Need Advice - Graduated in 2009 with degree in Economics
This post might get lengthy as I feel it is necessary to provide adequate information about my background. For this reason, I apologize in advance but I would greatly appreciate everyone's input.
I graduated in 2009 from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Economics. My GPA was an unimpressive 2.9. During my time at UT, I worked as an intern for Smith Barney. After graduation, I wanted to work in finance but struggled to land a desirable position. After several months of job searching and blaming my poor GPA, I settled for a sales role in an unrelated industry in Tampa, FL.
After working in sales for one year, I decided to go back to school to pursue my MBA in an effort to make myself a more desirable candidate for finance and investment related positions. Again due to my undergraduate GPA and unimpressive work history, I ended up enrolling in the University of Mississippi's MBA program.
I've now almost finished my MBA with a more satisfactory 3.5 GPA. Despite not being quite finished with my degree, I have included the MBA on my resume. After distributing my resume again to local investment companies and recruiters again, I am still struggling to even get an interview. I network like a mad man via Linkedin and personal connections. Still no luck.
At this point, I'm still working in sales (which I absolutely hate) and cannot seem to find a solid opportunity in Tampa. Frustration has led me to begin the University of California Berkeley's certificate program in finance with a focus on capital markets. Up to this point, the schools on my resume have lacked the allure of Cal Berkeley so I'm hoping this helps.
So I'm here to ask;
1.) Do you think the certificate program is even worth my time and efforts?
2.) Do you have any suggestions of what else I could be doing to make myself more appealing to employers?
3.) I am worried that it will become increasing difficult to get a desirable finance job as I've now worked myself into a niche as a "sales guy".
I'd love to hear some opinions to help me brainstorm. I have to get out of this sales role ASAP. I hate it.
what exactly are you looking to break into?
MBA from U Mississipii is a waste of money and time. I'd look into the MFE (Masters Fin Engineering) or MACC (Masters Accountancy) if you want a shot at FS. Top banks don't even look beyond the top 10 b-schools as there is more than enough supply of students given the demand by the banks.
Good Luck
Wharton/HBS
what is your p/l %
1) Sorry, I failed to mention my primary goal. Ideally, I would love to in private equity, venture capital, or alternative investments. I'm also fairly interested in commodity trading. If all else fails, I would at least like to get involved in consulting.
2) I'll be the first to admit the Univ of Mississippi may not be a target school but to say it is a "waste of money and time" might be an exaggeration. I'm not necessarily looking to join an elite bank right off the bat. I don't even want to leave Tampa so my options are limited. I appreciate your advice but I don't plan to add another masters degree.
3) What is a p/l %?
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