A SECOND CLASS LOWER GRADUATE’S PATH TO BECOMING AN INVESTMENT BANKER
Hello Jarus,
First and foremost I’ve got to say you guys are doing a stellar job on this platform! I am a recent subscriber to your blog and I’m amazed at the wealth of priceless information here. Please keep it going.
A bit about myself, I am a 22 year old graduate of Accounting from the University of Lagos, completed NYSC and qualified as an accountant (ICAN) in May 2014 diet, passing at first sitting.
I have also trained as a Financial analyst, I am an active investor, and passionate about finance and investing because I understand Africa’s potential as the next Investment frontier. As a result, i would like to work specifically in investment Banking.
Where is the snag? well, I graduated with a second class lower 3.46 CGPA (definitely no excuses).
Having read a similar post, I understand that save for extreme flukes, its pretty tough breaking into IB with anything but a First class.
But more than anything, I believe where there is a will, there will always be a way. Taking a cue from your suggestions, I have already begun preparing to complete the CIS( Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers) exams come March 2015 and all things being equal Level 1 CFA come June / December.
In the post I referenced above, it was suggested that one should focus more on mid-sized stockbroking firms at this stage, write the CFA and leverage on that.
I would appreciate any tips you might have on getting into a good stockbroking firm in Nigeria.
Kindest Regards
Emma
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Thanks for finding our web portal useful, Emma.
You have already done the right thing by going to write ICAN and passing. Craft a good CV to include that. Also, in the Class of Degree space for your Bsc Accounting, put 3.46/5.0 there, just for them to know you were close to 2.1.Put on your CV that you possess deep understanding of the markets and have strong desire to be an Investment Banker. Go and register for CIS and include on CV that you’re a student member of CIS too. Our team can help you tailor such CV for a fee. But it’s something you can do yourself.
Start circulating CVs among these local institutions like Meristem, Vetiva, BGL, Cardinal Stone etc. Better if you get an insider to help you drop the CV. CVs dropped by insiders carry more hope, because the insider knows the right quarter to drop it with.
If you want to ease your IB penetration, start CFA. With CFA 1 plus ICAN, I can assure you that you will get a decent firm to start with, even with your 2.2. But still, your ICAN plus 2.2 stand decent chance. I have a friend that got a job one of the firms I listed above through 2.2 plus ICAN.All the best.
Jarus
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