Toronto or Vancouver SA for Cambridge University undergrad?
I'm a current University of Cambridge undergrad from Vancouver BC (family left during middle/high school to study in the UK). I'm now studying an economics/finance/real estate related degree and looking for summer 2022 positions in Canada (a lot of which seem to have opened up already?).
I am a Canadian/British dual citizen wanting to move back after graduation and I'm open to work in either city (a lot of family in both places). With a Cambridge degree which city is better to target for a Capital Markets SA position?
I'm thinking Cambridge may not be favourable in Toronto because of Ivey/Queens etc, but in Vancouver, as it's mostly Sauder I might be more likely to get it?
you went to Cambridge -- one of the most prestigious unis in the world -- to end up in Canada? You must be a clown haha. The banking scene in Bay Street is tiny, you are doing yourself a huge mistake buddy
hahaha I can't even say how many times I've heard this...it's just that I honestly do not enjoy living in the UK compared to Canada, I'd prefer strongly to live in Toronto rather than London to be honest. Is that really that unusual?
Plus bay street comp is actually fairly similar to London, around 130k CAD comp in London
Any other thoughts?
it is not about your AN1-2 comp, it's more about the career trajectory (future earnings potential) London puts you on track. There was a thread about Canadians who moved to US to work, they all mentioned the same thing: there just are not enough reputable exit opportunities in Canada (compared to the # of qualified ib candidates). My 2 cents: would be a really dumb move to move directly to Canada and you will probably end up regretting it a few years down the line
Even if you want to live in Canada long-term, I would extremely strongly advise starting in London.
what about SA in london then try for FT in toronto?
What about seeing the big picture? Starting off for a while in London is much better for your career because London as a city is much more respected for finance than Toronto. Do at least 2 years of FT (if not more) imo and then transfer to Toronto.
You go to Cambridge. Cambridge >>> any Canadian uni. You shouldn’t worry too much about target schools as you will get looks from anywhere with Cambridge on your resume. With that being said, like the posters above, I would suggest you shoot for an SA in London (if you’re okay being in the UK) or NY (if you’re okay being in the US) and see how you like it, and then apply for FT roles in Canada if you hate your SA location. You can always go from London/NY to Canada but not the other way around. Nevertheless, if you are set on Canada, I would recommend Toronto as there is significantly more banking activity and opportunity there.
Hi, thanks for your advice, I think I may focus on London SA in that case, just have a few questions though.
So in terms of applying for NY (which really would be my no1 choice above all) would it not make it much harder as I'm not an American citizen, plus visa and sponsorship issues, etc?
Also in terms of Toronto, I heard that networking is really important? so if I don't network and just apply for SA, recruiters will discard my CV regardless of Cambridge, etc
How competitive you think your profile is in the UK? If its pretty competitive best off as mentioned to do you first SA stint in the UK than aim for North America in subsequent years. Would not worry about visas etc...for now you already have 2 key citizenships that will let you be competitive to work in the USA.
As for networking, yes you absolutely need to network as mentioned even though you are at a very good school you are not the typical path these firms look for. You should aim to find Canadian alumni in London to start.
I bet you study Land Economy
lol did you study it ?
No, but the description is very similar!
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