| Topic Name: |
The 50 most prestigious firms |
| Message Name: |
Thanks for your help |
| Date Posted: |
08/15/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Given that you aren't interesting in banking, then looking for an entry level job at the asset management arm of one of the big banks is probably not a bad idea. To be honest, I don't know much about what analyst jobs are like in GSAM or a place like that, but you should definitely pursue it.
Most pure IM firms have fairly small research and PM staffs, so the analysts are usually fairly experienced.
It can be possible to work your way up through the ranks, but it is by no means assured. I think that depends on the culture of the firm, some firms really try to promote from within, but others don't consider their operations / support staffs to be the ideal talent pool from which to recruit their research staff. I think it is worthwhile to explore these options as well, but ask lots of questions and try to gauge how closely, if at all, the support staff works with the investment team.
I don't know of any surefire ways to a traditional IM firm. You could also look into investment consulting, equity research, or trading / trade support as ways to get a foot in the door. Some analysts also come from rating agency backgrounds, and there are also investment jobs at banks (non-IB) and insurance companies that may be easier to break into. Finally, you can start working on the CFA program as a way to open some doors. Another good option is networking with alumni from your school in the field, and asking them about their career paths. Good luck!
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| Message: |
So am I right to assume that a majority of people enter IM either through the methods you mentioned (consulting, trading, etc.) or directly into one of the assistant/operations roles?
Can you describe each of these additional positions and examples of firms that would give a good opportunity to do this?
What do you think about taking on a financial services advisory position at one of the big 4, working with a firm that works with a lot of the big firms on risk advisory, for example?
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