So, I came across this website and I was wondering if any of you have had experience with this program and if it’s worth it.
A little background info on me
Graduated from a decent business school in Canada with 3.2 GPA. No relevent internships to speak of. Passed CFA Level 1 this year. I’m not expecting to break into Wall Street or be a finance hotshot. Just interested in a career at investment management, no matter where it is. Also, do you guys think I should go for CFA level 2? Networking makes me cringe, and seemingly it’s the only way to get into the industry. Would a CPA be a better option?
The buy side is tough to get into, and an $89 program on a website won’t solve that for you. If you’re starting from a base with little knowlede, it might help you get a better idea of the industry, sure. But I doubt you’ll be any closer to a job.
What business school did you go to? What have you been doing since graduation?
Edit: Just went through that site’s blog, it’s pathetic. Not a place you want to be going for information.
What are you doing today for work? Laurier is a decent school, but not top tier. I doubt most managers in my market would even know it (though you’ll be OK in Toronto).
I think most people would know Laurier within Southern Ontario. I work in something not even remotely close to finance and this is a huge problems obviously. I don’t have any relevant internships because I didn’t know this is what I wanted until I reached 4th year.
I’m looking to get me foot in the door through any way possible. Again, I’m not expecting to ever work at Wall Street (it’s not possible). I was thinking of doing a MBA in Finance. Any suggestions? Keep in mind I don’t qualify for Rotman or Ivey because work experience.
Work for 2 years while doing your CFA, go to a top 3 canadian school (Rotman ivey Schulich) then go work on Bay street (that’s what I did before moving to Hong Kong). Asset management is more accessible in Canada than it is in the US. The big banks have asset management businesses filled with Canadian grads, whereas in the US it’s usually ivey league circles.
In the meantime, you can get finance experience by working as an associate for an investment advisor. You’ll be exposed to the buy side. Just cold call these guys and see if they need help. There’s hiring every year.
After doing that for 2 years, do the MBA (try for Rotman since you want Finance).
PM me if you want more advice, I went from a useless undergrad degree in Canada to buy side analyst.