Hi, I'm a recent graduate with a business degree. Like all young people, of course I would want to try breaking into investment banking. Yes, I do realise high pay comes with long working hours but still would like to try it.

However, I realise that, me being a graduate, although from a foreign university, it is not the world's top universities and without a CFA, it is extremely hard for me to get into this industry.

Some people recommended me in trying to get a job as a processing officer in a bank then move into investment banks as credit analyst. Some recommended me working for a smaller investment firms first.

I just would like to know the opinion of fellow brothers in this forum on how should I get a job in investment banking.

Your best bet is actually to get into one of the graduate training programs (GTP) offered by the large domestic banks ie Maybank IB, CIMB etc. Go through the program (usually 2 years), and with A LOT of hard work, gruelling hours and some luck, you will be able to become an Analyst or Associate in investment banking.

Starting pay should be in the region of RM4-5k p.m., and will hit RM10k after another 3-4 years, if you're good enough.

Yea, I have applied for CIMB but didnt know about Maybank IB, probably would go and apply now. But its been almost a month, they haven't even read my CV yet(jobstreet can see they read already or not).

But thanks for telling me about Maybank IB

try applying online through their website for cimb..

Have you got any prior experience?

I'm a not-so recent graduate and do not have any relevant experience. Have been applying through their websites for months now but to no avail. I guess I don't make the cut being a foreigner.

Foreigners don't stand that big of a chance as Malaysians.

Nope, no experience. Me being a Malaysian also did not have any call ups yet. Sigh, the job market these days.

Dear TS,

The investment banking is a relatively wide society. Therefore, I'm not really sure if you are enquiring for the research, compliance, dealing, online support or other positions in investment banking. However, I will just assume is on the research department.

Similar to what laksamana mentioned, apart from looking into online career portal, it's best to write in to the company's website and enquire about your desired position opening. The link below might be useful to search for all participating organisations with Bursa Malaysia
http://www.bursamalaysia.com/market/securi...-organisations/

If you are still studying, it's best to to an internship with banks which offers graduate trainee programs. This will give you a competitive edge over other potential candidates when it comes to filtering process for interview.

Apart from that, SIDC (Securities Commission Malaysia) actually offers their own Graduate Development Program but I think applications were closed since weeks ago. You will trained for a few months in this program then they will attach you randomly with one of the participating organisations. (My immediate senior undergoes the program and he is part of the research department now). Alternatively, if you are qualified, you can also apply for the Islamic Capital Market Graduate Training Scheme. You can find in the link below;
http://www.sidc.com.my/Programmes-Services...New-Talent.aspx


As you had already experience, the job market is extremely competitive especially for investment banking. If you don't mind, you can go for dealer position first. You will be required to sit for Module 6 and 7 of SC exam to be a licensed dealer. Once passed, you can take on SC's Module 12 and 19A for the research department. From then onwards, keep an eye for any position opening in the research department within your company and apply for an internal transfer. Or you can even just take on Module 12 and 19A while applying for jobs. Best of luck!

I think the route you mentioned (commercial banking into investment banking) won't really work. The skill sets seem to be pretty different.

As Dreamer said above, the SIDC program is a pretty good road in - I personally have a degree from an unimpressive university too but managed to get accepted into the program, although in the end I left for other opportunities. If you don't manage to get into an investment bank right off the bat, I think some corporate finance department or investment arm of a local bank would be more relevant than commercial banking.

heh... ts started this topic slightly late... if not i would had recommended the below, dont know why but i have somehow attended the workshop below... speaker was former morgan stanley n now with google capital PV... last year he got students from asean, internship positions at hsbc, rbc n morgan stanley... no goldman

among all, singkies from nus, smu & LSE, 1 ang moh and 1 msian from stanford... i guess it is wasted that msians in msia wont know about this... one of the singkie flew from sg to HK last year just to attend the workshop and he got a place..

<certain info removed due to confidentiality >

i am trying to bring this workshop next year to msia, hopefully he's willing to attend..

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/leaders-worksh...kets-9435916079

Leaders Workshop
World's Largest Investment Banking, Consulting, and Accounting Workshop
Duration: 2 days
Cost: Free (RSVP cost is refunded upon attendance)
Location: National University of Singapore - Lecture Theatre 11

Audience: this event is open to everyone who is interested in pursuing a career in Investment Banking, Consulting, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship. Students and non-students from all around Singapore and neighboring regions are welcome to attend.

Details: this 2-day event is designed to help students break into their field of choice, specifically Investment Banking, Consulting, Accounting, or even Entrepreneurship. The workshop will teach students how to build a resume for their career and will train them for the technical and behavioral portions of professional interviews. During the workshop we will continuously assess the participants and will invite a select few to the Leaders Candidate Program, allowing them to become a part of the global network of graduates from the Leaders initiative. The program helps candidates with mentoring, networking, and career opportunities. Therefore, it is recommended that students who are passionate about such a career participate in this event and try their best to involve themselves in class discussions. Please note, students who do not attend the complete 2-day workshop will not be considered for the Leaders Candidate Program.

Schedule: the timeline of the event along with the details of each workshop are as follows:
Day 1.A: Mar 22 | 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Resume Workshop | Details: this workshop teaches the candidates how to create a resume that not only looks professional, but will help you in making the most of a single sheet of paper. We will teach the class the Leaders resume format and work through various content examples that can be included in the resume. The format taught here can be used for any profession or any other situation where a resume is required.

Day 1.B: Mar 22 | 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm | Behavioral Workshop | Details: this workshop teaches students how to properly answer questions such as why investment banking or consulting. The workshop covers important topics such as explaining your “story” and how to properly answer questions related to both educational and professional experience. Nine out of ten candidates in interviews fail the behavioral component and that is the difference between getting an offer and getting a rejection email.

Day 1.C: Mar 22 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Networking Workshop | Details: this workshop teaches students how to form, develop, and build relationships within the professionalindustry. Included in this topic are strategies to build your contact list, reach out to alumni, and create new connections. From there, the workshop covers recruiting events, informational sessions, and seminars, examining techniques to use these opportunities to stand out from the rest of the student body. Remember, it's not what you know, but who you know.

Day 2.A: Mar 23 | 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Technical Workshop - Accounting | Details: this workshop teaches students the basic and advanced concepts required for acing the technical portion of investment banking, accounting, and consulting interviews. The accounting section of the technical workshop will cover financial statement analysis, changes and effects of major line items, and general questions that are asked in the majority of interviews. The mastery of this section is mandatory for passing first-round and final-round interviews.

Day 2.B: Mar 23 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Technical Workshop - Valuation | Details: this advanced workshop teaches students the various types of valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows, comparable companies analysis and precedent transaction analysis. This workshop covers the valuation topic in far greater detail and is an especially unique resource for candidates by conducting valuation examples that mimic real-world investment banking deals.

About Us: Leaders (www.LeadersGN.com) is a volunteer initiative that has been an invaluable support to generations of students breaking the investment banking, consulting, accounting, and entrepreneurship career barrier and landing interviews and job offers at leading institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey & Co., Bain, Google, JP Morgan, Evercore, Deloitte, Nike, Apple, Qatalyst, Lazard, Houlihan Lokey, Moelis & Co., Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, UBS, Citigroup, Soros, Microsoft, HSBC, Macquarie, RBC, CIBC, BMO, TD Securities, and many more. Currently, the Leaders network spans globally and is present in cities all over the world including New York, London, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Singapore and Toronto. We believe in helping candidates unleash their potential and grow into leaders in this highly competitive industry.

Instructor: workshop will be taught by the founder of Leaders, Sherjan Husainie, who is currently a private equity investor at Google Capital and previously worked as an investment banker within Morgan Stanley’s Technology Investment Banking team in San Francisco. Prior to that, he also worked at Houlihan Lokey in M&A and at RBC Capital Markets in the Global Algorithmic Trading group. Mr. Husainie graduated from UCLA Anderson with a Masters in Financial Engineering and did his undergrad at the University of Toronto in Aerospace Engineering.



This post has been edited by alaskanbunny: Mar 24 2014, 12:02 AM

you know sherjan?

i went to his workshop of course i know him la... but he dunno me yet

Keep hustling cuz. It is difficult to break into IB if you do not come from a top school. A pass in CFA Level 1 will not help much, might as well get an IB internship first in a boutique advisory firm and keep hustling for the job.

Why not go for Masters in Finance first ?

Just a good BBA will do, with some general knowledge of IB during the interview. I got offer with just BBA, not yet even out of school.

Actually best bet is to join a small ib first, if you want to really learn corporate finance is where you shld start, if you want big bucks then go treasury.

But TS said he already got a business degree and couldn't get any offer. Don't you think he should go for Masters in Finance ?

would a degree in finance make a big difference even if im without working experience?

Care to share which co. u went for?

Care to name a few? the only one I know and dont even know if they are considered small is Kenanga.

u r from a top school la n u did post grad... n u bought sgd1.6mill condo fresh out of school... that says a lot

Easy life then choose Master. Better path should be CFA from my point of view.

Goldman and JP. Good luck.

After finish degree time la.

start small if you can't get your foot in the bulge bracket. you must really be outstanding, you can be overseas - mid tier uni with cfa lvl3 pass, also won't help.

I'll name you a few, Inter-Pac Securities, M&A Securities, Jupiter Securities, SJ Securities, TA Securities, Malacca Securities.

all but Jupiter & Malacca has corporate finance, good starting ground. you better be meticulous and willing to work late, else you're in for a good round of ass whopping.

Inter-Pac - Mr. Tan, M&A - Gary, SJ - Robert Ti, TA - maybe Dominic

anyways best of luck, these smaller firms you also get to learn alot, but get out ASAP (1-2yrs tops) cause any longer your experience is irrelevant for big IBs.

Hi, I'm short listed for Cimb capital markets & operation,
Cn I have some advice on tis job?
I'm from actuarial science degree background.
Currently attached with hong Leong doin campaign analytics.
Thank you.

Kenanga used to be small but now is considered mid size after alot of consolidation.

Bro a word of an advise is to do some research, if you expect ppl to give you an answer I doubt you will survive in an IB. I ve train many juniors during my IB time, and usually they ll get a hardtime if you do not put some effort to find things out yourself.

Go grab some financial news, magazine or even online. There is tons of info. THe weekly edge is a good start. Finding out the size of each bank is the most basic you can do. Just go to their website and download their annual report and start comparing them. Look for the IB division financials and do a simple comparison. Revenue/ staff cost/ headcount etc.

Being a good Investment Banker you need to be sharp in picking up things and especially from the public news, etc.

Master in finance without any working experience as an IB analyst will make the situation worse. Spend few years more than average fresh grad for the stupid master just to break in IB
I would recommend aim for the bulge bracket IB instead of boutique. Unless your cv is not really that impressive and you're not from ivy leagues or top unis. But don't think boutique firm is easy to get in, it sometimes is even harder than bulge bracket.

http://www.mergersandinquisitions.com/no-b...ment-bank-hire/

Then what advise do you have for Software Engineering undergraduate who wants to go into IB upon graduation ?

Not joining a boutique firm. A boutique firm is harder without basics. Join a small ib like affin, TA, etc.

If imma from engineering can break into IB onot o?
Havent grad and still young but maybe can take ACCA at the same time.. Better chance of breaking with acca?

IB is a very closed industry. Most people who work there are hired because someone recommended them, or they know someone in the industry etc. Also yea, why not CFA?

Thanks for ur information.

When is this program start and end ? I can't find its schedule

Thanks ^^

Not sure when the program starts cause I never underwent it, but i guess it starts in the beginning of each year and best if you ring them up for your enquiries. That's why its not on their website now.

Just a little about the program. It's a 2 years program. For the first 2 months, you will be in classroom training and at the end of it, you're required to sit for 2 Module papers. The pay, however, is on the lower end cause you basically goes there to study and sit for the exam. Then, you will be guaranteed to have an interview with someone (HR Managers/ Head of Departments) from the IB or stockbroking companies. If you're successful, for the next 22 months, you'll be attach to a random IB or stockbroking company (pay depending on the IB's offer). My senior underwent it and was part of the dealing team for a couple of months before he request to be transfer to the research department. Of course, he took up Module 12 and 19A along the way plus there was a vacant position before the transfer as well.

Oh, there was also an old topic discussing about is as well in https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1459957/all

Good luck!

This post has been edited by Dreamer09: Jun 29 2014, 03:15 PM

Hey guys, I have a question that I would like to ask and I hope you can provide me with some insights!!

I am a fresh graduate with 7 months auditing experience and thinking of switching to work in IB.

I already went for interviews at : Aminvestment for Corporate Finance position and also with RHB-OSK for its Executive - Futures and Trading position. Both are not in HQ.

So as a fresh graduate, I am seeking for more exposure and also most importantly a platform that could let me to learn as much as I can. Which is the above will let me have a better career prospect after leaving the position?

Also, I was required to take Module 14 & 16 SIDC for my Futures and Trading Position with RHB-OSK. ( I have to take papers too for my Corporate finance position but not sure whicch two yet) As far as I am concern, I think most of the ppl here mentioned bout Module 6 & 7. Does it make a huge difference? Is it advisable for me to take Module 6&7?
Thank you so much in advance!I am thankful for any kind of response(s)

Roughly how much is the salary during the training program? Anyone know?

Guys, can I ask some question regarding being a dealer representative?

It's about the job prospect and career development.

As far as I can search, basically what a dealer does is: execute orders, generate report, do technical analysis, develop market with the company?
I am keen to get into this field as I think it is much interesting than accounting.
Just what have been bothering me is, I'm kind of worried as I do not have much insight about the job prospect or career development.

My idea:
Development from-
`Executive > ` Associate (only differentiate for more experience becoming a senior?)
>` Manager (less operation more decision making work?)
>`Further higher position that I'm not sure what it could be, like Head of operation,VP, MD?
Changing to-
`Analyst? :`Financial analyst[risk management, credit risk etc?]
`Research investment analyst [technical analysis?] (Can be investment advisor?)
`Trader? : Either individual or corporate dealing trader?
`Compliance officer
-Less relativity but in same field
`Operation in the field (such as customer service provider)
`Fund manager
`Financial Planner (Maybe related to investment analyst?)
`Advisory of CF or working in CF
-Other less related field, such as real estate agent, accounting auditing, HR, finance, sales and marketing etc
-Self employed

By realistically viewing, the dealer representative position is an operation + sales & marketing directed.
I consider it as front office work?
Then other possible back office work like operations (clearing etc), compliance officer or head, research analyst or financial analyst?
Or I should say, I'm concerned with the experience I can gain from the position, and curious about how the path it could be.
I know there are too much possibilities and I should just stop hesitating.
I just want to discuss with you guys to find out, whether am I missing any possibilities?

Sorry if causing any inconvenience, thanks anyway.

well...CF would anytime be tougher than your current job in audit. but it is good for you if you can take it.

CF and futures & trading are 2 completely different things.

if you want to build yourself and climb the corporate ladder, CF is the way to go, but do not expect easy life. on contrary, the RHB-OSK position is just another sales position, i'm not saying you do not need to put in a lot of effort, but it's a sales job still? it's up to you. CF is very tedious, where you need to everything when you're a junior, including making coffee, photocopying, hard labour, drafting circular, prospectus, applications and etc.... you may get sick of it after rounds of amendments and updating.

you need to take some SC's test to be an IB. well, my take is, go for the CF job rather than sales job, only if you don't mind 15 or 16 hours job a day.

Good luck.

Go for CF, 16 hours as day is quite rare in some houses. Some CF gets to go back at 8pm. very easy life.

Can anyone enlighten me on the pay, benefits, working culture for a boutique firm, say, kenanga, ECM libra, MIDF, etc?

ANYONE?

5 months down the road. do you still need to know this?

or do you already know?

Engineering degree is sought after in investment banking in areas of analytics and risk management

I think it depends on the hiring manager. From my experience the hiring manager tends to hire people that have the same academic qualification as him. So if the hiring manager have an engineering degree then you will probably stand a better chance. I have even seen someone with a history degree from Stanford on the trading desk.

But yeah there are quite some of engineering degree holders in the ib I use to work for. Ib will come to the engineering faculty career fair day in universities to directly hire from there while I was studying.

Hi

If you are interested in finding a job related to banking & financing, you can try to apply a poition at OCBC Bank.

Here are some extra information about OCBC Inverstment Banking and Online Banking

Applying through places like jobstreet won't really help that much. Your probability will be higher if you e-mail your application directly to the employer i.e Investment Bank or Stock Brokers (if you do not have a person to help you from within the capital markets industry or the employer). I agree with Dreamer09 about the investment society (capital markets as commonly referred to) being relatively wide. There are so many job functions you can apply to. So, knowing what you want to do in the first place can really improve the probability of landing your dream job.

The ones that are generally sought after by employees are positions for i) equity dealer (not entirely the same as remisier); ii) futures dealer; iii) fund manager; iv) corporate finance advisor; v) sell side research analyst; or vi) Compliance officer for equity / futures / fund management / IB. In addition, you can also check out jobs as a forex and money market dealer in a treasury department of an IB (not so familiar with this). These are all considered as regulated activities in that you have a statutory body like the Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia and Bank Negara to regulate your conduct. Hence, each and every one of the function requires either a license or registration. Refer to the licensing handbook - http://www.sc.com.my/wp-content/uploads/en...inghandbook.pdf

As indicated in the licensing handbook, you need to pass certain exams from SIDC and be attached to a principal in order to apply the license (CMSRL). The exams (modules) for each functions are listed as follows:-

http://www.sidc.com.my/licensing-examinati...les-description

For treasury functions, you might want to have a look at the PKMC exams:-

http://www.ppkm.net/wp-content/uploads/201...121228-PKMC.pdf

Good thing is, you can either take this exam before or after you get the job. But, my take is, why wait for an employer to take a chance on you when you can sit for the exams and save them the hassle. Having these exams will give them a good first impression on you and it will give them something to ponder about. These exams tells the employers that you have a good base of understanding about the industry and the required knowledge of a particular job function (not in depth). Plus, it doesn't cost you that much for an investment in education. Fees per exam are:-

http://www.sidc.com.my/SIDC/files/f7/f7cbb...a0750967d5c.pdf

Book prices are:- http://www.sidc.com.my/SIDC/files/16/16019...38434b1ae6b.pdf

The more exams you have, the more it would be an eye opener for the employers (my 2 cents). Do not worry too much about your alma mater or what you study in college. I've seen and talked to people with degrees that are irrelevant to the market and yet they managed to deliver. It's your task to prove to them that you have an advantage in that you carry something different to the table. I'm a law grad from a local university and my grades are pretty shi**y. Suffice to say that it's difficult but not impossible and I've tried almost everything in the industry. So, put more cosmetic to that resume of yours and impress them.

Another useful skill that you might want to consider is financial modelling. You can get a decent course online. I recommend 'Break into Wall Street' as it teaches you the things you need to understand from basic. For certain job functions, i think it helps to understand a little bit about 'technical analysis'. CFA does help a lot, but it would be easier to comprehend the materials if you are already in the industry. Otherwise, it can be really frustrating. The industry is really competitive and you need to start somewhere and stand out from the rest. Therefore, I agree with CcL, get one foot in the industry first (apply to smaller firms or non-core job functions and climb your way up). You'll appreciate the experience.

Those of you who needs guidance or a tutor to pass the exams from SIDC, feel free to contact me to make an enquiry (professordrone@yahoo.com). I can cover module 6,7,9,10,11,12,14,16 and 19 (19A or 19B).

Good luck and all the best to you!

IB here is a very closed industry. You need a good brand (top tier school, work exp) to even get a look.Try to avoid the back office --> front office route. Go for a big 4 or corp fin position first then transition later.

Yup, it's just a handful of people, that's why they are paid so well
They are like the specialist in their area of work, but stress will also kick in when market is down or their recommendations to clients fail..