Dire need of some help
Hello All,
I am in dire need of some guidance. I am stuck in operations job, where I don't want to be, and I am thinking of just leaving the job. Take a bit of time off (approx. 3 months). While on this break, I am studying for CFA, doing some volunteer work, networking and will be learning how to do financial modeling and learning accounting (already took it in college - but need to hone my ability). My end goal is to be in IB. Do you think it would be wise to leave my current job? Would it look bad on my resume? I am just sick of people piling work on me and I've been doing this for 6+ months, it's not that the work is difficult, its that there are others in the team, who just plain, do nothing, and all the work is given to me. I feel the longer I stay here, my chances of going to IB will be diminished greatly. Please let me know what you think. And I am not planning on going into BB IB just out the gate here, I will trying of boutique banks. I need to get my foot in the door coming from non-target.
Regardless of industry, it is always easier to get a job when you have a job. Many people grind it out in an operations role knowing that they're eye is on a larger prize (i.e. MBA program and studying for GMAT or IB and preparing for interviews).
Also, have you only been at your current employer for 6 months? That's hardly any time. I understand your frustration, as we've all been there, but you need to keep working at it. Things may get better.
With all of this in mind, if you want to truly hustle, make time for modeling and networking and target smaller boutiques. Many have made the switch.
Thanks for the response. I've been at this job for almost 1.5 years. Every time, I try applying for a role in IB, I don't even get a response back - bit frustrating. Figured, I might need to do something drastic, to have that opportunity. I am not too keen on just leaving, but the work is just not intellectually stimulating nor are the people I work with easy to work with. Since I have joined the team 12 people have come and gone. It's long hours and mind-numbing work. I wanted to get a different perspective from the people in the forum and take that into consideration before I make my move as I've seen many who have been helped here.
I don't mean to be harsh here, but you need to keep the job AND do all the other things you mentioned on the side. What do your Saturdays and Sundays look like? Can you spare a few hours a night? Part of why the CFA is respected is because almost everyone who takes it passes it while working full-time or more hours.
I think the first thing you should do is financial modeling training like the Wall Street Prep course offered through WSO. Do that and get the certificate so you have that to put on your resume, to demonstrate a minimum level of competence. After that, you need to start networking your ass off. If you're trying to get into IB, passing the first CFA exam (next up is December) couldn't hurt but it's still not more important than networking.
I wouldn't worry about volunteer work until after you make the transition. It's commendable, but it's not going to make a huge difference on your resume, at least I doubt it will.
If you really want to be in IB, you should be able to work 50-60 hours a week and then come home and do modeling training on nights and weekends and start sending out emails to ask for informational interviews you can do on your lunch break.
You can do it, but it will be hard work. But consider it prep for the hard work you'll do as an analyst. This website is full of resources. Download the IB prep and networking guide and get after it.
But don't quit your job. I do not see that being a good idea at all. As another person mentioned, it will be harder to get another one, and money issues make everything else worse. Plus we're nearing the end of a bull market and the economy could go into a recession soon.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. And I agree, in the back of my mind, I know leaving would be bad, but there are times when you are the only one in the team doing everyone's work, that makes you think why even bother. But you're right. I will get that certificate and get that CFA. Thanks.
You should try VEGANISM
Thanks everyone for your feedback. Very much appreciate it!
This is almost precisely how I got into M&A. I worked a job I hated for just under a year, where my hours (~60) were usually flexible enough to grind out level 1, do a ton of networking, and teach myself the fundamentals of financial modeling.
I really wanted to leave. I thought about quitting every day for months. If you stay disciplined and consistent, the phone will ring one day and you'll pack your bags to go be an investment banker. Feel free to PM if I can be of further assistance
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