Move from relationship manager to trading?? Is it possible and how??
Hi all,
So I have some thoughts that I have been walking around for a while with... Any input is much appreciated.
Two years ago I finished my masters in finance and investments and this concluded my five years of university. I also have a bachelor's/undergraduate degree in economics. Straight after finishing my degree I started working for an asset manager in London where I initially spend around one year in a operations/middle office role. Then during the fall of last year, I got promoted to a relationship manager role and in very simple terms my role consists of servicing new clients that are onboarded by the sales force and I then make sure that these remain invested with us and try to bring in additional funds. So there is also a sales aspect in the role. Now while this role is decent and I still enjoy it to some extent I have a lot of doubt whether or not this relationship management or even sales aspect of the industry is something I want to pursue long term...
I have always had a keen interest in becoming a trader as well (buy-side) but I am just very unsure as to how to make that career change or attempt to make that career change. I have worked in asset management for two years now and the roles have been more on the "soft" side rather than requiring a lot of technical knowledge. However, my master's degree was quite heavy on the quantitative finance aspect so I do believe I have that going for me (at least)... There are trading roles at the firm that I work for but these traders are execution-only and the comp is not very good all in all.
I have looked into some courses such as the one Amplify Trading in London is offering in order to strengthen my CV to be more attractive with respect to trading roles. I also know that just applying for trading roles or letting recruiters know I am interested in new roles is not going to land me the buy-side trading role that I would want. My personal conclusion kind of is that I would have to network like crazy to try to get my foot in the door.
What should I do if I want to move into trading from a relationship management role??
Thx