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Looking to get into investment managemen

Hi guys I graduated in 2021 with first class honours in Accounting and Finance. I have tried so hard to get into investment management however to this day I still haven’t land a single job interview. I do not have any prior experience. I know with no experience no one would hire me but if no one is giving me a chance then how am I meant to get experience. Anyways I am kind of giving up with job applications. However, doing masters seems an option to me. Recently I have been checking out some universities and their master programs. I came across of MSc in investment management at the university of Reading. It seems a really well structured program with a placement for three month. Also the program is affiliated with CFA which will allow me to prepare for CFA level 1 exam. My questions are:

1. Is this a wise investment? Will doing a master open up some doors?

2. For those of you who have done MSc investment management at the University of Reading how was it? was it worth the time and money? Did it help you land a job?

Thanks guys

Reply 1

Oooh I am in the same situation as you. I graduated in 2021 with first class in Accounting and finance too. I am thinking of doing Masters aswell, I think it is a wise investment. I really wanted to get into investment management or Private Equity too, but I haven't been able to find any relevant jobs either. Why do you prefer University of Reading? Also it would be great to connect and help each other with the Master's applications

Reply 2

Original post
by zetm494
Hi guys I graduated in 2021 with first class honours in Accounting and Finance. I have tried so hard to get into investment management however to this day I still haven’t land a single job interview. I do not have any prior experience. I know with no experience no one would hire me but if no one is giving me a chance then how am I meant to get experience. Anyways I am kind of giving up with job applications. However, doing masters seems an option to me. Recently I have been checking out some universities and their master programs. I came across of MSc in investment management at the university of Reading. It seems a really well structured program with a placement for three month. Also the program is affiliated with CFA which will allow me to prepare for CFA level 1 exam. My questions are:
1. Is this a wise investment? Will doing a master open up some doors?
2. For those of you who have done MSc investment management at the University of Reading how was it? was it worth the time and money? Did it help you land a job?
Thanks guys

Hi @zetm494 ,
It sounds like you have been putting lots of effort into finding opportunities in investment management. Pursuing a MSC in Investment Management at Reading is a great option to consider. The course is well-tailored and you will gain valuable experience. Completing a Master's degree may help you too secure a role in finance as it will demonstrate specialised knowledge. 🙂 The University of Reading Investment Management Master's is also affiliated with the CFA Institute like you mentioned, with the programme designed for if you want a career within asset management or roles related to wealth management, investment and portfolio management and investment analysis. More information about the course can be found here! If the placement is also something you are highly interested in pursuing, then I would recommend finding out more. You can always discuss your options further with our admissions team which you can contact here.

If you would like to speak to one of our Reading student ambassadors, you can find the link for that here. They will be happy to help or share their personalised experiences with you! 🙂

Taking a step towards deciding to do a Master's is a big decision, but with Reading's solid structure and ties, you would be well equipped to boost your confidence in the field of Investment Management. Best of luck with whatever path you choose, feel free to let me know if you have anymore questions about the specific aspects of the programme here at Reading, or student life in general!

All the best,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development

Reply 3

Original post
by K_3496
Oooh I am in the same situation as you. I graduated in 2021 with first class in Accounting and finance too. I am thinking of doing Masters aswell, I think it is a wise investment. I really wanted to get into investment management or Private Equity too, but I haven't been able to find any relevant jobs either. Why do you prefer University of Reading? Also it would be great to connect and help each other with the Master's applications


Great I’d love to discuss with you! Dm pls!

Reply 4

Original post
by UniofReading
Hi @zetm494 ,
It sounds like you have been putting lots of effort into finding opportunities in investment management. Pursuing a MSC in Investment Management at Reading is a great option to consider. The course is well-tailored and you will gain valuable experience. Completing a Master's degree may help you too secure a role in finance as it will demonstrate specialised knowledge. 🙂 The University of Reading Investment Management Master's is also affiliated with the CFA Institute like you mentioned, with the programme designed for if you want a career within asset management or roles related to wealth management, investment and portfolio management and investment analysis. More information about the course can be found here! If the placement is also something you are highly interested in pursuing, then I would recommend finding out more. You can always discuss your options further with our admissions team which you can contact here.
If you would like to speak to one of our Reading student ambassadors, you can find the link for that here. They will be happy to help or share their personalised experiences with you! 🙂
Taking a step towards deciding to do a Master's is a big decision, but with Reading's solid structure and ties, you would be well equipped to boost your confidence in the field of Investment Management. Best of luck with whatever path you choose, feel free to let me know if you have anymore questions about the specific aspects of the programme here at Reading, or student life in general!
All the best,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development


Thank you so much for your response. This had made things more clearer. However, with the CFA how will I be papered to do the exam? Is there a specific program to help students prepare for the exam or does students study on their own? If there’s an exam when will student require to do the exam? Also, how does the placement option work? If I am not mistaken it’s an option module. If I pick that and say I can’t find any roles what will happen then? Will I fail the module?

Thanks

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