Non-Target Biochemistry senior D1 athlete, no internships
Hey guys,
After some casual lurking, I'm glad to join this site. I'll be graduating in June with a BS in Biochemistry from a state school (top 150 undergrad) in a major city. I want to make it in I-banking or trading. No financial background, but numbers are my innate native language. (36 on ACT math with no prep, I know it's meaningless but just a quick metric for discussion's sake here)
Came to this state school to accept an athletic scholarship. Made all-conference by sophomore year. Although I was a starter from Freshman year, NO ONE expected me to work my tail off and rise to the #1 position on the team and lead in wins.
Took the Bloomberg Assessment Test online in December on a whim (before I got serious about this). Was sleepy, poorly prepared, distracted, didn't pace myself well, ended up leaving an entire section blank (interpreting graphs). Signed up for the next testing date, beginning of March. I know I can do better.
Hence my username, this is the start of my journey. It's going to be uphill every step along the way, but I'm going to go wherever and do whatever it takes to break in. I've got a couple resources that might be far from the best available, but I'm going to dig them dry.
Recruitment season is over before I started. Here's my plan:
1. Get straight A's and finish my degree.
2. Use my University's b-school career services, get to know those ppl
3. Network w/finance professors at my school, maybe get some mentors
4. Use my network of support to start educating myself on finance in the best possible way. Study for BAT re-take.
5. Prep for CFA Level 1 in December
6. Cold call/e-mail like a madman.
I can handle rejection. I can handle criticism. I can handle failing. I can handle failing again. And again. I can handle my girlfriend leaving me if she doesn't like how this starts playing out. What I can't handle is knowing that I could have done better.
...Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta get back to studying for my cell biology exam on Thursday.
Well, it sounds like you're aware you have quite a journey ahead of you. As someone with a somewhat similar background, here are some thoughts you might find helpful.
Good luck. It can be a long battle but if you stay diligent and hungry, you WILL get there.
Points taken. I'm particularly curious over what you say about delaying graduation though. If I were to go with extra schooling, wouldn't it make more sense to just graduate and then take classes as a post-bacc or something while networking and studying for the CFA?
Also, it doesn't look tacky if I put on my resume that I got on the 36 in math ACT? In that case, should I also put my Bloomberg Assessment Test score/percentile if I do better?
Should I keep my GPA off my resume and tell my story during the interview or leave it on?
Thanks
do you want to be in investment management long term? If not, then forget CFA and spend that time networking and improving your story
This isn't necessarily true. As a non finance major, passing CFA level 1 gives a lot of credibility to both your interest and your abilities in the finance world. I was a non finance major and did CFA level 1 and it was always looked very favorably upon when networking and interviewing, even outside of investment management, ESPECIALLY with a low GPA.
I think one point you should consider is how you come off. There are little bits like "Was sleepy, poorly prepared, distracted... Scored 89th percentile" that can hurt you. I would sound more humble about things and be willing to even take an internship after graduation at a smaller bank or at a less known trading shop... for free. Best of luck though!
Thanks, that's important information. While that's not how I'd write in a cover letter, it very well could be a reflection of how I write, so I should be aware. Honestly I'd be THRILLED to work for free as long as I get my feet on the ladder.
I was an athlete too. graduated with a 2.9. I'm working at the big 4 right now and interviewing for a buyside gig next week. dont give up man. CFA/masters program is your best bet
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