Investment Banking - What should I do?

Hello,

I will try to keep it as short as possible, but I think I have to make clear my situation.

23 years old, Spain.

When I was sixteen my mother had some serious health problems and had to stop working... In a fatherless house I had to start working in order to bring money home, working 8+ a day. Nowadays I am thankful because I had the opportunity to raise in my company from the warehouse to Export Area Manager in 5 years. Until some months ago I had to bring all my money home but now the financial situation of my family has improved and they don't "need"all my help anymore, but still need some.

Since I was 18 I wanted to go in to investment banking, it was and still is my main goal, but my situation did not allowed me to get a degree, or great studies. Now I see the chance to go for my dream, I have the chance to finish the degree I started this year. I am looking for your adivce.

I am 23 and still dont have a degree, I know I can get it at 26. I was thinking that in order to get in to interviews I would need at least the level 1 CFA or an MBA, Is that a great idea? What do you think? Do you suggest me anything else? Is it still possible to get in investment banking with that age(27-28) with my story?

From my job I do not think I cannot bring real knowledge to apply in an investment bank, the only usefull skills I see is: I speak french, english and spanish, I have a lot businees travels and meetings with top professionals in the industry, and I have learned some business realtionship-selling skills ...

I prefer to keep this short and wait for your repplies so we can better discuss this.

Thank you

2 Comments
 
Best Response

If I were a hiring manager, I would value that background over someone who was entitled, but that's just me. While you're completing your bachelors, keep networking and look for internships. Despite what you hear from people saying analysts should only be 21-23 or whatever, you will definitely find some that are older. And that's fine. Your work ethic already has made a big statement - just bring that to your new employer and you'll do fine.

 

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