Career Advice Needed
Hi everyone,
I’m 25 and originally studied law (bachelor and master). After graduating, I pivoted and landed a 9-month internship in investor relations at a global asset manager. It was a great experience. I learned a lot about alternative assets, especially private equity, and realized that is the side I would really love to be on: the investing side.
The problem is I was not on the investing team, and my background is not traditional. No finance degree, no full-time experience, and no deal exposure. I have been working through modeling courses online, applying to roles, and trying to network, but I am not getting past the first round.
Now I am wondering if I should go back to school for a Master's in Finance at a top UK program. The catch is I would be 26 by the time I graduate and could not start working until mid 2026. I am not sure if it would truly improve my chances, or if I am better off continuing to apply, focusing on networking, and trying to land another role in IR where I could transition internally.
I would really appreciate any advice, especially from those who have made a similar pivot or have insight into whether the master's is worth it.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to consider:
Master’s in Finance (MFin) at a Top UK Program:
Alternative Path: Networking and Internal Transition:
Key Considerations:
Recommendation:
Ultimately, the decision depends on your financial situation, timeline, and willingness to invest in further education. Both paths are viable, but the MFin offers a more structured and direct route to your goal.
Sources: Q&A: Fundraising for Private Equity, Cap Intro & Investor Relations Career Paths, European Private Equity Associates backgrounds, Career in Investor Relations for a MF, Advice from people who left?, Move from back office to middle office to front office
Sounds like you're on the right path. The fact that you’ve done an internship and enjoyed the investing side is a strong sign you're aligned with the work.
If roles on the investing team are tough to land right now, IR could be a great way in, especially if you're at a firm where there's room to transition internally. Just make sure the IR role gives you exposure to the investment team.
Before jumping back into school, it might be worth focusing on getting that first foot in the door, even as a trainee or junior hire while continuing to build your modeling and finance skills on the side.
Once you’re inside the right environment, it becomes easier to see what kind of further education (if any) is actually needed, and you may even get study support from the firm later on.
Keep at it.
Thanks Libs for your answer!
Sounds like a great plan. Only issue is that I keep getting rejections from firms I am applying to.
I already have an offer to join an MSc programme and thought that it could be a great learning environment as well as a way to network across events and job fairs.
As I’m right now applying to mostly IR roles, I’m not sure when I’ll get an opportunity to interview (can take few weeks or few months…).
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