I started out of undergrad in an operations role for a large investment management firm. Things have gone well and I have been promoted twice in my three years there; I like the people and the flexibility it gives me to study, but I ultimately want to move to the business side. Hopefully I will pass level 3 in the near future and I wanted to know how things work after passing level 3, what kinds of jobs I should apply for, how I might be viewed by the IM side of the firm. I don’t see how any of my time in operations would count toward the work requirement so I wouldn’t actually be a charterholder yet. Thanks
being promoted twice might not be a good thing in your case. While it shows you did the job well, many people fall into this trap by climbing and being unable to transition. Breaking into the revenue generating side is easiest to do while young and not so experienced. You would likely have to go for an junior analyst role. I would suggest not to exceed 3 years at any back office role, because as you do the job, the deeper you dig, the harder it becomes to get out, and after years going at it, that’s the only thing people will hire you for.
I recently had the opportunity to transition to an accounting position in the insurance side of the firm. Would that put me in a better position than investment ops?
marsilni Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I recently had the opportunity to transition to an > accounting position in the insurance side of the > firm. Would that put me in a better position than > investment ops? Hey, take my advice very lightly, but I always heard that gaining experience in multiple parts of a firm makes you a good asset. I would think being a generalist would be better than if you keep specializing in an area.
I’d just mention that one of my friends at my workplace (large sell-side firm) just moved from Operations to front-office credit trader. He didn’t do any of the CFA path at all, but had good rapport w/ the traders involved and moved quickly when an opening appeared.
Do you know for how long he worked in operations?
I worked in operations for 5 years and then moved to a Jr portfolio manager position and that quickly turned into a regular portfolio manager position. While in operations I got my MBA (part-time) and passed level 1 of the CFA exam. I had direct exposure to the traders and portfolio managers. Try to set yourself apart (MBA, CFA, special projects for the PMs) while in operations so when a job opens up you will be in a good position. Also let the PMs know your interest.
I thought that this post would be more along the lines of… “After I pass my CFA, I will drink a bottle of Tequila and smoke a big cigar while having 2 strippers in my arms and dancing naked infront of a bonfire of old CFA notes…”
I’m in the same boat. Been in operations at a BB GWM for close to 3 years. Just finished level 3, but having a hard time getting interviews. I’m considering going back for a MsF, I should’ve done that instead of taking the CFA exams.
Might take more than just the CFA in this job environment.