What path should I take?

So, I'm from a foreign country (south america) and things are a little bit different here. I notice that in developed countries IBD is a huge issue, where maybe, in the finance industry, the majority of undergrads go to after graduated. However, IBD is not big here (there was only one IPO this year and a few acquisitions) then there's almost none internship in this area, instead we are left with insurance companies, commercial banking and a few BB. I'm from a top uni here and an eco major (also our undergrad program is a bit differente, lets say I have good quantitative skills and a good finance backgroud).

Said that, the question is what would be a good path to break into finance? Asset Management? If so, should I start preparing for the CFA? For BB internships, things get really competitive and they don't go on campus for recruiting, would the CFA Level I before graduation helps me distinguish from the other candidates? Finally, is there any chance that I get recruit for other country? (yeah, i wanna leave, our political environment sucks)

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Hey man I know how you feel and i'm from eastern Europe,your only ticket out of your situation is try your best at school and land an internship or two,doesn't have to be necessarily IBD related but something that will prove you know your way around a work office environment.

If you can't land internships,try spending your time volunteering or working at a NGO this is really easy to get and shows that you don't spend your time only studying/doing something unproductive(looks really nice on a resume).

Now here's the important part:Look for a top or at least good master programs in the US or UK,if you have the money try study in the US but the chances of getting hired by a firm and also sponsoring your Visa will be really hard and you'll really have to show that you're special.

I mean that's how I figured it out in my part.

P.S:Try to get into a study abroad program if your school has any.

 

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