the class in statistics and econometrics.
Also I have some work experience in McKinsey & Company for 10 month(Moscow,Russian office).

aadpepsi · Accepted Answer

Most executive MBA programs require that you've been out of undergrad for at least 8 years. However, I've known University of Chicago to bend a bit there.  They have a fantastic executive MBA program (considered it myself actually) and great for students that want to transition to careers in finance.

As for ways to figure out NOW whether a career in finance is for you... start attending conferences related to IB, PE, Hedge Funds etc.  You'll get the chance to expand your professional network, meet new people, make new friends etc.

Asatar · Answer

The reason you need to live in a big city like NY / Chicago / SF is that that is where all the firms are based. There are no finance firms in Hawaii and probably next to none in Florida / South Cali. Some of the larger companies might have regional offices in Miami / San Diego or there are probably some family wealth management offices around, but the true opportunities are in New York, London and Hong Kong.

There are a lot of tradeoffs involved in working within high finance, not being able to live in Hawaii is one of them.

Anonymous Monkey · Answer

Understood.

CFA at any level has a recommended study time of around 300 hours. A CFA in the US is looked upon favorably but if you can't make the time commitment then don't bother with it now.

You have great credentials from a top university but it's hard to tell you where to apply as it will depend on where your family decides to move to. Do you have an idea?

NYC has a lot of opportunity for both consulting and finance but very expensive.

Chicago has a lot of opportunity for both careers as well but not as much.

Midas Mulligan Magoo · Answer

The CFA thing sounds a little fishy, they don't give it out without 4 years of financial analysis experience, coupled with passing all three levels of the exam.  Are you sure you have an actual CFA or did you just pass the levels?  (did you even pass the levels?).

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How to start a career in finance?

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How to start a career in finance?

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