Where should I start
I am looking for career advice and I figured this platform would be a good place to ask. Obviously we all want to work at a top bank but realistically not all of us can and I believe I am one who won't. My career goal is to work in the investment management industry (which I know is broad) but more specifically investing in public securities. I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations on where I can start? Getting into these top banks is almost as hard a med school and as long as I can eventually reach my goal I will be satisfied. I have no concern for making the big bucks right out of college if that helps. For some background, I go to a non-target that is well known, have a 3.7+, interned at a BB pwm and start up HF, but can't seem to even hear back for a phone interview when I apply to places - so what areas can I apply to for a better chance?
Start with sell side ER. It is a great taster because you will know if you really want to work in IM or if it’s just an infatuation. If in case you don’t like it, you can transition to another function such as IB but once you’re on the buy side IM, it will be hard. Secondly, don’t commit yourself to certifications such as the CFA until you’re sure about what you want which will be a few years in the industry. Because by taking the CFA at such young age, you greatly limit yourself to one field (you basically block yourself out from other great functions in high finance such as PE) and that is IM. Especially the time investment which you could’ve used in better ways like personal development, discovering new interests and learning about them, perfecting your craft, et cetera.
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While I feel passing the levels and having the CFA charter may not help much in getting into PE, having the CFA charter is not going to block you out of PE.
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Well, okay. But what if you decide you like consulting, FP&A, corporate strategy after having cleared 2 levels of the CFA? That pain and burden of lost time and energy will weigh on your shoulders forever.
I'm not arguing for taking the CFA exams. I was just clarifying that it doesn't block you from going to PE.
I appreciate the reply! I was actually thinking about taking level 1 next June just to get it under my belt. Can you expand on why this would block me from pe?
Because PE doesn't need it. It may work in third world countries like India because no one gives a shit there but is actually looked down upon in developed markets with structured recruiting.
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