Hi,
I need some advice regarding my career. I have completed BBA(major finance) and MBA(major finance) from pakistan. Cleared CFA level 1, and now moving to NY. I want to have a career in finance, and I was thinking maybe start from Equity research and thn shift to investment banking.. would that be a good move? Also I want to know if I would be able to secure a good job with no experience or a degree from USA? What path should I follow? Or should I go back to clg in usa and get a masters degree jus to get a job?
Waiting for your response.
Regards
Re: career advice
Hi Student, welcome to GS :)
I dont live in the US so I wont be able to give you the most authentic advise but having worked closely with investment banks closely I can give you some generic advice.
Your degree and MBA are going to be extremely helpful to you. America is a strong job market for accounts and finance. But because you dont have much experience to present as yet , you should remain focused on becoming a fully qualified CFA , that will open up a lot of opportunities for you.
As far as Equity research jobs are concerned , at the junior level , it might be a bit competitive. But its not impossible, I know that the likes of Barclays and Bank of America were always interviewing for such positions because they were always on a look out for a strong candidate. Having said that, alot will depend on how you score at the interview. Its not going to be an easy ride. Having said that, if you manage to secure a good role within your area of choice , well and good , but because of your strong academics you will always have accountacy to fall back on and its quite a vibrant market , like I said before.
Continuing your CFA should take priority if you wish to continue your studies in NY. that will truly add alot of value to your resume.
All the best
Re: career advice
Thanks a lot for the advice.. But I've heard that CFA alone won't help me getting a decent job unless I have a masters degree from USA,is that true? Because companies usually hire entry level ppl through campus recruitment programs. And they don't look at individual applicants with foreign degrees?
would appreciate your response,
Regards,
Re: career advice
Part of it is true. Companies do hire entry level employees from campuses. But not fully. alot of if depends on your personality and intellect coz this is what they are looking at , at the entry level . I have known some candidates in the same boat as yours, here in the UK , who couldnt get entry level positions in larger companies but managed to get a starting point in smaller companies.
I am not sure about what US degree you will be looking to start if you go to college in the US but if you complete your CFA. Smaller companies might have some opportunities for you to begin with . Like I said , its going to be extremely competitive , I cant say to you that you will definitely find a job. so you are actually going in there with a mindset that its not an easy market.
Be confident of your MBA and your financial degrees. Be ambitious to complete your CFA qualification, smaller companies are happy to take on qualified people and then obviously rest if your training on the job.
I am hoping someone who knows the US market well can come by and help by this thread and share their advice