I seek help with my career...

Question

Hello, I would like to state that I am new to the forums and as stated in title I seek guidance...

Well I graduated with Economics '09 and I was looking for a job in the financial sector anything really but I haven't really gotten lucky but I do have a temp job lined up as a junior book keeper at this big distribution company. I have an interview with them soon that was setup via temp agency which is a temp to perm (from what they tell me) but I don't know if I want to pursue it. My resume I will admit isn't fancy at all basically worked odd jobs in retail.

However, I would really like to get my foot in the door in the financial sector what is the best route for me? I've spoken to a few people some tell me study for GMATs try to get into a good B-school. One advice was to try to get level 1 CFA which should land me a job somewhere.

Any advice will be great. I submitted applications to many companies more than I can count and I haven't gotten a reply besides a eCommerce position which did not get.

If it CFA or B-school (GMAT) what are good prep courses...

shaselai · Answer

i guess depends on what you want... mba is more debt and 2 years while cfa could get you a job sooner. Also, MBA with very little WE is not good so maybe go CFA, get a job and find some experience then mba?

boohoo · Answer

with a CFA level 1 will it open more doors for me or get on an accelerated accounting MBA program?

like really CFA level 1 will be that good on my resume with no financial WE?

btw thank you!

shaselai · Answer

it certainly doesnt hurt but nothing is guaranteed though. But with your finance degree it will be extra boost. kudos!

Dawgie · Answer

Just passing CFA level 1 won't be enough. Sorry, but what are you looking to get into? I can offer more advice.

boohoo · Answer

It's economics. I wish it was a pure Finance degree...

boohoo · Answer

Well I would like to be a Financial Analyst for a firm.

Dawgie · Answer

That's too broad, you need to narrow down what you want to do. Corporate finance at F500, Ibanking, or Investment management?

boohoo · Answer

probably Corporate finance @ f500

Dawgie · Answer

booohoo, I would recommend a Top MSA program for you. Take a look at the top 7-8 MSA schools: public-accounting-report-2009-ranking-undergrad-ms-phd-88331.html Let me know if you have any more questions. Corporate finance @ F500 like CPAs.

boohoo · Answer

what about invest banking analyst is that sector still hiring?

Dawgie · Answer

They hiring, but the supply of jobs are very low. They typically take students from target schools during their senior year for analyst positions.

boohoo · Answer

man this is devastating... what is a good GMAT prep course I've been reading each claims they are the best and there a consensus of what is best on this forum?

Will it be overwhelming to study for CFA level 1 and GMATs at the same time with a temp job.

shaselai · Answer

i dont know about "best" but depends if you want in class or online. Also i would suggest going over mgmat and guides and take a test - then try the classes.

kieranwatts · Answer

No matter what your chosen field choose field you like, the benefit of an MBA graduate business degree can prepare you to step up to a managerial position within your field Salaries earned by graduates of MBA programs grow progressively. According to Graduate Management Admissions Council's (GMAC)

Jerz · Answer

I really don't think you're at a point in your career where an MBA makes much sense. Even assuming you can get in to a decent MBA program (which will be a challenge with no work experience), most companies, whether they're in the finance sector or recruiting for corporate finance roles, are going to strongly prefer MBA graduates with previous experience of some sort.

Right now the economy stinks and there's not a lot of jobs out there, especially in the financial world. If you want to be a financial analyst at F500, your best bet would be to take whatever work you can get now, do a masters in accountancy, then go for the financial analyst role. Then, once you have some experience built up you can decide whether an MBA is the right move.

boohoo · Answer

Master in Accountancy isn't that an MBA? b/c I was looking into something local and fast there is a professional accounting MBA 14month program.

And yes I agree the job market is really really bad..

Jerz · Answer

No, an MBA is a broad based degree in management, includes subjects like finance, marketing, economics, strategy, operations, etc, and is seen as a preparation for a variety of business careers (banking, consulting, product management, etc.) While you can concentrate in accounting with an MBA, that concentration will likely only require a couple accounting classes. A Master in Accountancy (MAcc) or Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) is a degree that is focused almost exclusively on accounting and is preparation for sitting for the CPA exam and a career as an accountant.

Dawgie · Answer

Yes it is very overwhelming to study for both, I would not recommend it.

shaselai · Answer

yeah. studying gmat is a "part time job" . lots of devotion to it.

I seek help with my career...

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