The Canadian job market is just terrible. For entry level jobs there is really nothing out there, and I don’t have the 3 - 5 years experience that a lot of these companies are asking for. I targeted my applications to Calgary, NYC, Toronto and Vancouver, and nothing. That is, besides Investors Group, TD Waterhouse and Edward Jones…ack. Given that I eventually want to work in research, I am looking at adding some more qualifications to the resume while my fruitless job hunt continues. I don’t know a lot about the actual qualifications for a research position, besides the CFA and a lot of luck. Possibly an MBA? Knowing the right people? I don’t mind criticism, i’m just looking for the best route to go, not the easiest. - Do I learn VBA/.Net? - Should I pursue a MBA or MsC? - Top 10 perhaps??? - Is there a certain designation that is looked upon favourably in the research realm? (CAIA, FRM, CMA, CA, PRM, CIPM…and on and on) Trust me, i’d be logging in the ole work experience if I had a choice. I just don’t want to waste time on fruitless lettering at this stage of the game. I am not a avid MBA fan, but if that is what is required in the industry, i’ll buckle down on the GMAT. My personal resume isn’t that impressive. I have a 3.9 GPA from a Canadian University, double major in Economics/Finance. I have just written Level 1, and will peruse Level 2 if all goes well. My work experience is limited to a handful of coop and summer student positions and I can’t say I have all that much “community work” to reference either. Given all this, and the general knowledge on this forum, how should I proceed. I am also well aware this topic has been beaten to death, i’ve looked back on previous threads to 2005 and gathered quite a bit of information. Thanks for any advice you guys can dish.
I’m no expert on this but for research, MBA is weak. You are young and have the GPA so go for Phd. It will take way more time and effort than an MBA but well worth it and cost less. Wish you the best.