REVIEW MY CV: I'm a recent graduate with a lot to offer, why can't I offer it?!

27 April 2010

3 minute read

REVIEW MY CV: I'm a recent graduate with a lot to offer, why can't I offer it?!

I've had several short term jobs in banking, but none that have turned into anything lasting. I know that I'm a strong candidate with a lot of potential but I don't seem to be having any luck with the applications that I've been submitting. Any feedback you could give would be much appreciated.

PERSONAL PROFILE

High calibre recent graduate with strong financial acumen and a strong interest in financial markets. An excellent verbal and written communicator, with strong valuation, analytical and financial modelling skills. Highly motivated either in a team or autonomous environment. Fast learner with a track record for consistently meeting goals and delivering high level job performance. Thrives on responsibility and working under pressure.

EDUCATION

London-based Business School

BSc Hons Investment & Financial Risk Management - Upper Second Class London, June 2009

Relevant modules: Security Analysis (Fundamental analysis, both bottom up and top down to analyse market and sector trends), Company Valuation (including DCF & Multiplier approaches using Microsoft Excel), Financial & Management Accounting, Equity Investment Mgt, Fixed Income Portfolio Mg, Risk Analysis & Modelling, Alternative Investment Management (Hedge fund strategies, commodity investment etc) & Corporate Finance (Capital raisings, divestitures, acquisition methods)

UK Sixth Form, July 2003

A - Levels (Business Studies, Biology, Information Technology)

School, July 2001

9 A*-C GCSEs including - English (AA), Double Award Science (AA), Information Technology (A), Maths (B)

WORK EXPERIENCE

APS Analyst - Asset Protection Scheme, UK bank September 2009 - February 2010

Reviewed corporate transactions to ascertain their impact HMT Asset protection Scheme cover

Analysed a range of high profile deals and transactions for a number of major companies across a wide breadth of industries and sectors (including real estate, construction, and retail), including a number of IPOs and acquisitions a number involving private equity firms.

Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills when presenting results and opinions based on my analysis

Developed product knowledge of a range of corporate facilities including those used in acquisition finance

Credit Analyst, UK bank June 2009 - September 2009

Conducted in depth analysis of financial statements to determine client financial health and suitability for uncollateralized/ collateralised lending

Liaised with clients to explain financial concepts and negotiate loan terms

Managed multiple tasks in a high pressure environment

Banking Assistant, UK bank March 2009 - June 2009

Achieved 200% of my customer sales referral target for the quarter

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Volunteer - May 2004 - June 2006

Worked with colleagues of many nationalities and diverse backgrounds within several small teams with members of multiple nationalities to organise a range of humanitarian and religious projects

Organised and led conferences, training sessions for local leaders as well as humanitarian projects at orphanages and hospitals

Was responsible for the leadership and management of over 100 volunteers spread over 3 countries

SKILLS

Bloomberg (Basic), Eviews 6 (Basic); Windows operating system (Advanced), Word (Advanced), Excel (Intermediate), Publisher (Intermediate) & PowerPoint (Intermediate),

French (Conversational)

________________________________________

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AUTHORAnonymous

Insider Comment

Cl
Class of 2009
23 June 2010
I too was in the same 2009 graduating class at this "London-based Business School" studying Investment and Financial Risk Management.
The reality is, even within our class, there are those who have far more impressive CV's and backgrounds, and even they are still having difficulties finding a job.
When I went back to the reunion in December, I found that there were quite a few who were taking on unpaid internships. Whilst the majority were taking their Masters to delay entering the job market.
Most of the graduates (including myself) who have found a "real job" did so beacuse we either moved 1) Away from London 2) Away from the finance industry.
I would consider looking for opportunities abroad in the banking industry, whether they be short-term or long-term placements. But I would also strongly suggest that you explore opportunities away from the banking industry. It seems that humanitarian work is a passion of yours. Someone with your finance background can certainly do some great work in the social sector ... Just something to think about.
Good Luck!
Reply
Le
Lewis
5 May 2010
Equities in Dallas.
Reply
jj
jj
29 April 2010
Work somewhere for a solid 3 years in a smaller organisation then look to move, doesn't have to be top tier..
Reply
In
Indoors
29 April 2010
I can totally feel you it is frustrating to get into banking, but the only way to achieve this is to keep on it and be persistent. As Steve suggested you may want to try and find a backdoor into banking considering the vast top profiles on the street applying for the same positons.
It is not quite a disadvantage to start with a smaller institutions, work hard and gain some hands-on workexperience and then to apply for the next tier... this may be the path for you to go. But hey, hang in there it eventually will work out for you.
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Pa
Pat
28 April 2010
Found all this helpful as a recent grad.
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