| Topic Name: |
Bloomberg, PRM, Series 7, etc. |
| Message Name: |
re |
| Date Posted: |
11/10/2003 |
| In Reply To: |
1. Series 7 (and 63) are requirements of S&T but outside of that nobody cares. The tests are easy and while finding a sponsor and taking the exams probably won't hurt you, I would consider it a waste of time because not being liscensed should not exclude you from a job in S&T at any reputable firm. Either they are looking for someone with experience (licensed) or someone new to teach.
2. In Fixed Income Bloomberg is the Bible. Being Bloomberg certified is not in itself impressive because the certification process is easy (and regardless of what you do some of the classes will be a waste of your time) but certfication will show your desire to do whatever it takes to break in to the business. I would be more interested in a candidate that did this than the 7 and Bloomberg certification is free (assuming you can use terminals on campus).
3. I have never heard of the PRM certification. I don't know anyone that has it.
4. The CFA is an excellent exam if you want to do research, IM, sales, or possibly work at a hedge fund (this will require more than a charter). For trading I would generally not recommend it. I actually had a friend working as a trading assistant that was ripped apart by a senior trader because he was planning on sitting for level I. I would say that traders tend to think differently than the professions the CFA is targeted toward. That is not to say it will not help trading but I don't think it will provide a whole lot of help on your resume (at least at most firms). It is good for sales because you are typically working with PM's and analysts that have the charter and think more in this way so you need to be able to communicate with them to sell to them. I wouldn't bother putting level I candidate on the resume because unless you have passed level I all that you have done is sent a chech to AIMR and that is not impressive.
I hope this helps and I didn't put a damper on your desires. From the questions you are asking I think you are showing the right desire. Now the trick is to communicate your desire with hiring managers. If you do not have contacts through alumni or friends, try looking for press releases that announce that so and so was hired by whatever firm you are interested. Usually it will state a name of management involved in the hiring process. Call the firm's main operator and ask to speak to that person and be prepared to show what you have. |
| Message: |
Good advice...
What is PRM?
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