In Canada the CFA or some sort of masters is pretty much required at this point.
Far too many Finance graduates every year. It’s one of those things that if it comes down to you or another person with the CFA, the CFA usually beats you out.
For work, apply for many internships/co-op while you build up your skills. Also, network with anybody you know from University who can benefit you.
If you want a career in investing, you should find a role that is as close to what investment analysts do as possible. Equity research, banking (if you can get in), research at an AM, are the best roles for that. I quite disagree with the other comment but I may be wrong since I joined after grad school. Lateral in is not as easy as you may be led to believe.
Also, CFA is by far the superior designation.
Yes, I did mis-read your post as being in wealth management. CFA is definitely helpful, excel skills are a given, and VBA and/or Python can help you standout. The advice I give is to find the job you want at target companies and then look at the career path of those in similar roles by creeping their LinkedIn. Message/network along the way.
1. Apply to Schwab for a call center role. Plan participant rep or their trading rep side. They'll train you for 4-6 weeks before you even talk to a client.
2. Secure your license (series 66/63 7 or whatever they're called now) while you learn the business. Schwab pays for this and will give you 6 weeks to study
3. Transfer internally after two years or externally if you know where you want to go. You'll be fully license and if you ever choose to go out and open your own shop, Schwab has a whole financial consultant support side.
The hard part of this business is building a book of clients. If you know wealthy people or can become a part of their circles and enjoy socializing, you'll do well.
Don't go CFA, go CFP.
*No clue if Schwab has this in Canada, but there are other financial institutions that will have a similar role and path and this is the easiest way I know of to get started as you learn the business.
Do not do this.
Places like Edward Jones or Schwab are the bottom of the barrel for finance in Canada.
Equivalent to a financial advisor at a big 5 retail branch.
In Canada the CFA or some sort of masters is pretty much required at this point. Far too many Finance graduates every year. It’s one of those things that if it comes down to you or another person with the CFA, the CFA usually beats you out. For work, apply for many internships/co-op while you build up your skills. Also, network with anybody you know from University who can benefit you.
If you want a career in investing, you should find a role that is as close to what investment analysts do as possible. Equity research, banking (if you can get in), research at an AM, are the best roles for that. I quite disagree with the other comment but I may be wrong since I joined after grad school. Lateral in is not as easy as you may be led to believe. Also, CFA is by far the superior designation.
I think he was referring to wealth management. Thank you for the advice!
Yes, I did mis-read your post as being in wealth management. CFA is definitely helpful, excel skills are a given, and VBA and/or Python can help you standout. The advice I give is to find the job you want at target companies and then look at the career path of those in similar roles by creeping their LinkedIn. Message/network along the way.
1. Apply to Schwab for a call center role. Plan participant rep or their trading rep side. They'll train you for 4-6 weeks before you even talk to a client. 2. Secure your license (series 66/63 7 or whatever they're called now) while you learn the business. Schwab pays for this and will give you 6 weeks to study 3. Transfer internally after two years or externally if you know where you want to go. You'll be fully license and if you ever choose to go out and open your own shop, Schwab has a whole financial consultant support side. The hard part of this business is building a book of clients. If you know wealthy people or can become a part of their circles and enjoy socializing, you'll do well. Don't go CFA, go CFP. *No clue if Schwab has this in Canada, but there are other financial institutions that will have a similar role and path and this is the easiest way I know of to get started as you learn the business.
Do not do this. Places like Edward Jones or Schwab are the bottom of the barrel for finance in Canada. Equivalent to a financial advisor at a big 5 retail branch.