I was hoping someone may have some helpful tips out there. I’ve been working in the MO of a major hedge fund for 3 years now in operations/trade support role. As much as I’d like to believe that an internal transfer would be the next step to the FO, it just doesn’t seem like it’s possible. I passed Level I in Dec and then just passed Level II in June. I’m really trying to get out of the operations pigeon hole b/c i’ve been working in ops for 6 years now and really need to find something in a FO capacity. Any ideas how to make this transition? Do you recommend using recruiters?
Your best bet is to get into a top 10 MBA. If that’s not possible, I think you should start thinking of switching careers. That’s the same boat I am in.
why would you switch careers if you’re interested in the cfa program? getting in to a top 10 mba will not get you much further than passing level 3…you need to talk to your superiors and if the opportunities arent there then go to another place that will.
Exactly…i did the CFA b/c I am in the field that I want to be in. Let’s face it, operations roles don’t really give you the opportunity to build on one’s analytical skills. I’m going to use the CFA as a spring board into a better job opportunity but the road isn’t easy. I just need to find a way to bridge the gap b/w the MO and FO…that’s where I get lost.
tval: You just described me to a ‘t’ except that I am still a L2 candidate. I have an MBA but because it’s not even a top-100 program and my only experience (6.5 yrs) is BO, I too have had a very tough time making that transition. I expect that my time is coming and I need to be patient and focus on getting through the CFA program, but I have begun to look outside of my current firm for opportunities. I think you should definitely contact a headhunter and continue to look for a firm that appreciates and rewards your efforts rather than keeping you in ops. That’s what I’m trying to do…good luck friend!
Yes, good luck to you all. But, I have a question that I just can’t seem to get a good answer on… After you move from BO/MO to FO, then what? I’ve heard a trader’s career is capped at 40 years old…either you make enough to retire, keep coasting by making sure your P/L isn’t bad enough to get fired…or you get fired! And, it’s not like being trader will help you spring board to a cushion position at a F500 company…
sjv1030 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > After you move from BO/MO to FO, then what? I’ve > heard a trader’s career is capped at 40 years > old. I know many traders who are over 40. Most FO people don’t get 7-digits a year - even if they could retire at 40, they would have to make some unwanted lifestyle changes.
there are plenty of traders, PM’s and analysts over 40 on both buy and sell side
talk to recruiters and hope for a better job market. just keep teaching yourslef as much as possible. evnetually the sun will come out again.
If you are trying to be a trader why are you taking the CFA? The CFA will by no means help you become a trader. If you’re looking to trade then you need to start building relationships and working the system and your current fund. sjv1030 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Yes, good luck to you all. But, I have a question > that I just can’t seem to get a good answer > on… > > After you move from BO/MO to FO, then what? I’ve > heard a trader’s career is capped at 40 years > old…either you make enough to retire, keep > coasting by making sure your P/L isn’t bad enough > to get fired…or you get fired! And, it’s not > like being trader will help you spring board to a > cushion position at a F500 company…