I'm from the public sector, but want to break into banking: REVIEW MY RESUME

5 May 2010

3 minute read

I'm from the public sector, but want to break into banking: REVIEW MY RESUME

You know the drill by now: read this guy's CV and tell us whether his work experience and qualifications will help land him an analyst or trading job.

"I've completed degrees in actuarial/commerce (majoring in finance) and am currently preparing for the Level 2 CFA exam. I have previous work experience as an analyst in the public and private sector (utilities/telecommunication industries). I am currently looking to relocate to pursue my passion for financial markets, but am struggling to get interviews. I am interested in getting analyst roles (equity research, M&A, strategy consulting, corporate finance), or a trading-based position."

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

I have a proven track record of industry analyses, risk assessment and financial modelling gained through my previous experience in the utilities and telecommunication industries. I'm in the process of attaining my CFA qualification to build on my knowledge of financial instruments and analysis that I gained during my undergraduate studies in Actuarial Studies/Commerce.

KEY STRENGTHS

· High level conceptual and analytical skills developed through assessing the viability of new business proposals.

· Advanced computer skills gained through creating valuation models, performing various analyses and using various trading platforms.

· High attention to detail and ability to effectively manage my time and prioritise tasks to meet deadlines.

· Excellent written skills acquired through preparing business cases and providing policy advice via email.

· Ability to liaise and build professional relationships with a diverse group of people demonstrated through effective correspondence with internal and external stakeholders.

EDUCATION<p

· Current: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 2 Candidate

· June 2009: Passed CFA Level 1 Examination

· 2001 - 2005: Bachelor of Actuarial Studies/Bachelor of Commerce, major university in Australia

CAREER HISTORY<p

October 2009 - April 2010: Financial Analyst, Federal Government Department

Key Responsibilities:

· Reported on monthly variances between scheduled and actual payments for the Department's Innovation Grants

· Forecasted future take-up rates to assess any potential over/under spend in forward years

· Costed New Policy Proposals

May 2007 - December 2008: Commercial Analyst, multi-utility company

Key Responsibilities:

· Developed new business products through liaising with various divisions (Sales, Marketing and Finance)

· Undertook industry and competitive analyses to identify any major trend and potential risks associated with proposed launches

· Assessed the financial feasibility of new business proposals through the development of financial models

· Prepared and presented business cases to key stakeholders

· Built complex pricing models in support of major commercial bid submissions

· Advised on any pricing and commercial issues

Key achievements:

· Successfully convinced senior management that launching a new bundled product nationally would be financially viable. The national launch increased growth potential

· Developed the financial model for the super bundle product. The launch of this offer resulted in annual sales targets being exceeded by 50%

· Created a competitor analysis that was used by the sales team to compare products and consultants in compiling an acquisition bid

February 2006 - February 2007: Policy Analyst, Federal Government Department

Key responsibilities:

· Assessed proposals to determine whether they were suitable for approval under the Government's foreign investment policy

· Wrote Executive Minutes for the Ministers office

· Liaised with migrants, lawyers and real estate agents to provide policy advice

Key achievements:

· Streamlined the approval notification process. This increased efficiency and created opportunities to focus on more complex cases.

INTERESTS<p

I have a strong passion for the global financial market and have traded FX and options for the last year and have recently began paper trading futures. I have played sport most of my life and am currently learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

AUTHOReFinancialCareers Australia

Insider Comment

Ra
Ravi
6 May 2010
I agree with Mazumah that you need to address the gaps you have. That is number 1. If it is the case that you changed jobs for a reason, then fine, if you were just bored of doing the same job and hence ventured into a new job then just be careful to project that carefully. Regardless of nature of reason for the break it is good to show that. Coming to some of the plus points- You have good qualifications and you can relate that you wanting to break into FS. That said, getting the FS experience is quite a big and long road. I come from a similar background and hence your background grabbed my attention. If your qualification is a plus, your experience is a minus. Be mindful that qualifation may not just get you there. The best thing to do is try contacting some Audit firms.. be it be big 4 or smaller firms, with some FS clients. It can be external or internal audit. Once you are there for couple of years getting into the industry can then become better for you. Once you are industry i.e an FS organisation then you can pick and choose what you want to do (i.e. trading, equity analysis etc.). Hope that helps.. and if planned properly definetely helps and works. Good luck.
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Ma
Mazumah
6 May 2010
You have some good experience although there does appear to be a couple of time gaps in the flow of your appointments which you will need to demonstrate were used productively. You indicated in the preamble you are interested in analyst roles across research, corporate finance, consulting or financial markets. That is a very wide scope. My suggestion is to narrow your focus to the area you are most interested in, which sounds like markets trading, and target firms in that area.
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Be
Beanie
5 May 2010
Suggest you make a direct approach to Optiver and Tibra Capital - both specialist trading houses - both recruit based on aptitude tests so background not such a big deal. I hear that the tests are pretty tough and very quant intensive.
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