Commercial Banking to IB, AM or PE?
Newbie at WSO, but a long-time lurker at r/FinancialCareers. I'm a student at non-target university doing my MSc in Investment Analysis and by applying to almost 400+ places, I landed myself at an entry level customer service advisory role (part-time) at one of the oldest and poorly ranked banks in the UK. The work environment is good and the pay is good for part time along with the benefits (insurance, private med) and I graduate in September. I'm not of the UK origin, have 0 contacts in finance and just 2 (6month) each internship experience from my home country. My grades in my undergrad are pathetic (Lower2:2) but my Master's is on track for a distinction (I'm at Merit after semester 1, hope it gets to distinction after the results are out in a few weeks). I've no CFA but have a few national awards (highest accolade in the country for a student) for my scouts work
My question is How do i break into AM or IB with this sorta profile which is nowhere as good for IB/PE/AM and yet too overqualified to do the current job? I've applied to almost all BB banks but 0 luck and graduate schemes but 0 luck. I want to get some action going in work because my current role is just helping normal people with their money. that's all.
I have been assured in my current bank that i can apply for an internal transfer after my degree is done in a few months but they really pay shit compared to what I've seen in the rest of finance and I'm all for the work if it's good money (blame my 3rd world mentality but I LOVE THE MONEY or maybe because i don't have a life).
Can anyone guide please?
Was at a similar position. Worked at a commercial bank project finance role, then corporate development role, then infra PE.
You would probably need a springboard between here and IB/PE. That said, you need to do two jumps. My rule of thumb is: jump with a pivot point (eg same industry, buyside to buyside). Of course, you need to choose opportunities carefully. Questions I would ask myself: would this movement help the step after? Can I tell a credible story to the future employers?
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