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03 Feb 2011, 05:02
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi everyone,
I'm a third-year undergraduate business major at UBC (it's a large Canadian university) and I'm very lost. I didn't do very well because I'd spent a lot of time partying and doing a lot of fun but unproductive activities. I have a 3.40/4.33 GPA and I will try to get it to 3.60 by the time I graduate.
I've only now realized how far behind I am compared to my peers (they already have a few internships). I don't have any corporate or extracurricular experience.
I'm not sure where to even start. I'm interested in finance and consulting but those seem to be very hard to get into. I'd wanted to be a financial engineer but I realized that I hate advanced math (differential equations). I'm planning on taking the first CFA exam in December.
My main question is given my situation, what are some realistic career options in finance or consulting? People have been telling me to go for investment banking but I don't have the grades nor experience to get in.
I'm also interested in getting an MBA after 5+ years of experience so I'm hoping get jobs that will emphasize on training and career development. I'm thinking of jobs like being a financial analyst at GE. Is that realistic? Can I transition from that into investment banking or consulting?
Thanks,
MrHu
I'm a third-year undergraduate business major at UBC (it's a large Canadian university) and I'm very lost. I didn't do very well because I'd spent a lot of time partying and doing a lot of fun but unproductive activities. I have a 3.40/4.33 GPA and I will try to get it to 3.60 by the time I graduate.
I've only now realized how far behind I am compared to my peers (they already have a few internships). I don't have any corporate or extracurricular experience.
I'm not sure where to even start. I'm interested in finance and consulting but those seem to be very hard to get into. I'd wanted to be a financial engineer but I realized that I hate advanced math (differential equations). I'm planning on taking the first CFA exam in December.
My main question is given my situation, what are some realistic career options in finance or consulting? People have been telling me to go for investment banking but I don't have the grades nor experience to get in.
I'm also interested in getting an MBA after 5+ years of experience so I'm hoping get jobs that will emphasize on training and career development. I'm thinking of jobs like being a financial analyst at GE. Is that realistic? Can I transition from that into investment banking or consulting?
Thanks,
MrHu
03 Feb 2011, 06:37
Kudos
Bookmarks
Firstly, let me congratulate you on getting your head on straight. Despite your comments about friends being "ahead" rest assured that there are many more out there who do not realize how important it is to plan ahead until after they graduate. Gaining core finance and analysis skills is a great foundation for a career in finance, and you could not do better out of undergrad than to work as an FA for a top firm. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, GE, etc. etc. are all great options. Two years as an FA is a virtual launch pad for b-school and is historically a very tried and true feeder for the top full time b-school programs. Keep in mind there are hoards of others on this same track, so along the way you will need to pick up "extras" in order to distinguish yourself--get involved in company extracurriculars. Goldman, for example, has a program called Community Teamworks, which encourages it's FA ranks to lead and organize volunteer excursions for their offices. I am sure other firms have similar options. Work hard, learn much and you will open doors no matter where you hand your hat. Tip though: be assertive in your job search especially if the good firms do not recruit at your school. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and thoughtful persistence can win the day in the busy field of finance.
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