Career choices here in Ontario

Water Cooler Careers
#1

Hello folks,

I’d like to keep this short and sweet. I have experience in business banking and credit from my home country and also have an MBA, which has been recently assessed by World Education Services, to hold equal value here in Canada. I have been here in Canada for a few months short of 2 years. Now I know companies are looking for MBAs from an institution they recognize. So how do I just get my foot in the door.

I’ve tried linkedin, networking events and even informational interviews but to no avail. I’ve also tried headhunters, visiting the banks at the local level, and still trying to push my resume to the right people. I am looking to gain entry into a financial institution, and will work my way from there. I’ve cleared my CFA level 2; I do know it’s not much but thought it might better my chances. Now I’ve not applied for anything in the retail side, but fear doing so, would close my options in corp banking.

I’ve evaluated my options

CCP - Canadian Credit Professional

CLCA - Moody’s Analytics Commercial Lending

Continue CFA

I do not mind adding other credentials, but for now it’s enough money spent. I’d just like to see something happening.

Any advice on how to proceed further would be much appreciated.

#2

The fact that on an international forum, half of the posts are students trying to break into finance in Toronto might tell you why you’re having some trouble - too many MBAs to begin with in Toronto, and that’s MBAs that don’t have to be assessed for quality by some organization.

#3

Maybe try retail banking if you want to stay in banking? Yeah it not glamorous but unless you’ve got some recognisable firm experience abroad, its that or a back office processing job. Canada is also a pretty tough job market right now just generally.

#4

Thank you Geo and Art, appreciate your inputs.

#5

Finish CFA and try to start at operations at banks or you can try big4 transaction services. Not a guarantee these will get you to corp banking but I am sure it will give you some chances and who knows what door these will open for you in 3, 5 years…

Velut arbor ævo

#6

^ Big4 is an option too I guess. Or head over to the corporate side.