Canadian buy-side analyst trying to transition to US

Hi,

I am a canadian buy-side analyst working at a $50mm+ hedge fund. It is my 3rd year on the job and my experience are predominantly in the event driven space (risk arbs, special situations) but I do have some experience covering long/shorts via my current job and via previous 2 years on the sell side.

Currently trying to move the states as I think that US is still the best place to grow if you are looking to establish yourself in money management... I would like some help and thoughts on how do I make that transition... Recruiters? online applications? cold calling...? who here has made it and how have you done it?

In 2015, I actually excelled a list of recruiters, and cold called 100+ in a span of 2 months... not even an interview, and most never picked up/replied. But then again, I had only 2 years of sell side experience at the time. now with +2.5 years of buy-side experience + CFA. I am hoping to try again, but maybe recruiters still isn't the best way given my previous results?

Also, anyone had experience applying jobs via SumZero? As a contributing member, I can access the jobs on there, but spending consistent effort there wouldn't be an efficient use of my time if employers are unwilling to extend consideration to non-us applicants. This is something that I am just not sure about... so anyone who can comment on this would be greatly appreciated as well.

any thoughts would help!

Thanks,

 
Best Response

Unfortunately, most HFs (especially the smaller and mid-sized ones) do not sponsor or care to relocate you - also, do you need sponsorship? I think the best bet is to try to target some of the bigger asset managers (Blackrock, Fidelity, JPM, etc), get a gig there and then move to a smaller HF after a few years once you're in the states. Also, have you looked into the US branches of the large Canadian Pension funds?

 

Thanks aero. your comments on smaller funds not willing to relocate candidate is what I suspected as well... and yeah, I would need sponsorship. that extra layer of hurdle would probably further deter potential employers

I haven't looked at bigger AM yet, but will be after you mentioned them. I figured that they are hard to get into. but if smaller guys are impossible to get into, i might as well try the bigger funds.

haven't looked at US branches of CAD pension yet, might give that a try too

 

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