Just Want to Say Thanks.

What's going on everyone? First of all, I've been browsing this site for about a year now and it's helped me a lot. I'm graduating from a "non-target" school and major in History and have a overall 2.9 GPA.

I figured there was no way I was getting into finance even though I love it. It's almost been a weird obsession of mine to land a job as an investment analyst and eventually become a portfolio manager, everything else is secondary. Because of WSO, you guys have showed me in what is important to be successful in breaking in. I'm taking the CFA® Level 1 and networking constantly.

Been getting interviews left and right from big banks and small boutiques because of the hard work of networking and decent social skills and hard work. I have still to make it, but just want to say thanks for showing me indirectly to the right path. Any advice of what more I can do to break in to the industry?

11 Comments
 
Best Response
CluelessfromozOut of curiosity where did you network?

Honestly, I just started with people close to me and expanded outward. 3rd connections and alumni are key. My dad was in law so he knows a lot of judges and lawyers and they know a lot of people in finance. Also, linkedin can help alot of finding who is successful in the industry and from your school. I found they are more than willing to help. I created a list on word (with their name, firm, and e-mail and #) and categorized it. I started with personal contacts, then went to 3rd connections and then went to people ive sat down with for an informational interview, and then random contacts. I got around 100 people on there. Most of it probably won't result in anything but it's just that one contact that I need to get in. I think going to seminars held by your school and meeting people from your business school at your school would be helpful. I need to improve in that area.

Hope this helped.

 
madmoney15
CluelessfromozOut of curiosity where did you network?

Honestly, I just started with people close to me and expanded outward. 3rd connections and alumni are key. My dad was in law so he knows a lot of judges and lawyers and they know a lot of people in finance. Also, linkedin can help alot of finding who is successful in the industry and from your school. I found they are more than willing to help. I created a list on word (with their name, firm, and e-mail and #) and categorized it. I started with personal contacts, then went to 3rd connections and then went to people ive sat down with for an informational interview, and then random contacts. I got around 100 people on there. Most of it probably won't result in anything but it's just that one contact that I need to get in. I think going to seminars held by your school and meeting people from your business school at your school would be helpful. I need to improve in that area.

Hope this helped.

Word!? Gotta make a spreadsheet bro.

"For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry God. Bloody Mary full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now and at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon. Amen."
 

Keep networking, if you have specific questions feel free to PM. Good luck and hope to hear about an offer soon!

XX
 

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