2 years in - trying to determine the next step

Hey all,
Thanks in advance for any advice. Essentially, I'm at sort of a crossroads and I'm not sure what my next move should be. Was hoping that people with more experience could point me in the right direction.

Background:
- 25 years old
- School was a liberal arts college with a good rep, but is definitely non-target. Majored in economics/finance and was a D-1 athlete - finished with 3.48 GPA
- Currently I work at a major data provider (Bloomberg / Thomson Reuters / Dow Jones) on a team specializing in fixed income data. I've been at this company ever since graduating; I initially interned there, moved into an analyst role after graduating, and this past month I was promoted to senior analyst.
- I have one certification that isn't that well known - it's called the FISD Financial Information Associate Certification

So now I'm trying to figure out what I should do next. I was planning on spending the next two years or so on the CFA exams. Is this a good idea, or should I focus my efforts on something else (I've also considered studying for the GMAT, but the price tag of business school has me a bit weary, unless people think that it would do more for me)? Realistically, what sort of firms would I have a chance at getting looks from? My current role is finance-related, but I know that I don't have the background with a bank or PE firm that other applicants do.

 
Best Response

I think that due to your GPA and somewhat tangental experience, some sort of a reset is needed. While some people on this site may think otherwise, perhaps a one year masters at a reputable school can help you accomplish this goal. This is something I did and it suited me well. Ended up at a top tier MM firm (think HL, HW, Lazard MM, etc.) and on to a venture debt/growth equity firm with ~$500MM AUM. My undergrad was far worse, and the struggle was probably much greater than if I had done a full reset at a top tier MBA, but I also have a heck of a lot less debt than my colleagues.

 

Enim ut architecto est molestiae. Necessitatibus non repellendus quia dolor sed quibusdam. Beatae dolorum officia reiciendis ipsum. Reprehenderit voluptatem asperiores aut.

Et vitae sit architecto exercitationem quidem sequi ut. Cupiditate dolor velit accusamus mollitia. Necessitatibus adipisci sapiente blanditiis incidunt. Dolor minus omnis non ut vero rerum. Quos commodi inventore ea vel et.

Facere a numquam et pariatur laborum unde et. Provident qui eaque dolorem. Vero similique dicta dolor eius est blanditiis sed. Commodi possimus inventore consequatur ex rerum molestiae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”