The reader questions continue coming in, and we’ll take a similar approach to the most recent Rapid-Fire Q&A. Lightning Q&A, Round 2, now commences.

1. What do you think of paid placement agencies? I’m about to write a check to one, since they promised they could get me an internship at any bulge bracket bank.

Don’t send the check! Anyone that makes such a “promise” is lying because there’s no way you can make such a guarantee - there are simply too many variables involved in the job hunt process.

While you can significantly boost your chances by doing things such as reading this site, having your resume reviewed and practicing interviews, there are no guarantees.

In short, they’re a scam. Avoid.

Getting A Job, Investment Banking Lifestyle, Recruiting, Workplace Diversity | 2 Comments »

“It’s something very personal, a very important thing. Hell! It’s a family motto. Are you ready Jerry? I wanna make sure you’re ready, brother. Here it is: Show me the money. SHOW! ME! THE! MONEY! Jerry, it is such a pleasure to say that! Say it with me one time, Jerry.”

-Rod Tidwell, “Jerry Maguire” (1996)

If you’re anything like Rod here, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Part I of “Breaking And Entering Into Finance”, a series on how to get into finance from a non-finance background. I find myself answering this question a lot, possibly because I’m from a non-finance background myself. Or maybe just because everyone wants to get into finance.

Career Change, Getting A Job, Hedge Funds, Recruiting | 15 Comments »