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Please Help! Need advice regarding my career in finance

Dear All,


I have two main questions, but first let me begin by very briefly explaining my current situation. My educational background consists of a BSc Mathematics (I did not attain the best marks but I attended a UK university ranked top 10 universities in the world) and a MSc Banking and Finance (set to attain a distinction at a business school in London). I have done a LOT of work experience but not in finance - for example I have some sales/analyst/consultancy experience in two of the top tech companies. During my Masters I have specialised in bonds (bond market strategies + liquidity risk in corporate bond market). My questions:


1. I desperately want a career in finance but I would like some advice as to what division is best adapted to my background and experience. I am very very hard working and I would want a front office job. I would want a division which allows me to utilise my quantitative analysis skills but also allows to me to meet people/clients as I am very sociable and confident. Any ideas?


2. I know that not having had experience in the sector of finance will not play in my favour. I have been advised to first apply for internships in finance before applying for jobs straight away. However I am now coming to the end of my degree and I need to start job searching! Any advice as to what I should do for the next year, whilst waiting for the next cycle of summer internships?


Any replies would be warmly welcomed! Thank you!
Reply 1
Avatar for ttoby
ttoby
15
You mentioned you didn't get the best marks - what classification did you get at BSc?
Reply 2
Avatar for lu10
lu10
OP
Thanks for your reply. Overall I got a 2:2. I did however win research prizes and I specialised in statistics and modelling and obtained good marks in those modules.
Reply 3
Avatar for ttoby
ttoby
15
Original post by lu10
Thanks for your reply. Overall I got a 2:2. I did however win research prizes and I specialised in statistics and modelling and obtained good marks in those modules.


Ok. The harsh reality is that most graduate schemes would want 2.1 or above. Even if you have lots of positive results in other areas they would use this to automatically filter out candidates.

Maybe one option to consider is going into a different industry and picking up skills relevant to banking then applying as an experienced professional. However, as I'm only a graduate myself then I'm not best placed to say what areas and what routes would work best.
Reply 4
Avatar for lu10
lu10
OP
I know I've very aware of this, and I do admit that it makes my search more difficult. However, I hope my master degree will play in my favour. I really want to work in finance though, even if this means starting with a slightly smaller company and then trying out for one of the big banks!
I'm not sure the degree mark will matter too much if it's cancelled out with the masters. But it depends where the masters is from. Do you mind sharing?
I don't think the masters will do enough to offset your bachelors. Middle office at best. Become an accountant instead, easy money.

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