Tracey Said:

Decent combination to Pursue Career in Invesment Bank ?

We Answered:

Entry Level Financial Analyst or something to that effect with an investment bank is a good start if you want to have a lot of doors opened in terms of networking.

You'll start out around 55K or so in NY.

By the way, you don't have to go to an Ivy League school or prominent university. Just be a smart kid with a good personality and be passionate about whatever you do.

Connie Said:

Staring a new career in Canada... advice please?

We Answered:

The good news is that you have several options, and not all of them will require the workaholic hours you're looking to get away from. I experienced a similar struggle when relocating to the US after living in Japan for nearly 6 years.

I sometimes struggled with the "so you've got a ton of experience in Japan...but what can you do for me here?" when interviewing with companies, but I came to realize that I wanted to work for a company that valued my overseas experience, not one that questioned it or downplayed it. So that's what I eventually found, and it really didn't take all that long. I found a job through a referral from an old friend from my college days.

A few tips:
1) Research companies that do business with Chinese companies and perhaps that have operations in China. Those will likely make up the bulk of your "short list" of target companies.
2) Get involved with internationally-focused social and professional organizations. Network and meet people who may know someone looking for a skilled professional with expertise in China.
3) Check with the local Chinese consulate or embassy, and if there is a China-Canada association, trade association, a Chinese Chamber of Commerce, or anything similar, find out what resources they may have.
4) Reconnect with old colleagues, classmates, etc., through LinkedIn, Facebook, FastPitch, and other social networking sites. That can often lead to job opportunities.
5) Make a list of what qualities you're looking for in a company, and what you're not looking for. Also list up the many skills you bring to the table (including adaptability, versatility, persistence, patience, communications skills, negotiation skills, and so on) - I'm sure you developed these skills and many more by necessity.

To your success,

David B. Wright
Author, Get A Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves

Carl Said:

decent combination to Pursue Career in Invesment Bank ?

We Answered:

I think having a degree in economics is decent preparation for understanding business from a 30,000 foot level however, it may be inadequate to draw much attention from the HR department of an investment bank. On the other hand, earning a degree in math/stats is a great way to prepare yourself for certain roles within a brokerage firm. The combination could be dynamite and indicates that you have been well grounded in two important disciplines. For example, the derivatives area or the options area of a firm relies heavily on mathematicians or econophysicists who are familiar with stochastic calculus. This is the basis for the binomial options model and arbitrage pricing. The pricing and understanding of how to set up an appropriate hedge for a position that the firm may take is highly mathematical and frequently involves some proprietary mathematical modeling. As you can see, the roles within the investment banking firm that I am thinking of are primarily oriented to trading.

A sophisticated understanding of mathematics and its application to econometrics can be useful for research whether in economics or applied research. Few equity research analysts do in depth econometric models to study the correlation of industry profitabiity or sales to economic factors. But the best preparation for the research department is generally a degree in business or finance combined with a CFA designation.

If it is the investment banking function that intrigues you, there are analytical roles for an IB associate. But most critical to this sort of a position is the ability to construct financial models, which really demands more business and finance background as well as an understanding of constructing financial statements.

From what you describe, your background will prepare you for certain roles in a brokerage firm, primarily in derivatives and options trading. But in my view, adding a few finance and investment courses would broaden your chances considerably.

Josephine Said:

Would this company hire me?

We Answered:

you might change first sentenceto say "I am applying for any currently open entry-level position". Maybe list a time range to call you (4 p.m.-6 p.m).

Lawrence Said:

Investment Banking - Oil & Gas?

We Answered:

There's no real right answer. I'm not sure about Calgary, but are there a number of banks out there? Obviously, banking is a bit down its peak a few years back with everything IPOing then. A large part of it is sales and networking once you start working your way up the ladder, so if you're comfortable doing that, you might do well. If you prefer the typical engineer jobs, then banking might not be the right choice.

If you're serious about making a switch, talk to some bankers. Do a few informational interviews to a get a feel of the tasks and the industry. Then, figure out what you want to do.

Antonio Said:

Want to move from Canada to Cali, what do I need to be able to work?

We Answered:

You have to have a green card 3 years (if obtained by marriage) or 5 years (otherwise) before you can become a U.S. citizen. Then, yes, you can have dual citizenship. You are required to renounce all previous citizenships when obtaining your U.S. citizenship. But Canada does not recognize that renunciation unless it is done in open court. So you can have two passports. Interestingly, when I travel to Canada and present both my U.S. and Canadian passports, they ignore the Canadian passport and stamp the U.S. passport.

Employment is one way, marriage or family ties is another way.

No, you would have to be someone that they really need if they are going to do that much work for you. But here's what you do. You tell the employer that getting a visa is no problem, you have it taken care of and will handle all the expense. Then you get a NAFTA "TN" visa. All you need for one of those is a 4 year degree, a fee, and a job offer letter with an offer to employ you for one year. Any good immigration lawyer can help you with one. You take that to the border and they have to accept you. Those visas are renewable each year, indefinitely. After you get enough experience to be valuable, then you can hire an attorney to help you get a green card or at least an H1-B visa which is good for several years. Normally an employer will get you an H1-B visa for a few years while they see if you are a good long term fit.

If necessary, use a local address on your resume and explain the minor technical need for the employment letter after the decision maker has decided to hire you. Go in with confidence.