Plan of Attack
I have been lurking on these forums for a bit now and you guys seem like smart people. I need some advice on how to accomplish what I would like to do (skip to the bottom for a condensed version*).
I'm a senior at a non-target school (1st tier at least, but no one recruits here). I've maintained a 4.0 while double majoring in math and finance. I'm involved on campus, have some leadership positions, was chosen as outstanding student of the year in the business department, have a part time job (nothing relevant), and have hobbies outside of academics (basically trying to indicate I'm well rounded and not just some egg head). I've been preparing myself to go into a PhD program geared towards landing me a job in academia. However, today, after submitting my last application, the thought hit me like a ton of bricks: what if I don't get into any of the schools I've applied to? I applied to a safety school, but I honestly don't want to be stuck at a shitty school after doing my PhD so I'd rather not go if I'm not going to a top tier school.
If I weren't to go into academia, Equity Research seems interesting to me. From what I've found out about it, a lot of the same things that attract me to academia seem to be present in Equity Research. It seems that an MBA from a top school is the best way to get into such a job. What should my plan of attack be for getting a job in Equity Research?
I know I fucked up by not going to a better school for undergrad when I had the opportunity but I didn't, partially for family reasons and partially because I didn't know any better. But no more excuses, where should I go from here?
*Condensed Version:
Want to get into equity research.
Profile:
Pros: 4.0 GPA, high standardized test scores, personable, good recommendations, quick learner, hard worker, good at handling a lot of work at one time, don't get stressed easily, quantitative skills, lots of math and finance classes
Cons: Non-target school, no relevant work experience
What should I do?
Depending on the school you should still be in very good shape. A 4.0 in a double math/finance major is super impressive, that alone will get you interviews. Start applying with the big firms who have large equity research groups is my suggestion, read as much of this site as possible as well as mergers and inquisitions, and start following markets/stocks asap. Also network as fast as possible, start with alumni from your school and then anyone else you can find.
You shouldn't need an MBA to break in at entry level.
I would strongly suggest you start networking with alumni. Alumni will love you because they already think highly of your school and you clearly are the cream of the crop there. You've basically maxed out the college experience, leaving them no excuses (after all, they went to the same school) to not help you out.
oh man where do we begin with this one?
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