Getting an internship with a boutique, proving my worth, and then landing a FT offer is ideal. I plan on cold calling and applying again, but in case that doesn't work I want to know if this other route will compensate for my inability to break in. Mind you, the goal isn't specifically IB, rather it is to find any opportunity to make good money.
Here is my background first.
End goal: - make money
Undergraduate Education: - Florida State University - Econ & Poli Sci double major - Business & Math minor - 3.83 GPA, magna cum laude - 4.0 Econ & Business GPA - Economics honors in the major - Political Science research intensive bachelor's certificate - Garnet & Gold Scholar - 200+ community service hours
Undergraduate Research Experience: - Wrote and presented a paper on investigating property rights' effect on attracting FDI - Research Assistant (1 semester) - Defended an honors thesis on regime longevity's effect on attracting FDI
Work Experience: - Fast Food, during undergrad (2 years) - Tutoring, during undergrad (2 years) - Algebra Teacher, (5 months so far)
Worst Case Scenario
Okay, so maybe this isn't the absolute worst case, but I'm confident in my ability to at least carry the following plan out.
Jan. 2017 - July. 2017 - Continue working as a teacher - Study/Take the GMAT
Aug. 2017 - Dec. 2017 - Work as a teacher - Apply to MSF programs - Study/Take CFA 1 in Dec.
Jan. 2018 - June 2018 - Finish working as teacher - Study/Take CFA 2 in June
July 2018 - May 2019 - MSF Program
Final Thoughts
If I get a job that doesn't necessarily need the CFA, such as IB, then I'll just focus on working and networking. If I get a job that prefers the CFA then I'll take the Level 3 exam June, 2020.
I've also read that level 2 has useful information for banking and PE, so I figured it won't be a lost if I go this route. Especially if I can't find credible work experience this upcoming year, I think the CFA would be useful.
