Former professional athlete interested in banking future

Good afternoon traders!!

I am in need of some advice/recommendations. I have a couple of questions in regards to my resume as well as possible positions I am interested in. I am a former professional soccer player who is looking to use my degree not my legs anymore :) I graduated with my MBA in Finance in May 2009 and am currently the Director of Programs for a personal training company. I left the U.S. at the age of 19 to sign my first professional contract in Europe and played for 4 years (I am bilingual). I maintained around a 3.75 gpa while I attended Graduate School, all while I was still playing professionally. I have always been a bit of a numbers junkie and have recently taken interest in trading, Basel II and stress testing. I have been trying to study as much as I can, and was wondering if banks would be interested in hiring somebody like me with my background. If so what other potential area's would I appeal to banks the most?? I don't have much practical work experience so that's why I'm wondering if employers would be willing to take a look at me. I've always been an extremely fast learner, and an extremely hard worker and would love to get a chance and get my foot in the door. My last question is about my resume. Should I include my athletic achievements (playing professionally as well as for the national team)?? I appreciate it and am looking forward to your thoughts/advice!! Have a great day

 
markner:
Paul.Allen:
LANDON DONOVAN?

Haha not Landon Donovan exactly but close :) On a serious note though I really would appreciate some advice

patience grasshopper, you'll get some advice just give it some time.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

^Btw I only said you have a better shot at a sales job because I can see you starting higher up in that role, whereas for the more numbers-oriented roles, you'd probably have to start at the bottom and that's probably not that appealing to you given you're not recently out of undergrad. I know you said you're a numbers guy though (depends on just how much of a numbers guy).

 

I don't know if I buy into this whole, "You're better off in Europe since soccer isn't that big here" thing. I feel like if someone made the national team in damn near anything, I would be both impressed and interested enough to interview them. Just my .02.

If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

I agree.

Becoming a professional athlete takes drive, self discipline and focus. Athletes, mainly college, are prevalent among wallstreet - leave it on the resume and milk it for all it is worth.

 

Thank you all for your responses!! Onto my second question....In my cover letter and/or objective should I mention something about me playing a sport professionally and trying to compare to banking?? And if so, to what extent??

 
markner:
Thank you all for your responses!! Onto my second question....In my cover letter and/or objective should I mention something about me playing a sport professionally and trying to compare to banking?? And if so, to what extent??

Absolutely! That's a major achievement that has been transformational for you as a person. Talk it up as much as you can, I talked up my athletic background and interviewers ate it up. But as JP said, you may be better suited for Sales. Again.... anything that can differentiate you will help you with getting a job. Good luck!

 

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