Obtaining IM/IB Positions (Career Changer)

Question

I have recently been accepted to UCLA Anderson and I am set on entering the IM field after obtaining my MBA. I majored in Finance and had numerous investment related experiences when I was an undergrad, but for the last three years I have been teaching (Teach for America and teaching abroad). I am concerned that my limited experience in the industry will prevent me from being able to obtain a summer internship and full time position after graduation (thus preventing me from being able to pay off my massive loans).

I would appreciate it if someone, particularly someone who shares my non traditional background, could speak about their experiences in attempting to break into the field.

Thanks in advance!

I would appreciate it if someone, particularly someone who shares my non traditional background, could speak about their experiences in attempting to break into the field.

Thanks in advance!

mappleby · Answer

I think your best bet is going to be a sell-side Equity Research position. I don't want to be too negative but I think you are going to really struggle to land a job in investment management on the buy-side from Anderson. It is notoriously difficult to break into the buy side from even the top business schools as a career switcher. I would keep your options open to sell-side roles and then leverage that experience to switch to a role in asset management down the line.

rcharchar · Answer

Thanks Mappleby. Do you think that the MBA is the best way to enter the field given my background?

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Obtaining IM/IB Positions (Career Changer)

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