This is the problem. My CV does not scream out "interview me / hire me". I'm 44, mid-career in PE. My CV is Asia-centric, and my MBA is 2nd tier (UCLA). My undergrad was much stronger (Berkeley, top 2% of class, cum laude, dean's list every semester, multiple scholarships, near 4.0+sports). After undergrad I fell thru the cracks and had a hard time getting a proper career job. Spent a bit of time in REPE but at a small shop. Then I screwed up my CV further by going to bschool too early and settled on UCLA. Not a bad school, but it's no HSW, so that's a black mark on the CV. The employer brands on the CV are very well known in Asia, but not in the US. So my CV does not scream out "hey, interview this guy".
In terms of networking, this is where I'm most weak. I don't know how to get out there and make connections. I've been told I should lead with content and present what I have researched and learned. I did write a thematics book under one of the EB equity research arms not too long ago, so I do sometimes bring along the book and / or circulate an electronic copy. I am planning on starting a newsletter. Just need to start getting out there with more than just coffee chats. Gotta start getting out there with content. But I really don't know how to network effectively for jobs, esp if my network is so stale having not lived in the US for the past 17 years.
Any and all advice welcome.
I generally despise headhunters, but it might be beneficial reaching out to one that specializes in PE. Also, it might be worth reaching out to the UCLA Career Center to leverage your network:
https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/alumni/career-services
I think you're being a bit hard on yourself. You should be able to place pretty well in the US if that's your goal. Are you only targeting NYC or other cities as well?
thanks Isaiah. I'm targeting NYC and SF, due to density of VCs and PE funds. I'm open to elsewhere as well.
My alumni base is stronger in CA, but NYC has more finance roles.
Chat up head hunters in the area in an unrelated industry for practice?
If you get your Icebreaker or your reason for reaching out down, I suspect you'll have more luck. Don't try to force things just reach out have a normal conversation about something you share in common or something of interest, while still keeping the conversation focused. "Hi, I'm Earthwalker, My family and I live in SE Asia and are currently looking to relocate back to the states. I've been specifically eyeing this area and I was wondering if you'd have a moment to chat about (something career/industry related but try to tie it to the area)." In this example you're using the geography to relate to them. As Isiah mentioned above, you could target alumni from your school so that you have a bit more in common.
I you think this might a reasonable idea to address, try to ask the professionals on here what they would consider a an appropriate ice breaker for mid-career individuals and how much bush to beat around.
Don't know why people are acting like headhunters are pure evil or something, when you're a mid-career professional with experience but no network, this is almost definitely the best way to go.
If you actually want to cold email, there are tons of chinese people who did undergrad + banking / first job in China, then US MBA -> US Finance. They will recognize CITIC or BOC. You may need to settle for another year or two of mid-level banking somewhere just because a) hiring from networking is an accepted norm and b) constant churn means there are always openings.
In the search bar from the below link, replace "Peking University" with Tsinghua / Shang Hai Jiao Tong / HKU / HKUST
https://www.google.com/search?q=%22peking+university%22+%22investment+b…
I know you are a well-respected member on WSO.
My concern regarding our industry is, do we still talk about school brand name and GPA post 40 years old, and do companies still look at those brand names? That's sad.
No. All people care about at that career point is "can you bring in business and do great deals".
The reason why people care about schools and GPA when you're early/pre career is that there are few other data points to assess you off of. But by 40 you should have an actual work related track record and that's much more relevant.
career has been relegated to IR here in Asia. Hence going back to the US makes sense. I'll miss the interesting nature of Asia, and the variety of countries and culture. But it's enough of grinding the IR organ for me. I haven't done a deal since George W was president. (total hyperbole, j/k, but it feels like it)
Headhunter fo sho. I'd bet there are opportunities at your level that aren't even "advertised"
On the networking side, it's never too late to start to build one. It's not like recruiting from school where everyone knows you're hustling for a job. You're a mid career professional and people will meet with you because experience has value. Unless explicitly for recruiting, most of these meetings are generally to see what value the parties can bring to each other, so there is generally more willingness to meet. Don't take your book or materials, and do not lead with content and materials. I'd think at this stage, you're selling your deal exp and origination ability.
I spoke w/ the MBA career center, alumni coach. Good session. He recommends going a different way.
Thing is, I've kind of lost my interest (I never had the passion) for just investing. I don't care to buy another real estate portfolio for some employer, and barely have interest looking at another industrial / consumer company. I want my job to matter, to leave a positive impact. So instead the coach recommended pinging the alumni who are working in sustainability (something I do care about), and get them on Zoom. Research them, and reach out with something along the lines of :
"Hey we both share the alumni connection, and I respect how you carved out your own non-traditional path and ended up working in solar / working at X Company. I'd love to learn more. Got 15 minutes for a Zoom? I'm keen to hear about the mission you're on, the impact you're having, how you built your career, and what you're reading and listening to."
Now I just need to figure out what questions to ask during an informational interview. How does one express interest in the other person while also fielding questions and telling stories. Difficult to multitask/multithread a conversation like that.
I would like to do a month-long house swap. A room with a bed and desk and home cooked meals in my high rise apartment in Hong Kong for a couch stay in your greater NYC apartment (NYC, Jersey City, etc). November and December is available. I am going to NYC for interviews and job hunting. Just need a bed to crash on while i do interviews because NYC is crazy expensive. And you can do the same in HK - have interviews or have a holiday, or come in over Xmas. Open to ideas.
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