I just finished my undergrad, and am currently enrolled in a two year rotational program for Internal Audit (4 months in). I feel i may have made a mistake, as i eventually want to move out of IA after the program, and make the jump into the finance world, or anything outside of IA really (graduated with a finance degree). I'm hoping I could get some insight on if this is a possibility or not? or if I should try to get out of the program now and take an entry level job elsewhere? or stick with the program to add value to my resume, then try to make the jump out in two years. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-concerned young professional
Enroll in CFA or something similar. It won't guarantee your exit. But if you're in IA, you've likely got time and headspace to digest the materials and it will make getting out easier. Partly because of the knowledge factor, partly because it shows you're willing to do the hard yards to get out of a mistake.
My plan is to come out of the program with a avp position, and then stay in that position for a year in order to solidify my experiences (finance IA). will i be able to leverage my finance audit experience to transition out of IA into the finance sector? do i need my CFA?
I know how it feels, man. I'm in the same situation, in IA for some time now. I'm using the spare time when I can find to obtain more certification and network (thankfully I have connections out of IA)
how old are you if you dont mind my asking? and did you start off your career in audit? can i get a little more background? it would be much appreciated.
I'm 28. I actually started in risk advisory (in specialist consulting shops), then moved into a Big4 (initially in Audit, then transferred to advisory/forensic services). After that went to another forensic service shop, then internal audit at companies from entertainment, to insurance and now banking. Regarding educational background, I have Accounting and Business Management degrees, CAMS certified and working towards the CFE. Local equivalent of the CPA also.
I know a guy who did Audit 2 years at E&Y and for the last 25 years has worked his way up the financial ladder at an Oil Major FYI.
The 2 years at the big company might give you quite a few exit options after the fact.
many employees at my company have come from the big 4. but im starting outside the big 4. do i need the big 4 to gain credibility? or can i make a lateral move out of IA without the big 4 experience? in your opinion is a rotational program actually more valuable than starting at an entry level position?
I mean starting at a big 4 is not terrible. See if you can get in where you want to go.
It's not so much as you need the experience as getting someone else to hire you.
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