[STEVEN4100]

Hi,

Can anyone please help give me some advice?

The situation
Basically, I’m 24 with an English degree and MA who went into publishing wholeheartedly. I currently work for a well respected FS Institute editing some of the study materials etc.

As I said I wholeheartedly went into publishing, but since working where I am and with the stuff I’m editing I’ve become more and more interested in the FS industry – investments, in particular. I now have my own trading account and take a huge interest in the markets.

My employers have effectively paid me to do a few of their exams which I have done and passed, and so now I am thinking about doing the IMC and/or a number of other professional courses with a view of pursuing a career in stock broking, or something along those lines.

The question
I suppose I’m just beginning to question myself a little as to how much of an impact it will be that my under- and postgrad degrees aren’t at all relevant to FS?

I like to think that my passing these qualifications, when added to the ICM and possibly CFA, plus me having my own trading account will demonstrate an interest etc., and I’d also be more than willing to try to find/fit in as much experience as possible before looking for a job sometime mid-2012, but, in short, am I will all this be enough when I’m without a maths/ economics/ business degree? Will employers even look at me?

Thanks in advance!

[Bb^]

I did a ba and ma in a philosophy-type arts degree and work in FO - just make sure you do the usual - get good experience and make sure you know your stuff in your sleep. An MBA would help greatly also.

Bb

[STEVEN4100]

Hi Bb,

Thanks for your reply. Can I ask how difficult/easy it was for you to get your work experience and what you quals. you had in place when you were applying? I had to do loads before I got anywhere in publishing so I realise the importance of taking the time to get some under my belt.

Unfortunately I can’t even try to imagine how I could afford to do an MBA just yet.

[i_hate_teeth]

Tap your network

[truelovestory]

(Original post by Bb^)
I did a ba and ma in a philosophy-type arts degree and work in FO - just make sure you do the usual - get good experience and make sure you know your stuff in your sleep. An MBA would help greatly also.

Bb

Could you please explain what IB generally involves?

[kilf92]

IB is a very broad topic is there anything in particluar you are interrested in or you just want a broad overview?

[truelovestory]

(Original post by kilf92)
IB is a very broad topic is there anything in particluar you are interrested in or you just want a broad overview?

I'd like a broad overview, including what Front office, middle and back offices are.

[STEVEN4100]

(Original post by truelovestory)
I'd like a broad overview, including what Front office, middle and back offices are.

Can you just stick to your own thread then please and let me try and get some answers to my qyestion?

It would be appreciated

[truelovestory]

(Original post by STEVEN4100)
Can you just stick to your own thread then please and let me try and get some answers to my qyestion?

It would be appreciated

No.

[goodnightvienna]

oh wtf i've been killing myself with advanced math for IB


Don't tell me it's been all for nothing/:

[Bb^]

(Original post by truelovestory)
Could you please explain what IB generally involves?

Wikijob investment banking please.

Bb.

[fail@maths]

Networking for the win.

Its only HR who really care about "Grade Warz"

[Cold]

(Original post by Bb^)
I did a ba and ma in a philosophy-type arts degree and work in FO - just make sure you do the usual - get good experience and make sure you know your stuff in your sleep. An MBA would help greatly also.

Bb

which university did you go to? if you don't mind me asking

[jmurphy2]

(Original post by goodnightvienna)
oh wtf i've been killing myself with advanced math for IB


Don't tell me it's been all for nothing/:

I have never, ever used advanced maths in my work (I work at M&A in a boutique).

And in answer to the first question, for IB networking + experience would be your best shot, don't bother with the CFA. I'm not sure about stockbroking though.

[fail@maths]

CFA is for people in AM. No one in M&A needs it.

[Bb^]

(Original post by Cold)
which university did you go to? if you don't mind me asking

pm

[der.verrueckte]

I am thinking of doing the CFA lv. 1 as I also don't have any relevant degree when it comes to IB. I only hear good things about it, and I have been advised by a good number of people in the industry to do it. It would just help to tell your story when applying for jobs and will give you a broad overview of how investment/finance works.

If you can get around the CFA, then be my guest. But if you can't network yourself into a internship, then I think you should have a look into it.

[DerPumuckl]

CFA is a waste of money if it's your money.

[Erich Hartmann]

Possible, but not easy in the current economic climate. One thing for sure I would do is to milk all the contacts and networks you have access to for every penny it is worth.

Getting in may be lesser of a problem than staying in there though.......so do be warned. But having said that don't let people who aren't in it discourage you, sure you would generally need a 2:1 from a redbrick to get in....but it doesn't mean you have to be Oxbridge to be in.

[DeeDub]

CFA level 1 only has a pass rate of 30-40% so you could potentially spend a lot of time and money for nothing.