Switching Jobs too Early?

Graduated from a non-target with a lowish (~3.1) GPA last May. Messed up my first two years of school but really improved and got a 3.5 my last two years.

Took a job at a major fin-tech company in a client-facing role after getting dinged at all buy-side gigs (mostly fixed income) I applied for out of school. I applied for more buy-side jobs while working, and ended up accepting an offer at a small wealth management firm in a manager research role. I had thought the company managed fixed income in-house, but it turns out they are looking to outsource it longer-term.

Although it's been a good job so far (coming up on 6 months), I am really passionate about credit analysis and would kill to land a job at a top fixed income shop. I just sat for level 1 of the CFA in June.

I am looking for advice on how long I should wait to pursue other jobs. One part of me wants to start applying immediately if I pass level 1 (or sooner), but I don't want to risk looking like a job hopper. I'm not even sure if people would take me seriously applying with 6 months at one job (fin-tech) and 6-12 months at my current role. My biggest worry is that if I don't get formal credit experience early on in my career, I will never be able to make the transition to a good job in the industry.

Thanks

 

The general consensus is that if you continuously keep spending FT jobs, you'll be asked about it. It seems like you're passionate about many different things and tend to jump to wherever that is.. While that isn't bad, it's questionable. I suggest figuring out a creative and constructive story as to how and why these changes came about, as what's stopping you from leaving 6mo down the line in your credit role. Maybe focus on networking/CFA for now and see what your opps look like in a few month, and then begin actively looking. If your worry is about getting experience early on in your career, what's the difference between getting it today and getting it in 6 months, apart from slightly more credibility with your current role (time wise)?

EBITDA rules everything around me
 

Thanks for the reply.

I took the fin-tech job solely because I had no other offers a couple months before graduating; I really didn't want to even apply (or accept the offer), but I had no other options didn't want to graduate without a job and risk becoming "damaged goods". Also needed to have steady income.

I made the transition over here because it seemed like a firm where I would have potential to progress into a credit analyst role, but now it doesn't appear there is that opportunity. I appreciate both firms for hiring me and don't want to burn another one out of respect; I guess I just really want to work in the business (like many others) and am constantly trying to figure out a way in.

But you're right, it's probably better to stick it out and focus on networking for the time being.

Thanks for the advice.

 

Dude if you get an opportunity to get a fixed income research/ investment role then leave ASAP. I mean, think about it, why would you pass up an offer for the job you want because you haven't been at the job you dislike long enough? Worry about the short job duration questions after you've secured the position you actually want, hopefully you stay there for a good while and it becomes a non-factor anyway. No harm in looking.

Array
 
Best Response

You're young - it shouldn't matter that much. If they have that concern about you shopping around for jobs you won't even get a call back. If you're able to land a phone interview, tell them your story - why you decided to switch to manager research, why you want this job, how you're applying your skills, how you are trying to reposition yourself, etc. I think you'll be fine if you do that.

Network around - talk to people. That's probably your best way to get your foot in the door and not get your resume tossed.

It's never too early to start trying and frankly you'll just have more and more experience as you keep working. Only thought is that these opps often are few and far in between, so you should apply to anything you can find and be patient.

 

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