AN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STUDENT’S PATH TO FINANCE CAREER
Good Day Sir,
I’m sorry to disturb you like this but I really need the type of career advice you are gifted in disseminating. I am a 300 level student of International Studies and Diplomacy in a first generation university tied to a course I’m not happy with and confused as to the path to go. I refuse to put forward any excuses about studying a liberal arts course when I know my field of strength – numbers. But it is what it is.
My problems are these sir:
First, I want to plot a return to a career based on numbers, something finance related, maybe as a nod to my present discipline, something like International Finance. I however don’t know how to go about it.
What certifications/trainings/
Second, because of aforementioned love for numbers, I’ve since my 2nd year eyed as the ultimate nexus between big earnings and intellectual stimulation, investment banking and its satellite career paths and have held as a dream pursing a CFA certificate and ICAN after University. How probable is a career in that field for a liberal arts major and what do I have to do to attain this height?
Third, how can I network and intern as a student? What is the modus operandi of connecting to finance titans. Are there finance meets? Conferences? Do I have to golf?
Sigh. I bet I’ve asked too much. But I kindly ask you to please reply whenever you have the time. I tell you, I am at loss as to what to do.
Yours.
Jefferson
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Dear Jeff,
Hi Jeff.
Writing ICAN is your sure bet to start with. Enrol immediately after school. First degree doesn’t matter. I know people that studied Agriculture, Chemistry and other courses that are far off and are now Finance guru.
So it is no barrier at all.
Just make sure you graduate with 2.1 in current course because that is what will make companies invite you for test pending the time you finish your ICAN.
Consultancies like KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, Ernst and Young etc. don’t care about your course of study. So is Accenture. So with 2.1 in even that your current course, they will invite you for test. If you pass and get their offer, you will be posted to departments where you will kick start your finance career. After 2-3 years in these organizations, by which time I expect you to have finished your ICAN, you can start CFA and move to an IB firm.
On networking with IB people, set up a decent, serious profile on LinkedIn. Send friend requests to professionals (not necessarily IB people alone), peep into people’s profiles. Search investment banking, add up some of the guys that come up, send them polite message that you’re a student that wants to learn from them. Some will reply, some will ignore. But no harm in trying. Don’t be surprised that some will be willing to assist. Send regular messages to them. When they’re comfortable enough with you, they will be willing to share their mobile number. Keep in touch by sending messages once in a while to say hi to them.
Follow industry trend. Read wide. Read LinkedIn articles. Subscribe to websites Mergers and Inquisitions (google them). You don’t need golf club for now.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
