20yo kid in need of some advice..

A.92

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Evening all,

Be prepared for quite a long prose about myself... :p

Since receiving my A-level results in August 2010, the last 2years or so have been quite hectic.

I faced quite severe mitigating circumstances during my final A-level exams though somehow still achieved straight-As at A-level in Economics, Government & Politics, Mathematics and further with an AS-level in Philosophy.

Then in September 2010, I went to read Law at the University of Manchester. I figured out quite soon that this was not the right course for me, but still I persevered and despite no real effort at all, I somehow passed the year.

By June 2011 I figured that I saw no long-term gain in continuing with a Law degree that I didn't enjoy and left university with a Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Studies. Though the socialising and mini insight-internships with commercial law firms in London was very satisfying and fun indeed.

Surprisingly I somehow managed to secure a entry-level analyst role for an investment bank in September 2011. I became part of a middle-office equities trade support team in the north of England, where we carry out various functions and trader support on a daily basis with regards to cash equities and equity derivatives. Though the relationship between myself and FO isn't quite strong as we don't really hold a bond due the disparity between North-South. I'm naturally quite a fast learner and the bank recognised this at an early stage and have already given me good scope for progression. I've been involved in process improvement projects, training of graduates, and completed the first module of the CISI Investment Operations Certificate which is sponsored by the bank!

Though my long-term ambition is to be a salestrader or research! Many reasons for this such as: I enjoy change and a fast-paced environment unlike what an MO role offers, I'm naturally quite charming, so I would be good at persuading and influencing clients haha, travelling is one of my keen hobbies and a number of other reasons.

I think my background and previous experience also in financial advisory, outbound telesales and accountancy would prepare me well for such a career.

Though I'm quite sceptical and confused on how to achieve this goal?! What would you do in my position? What is the best way to 'break in'..
I had thoughts on returning to university to read Economics as I currently hold an offer to a top15 university. I have quite a lot of extra-curricular activities on my CV too and have also been a independent advisor to a regional Police authority.

However I also have been offered a new role at a mid-sized regional investment management firm that has offered me the role of a trainee Private Client Broker. This essentially involves: execution-only trading for client, investment research & analysis, fund monitoring etc. They will be also sponsoring me to complete the Level CISI Investment Advice Diploma which shall also provide me with the vital CF30 FSA Approval.I can see positive progression with this role into Private Client Brokering/Investment Management or even Trading?

I told you it would be quite long, though much advice and comments are greatly appreciated!

Many Thanks

A
 
Sounds like you have everything under control. You're young and have already been given good opportunities. I say stick at what you're doing and see where it takes you. You will likely find that you will take a different direction later on.
 
Sounds like you have everything under control. You're young and have already been given good opportunities. I say stick at what you're doing and see where it takes you. You will likely find that you will take a different direction later on.


As in with regards to Private Client Brokering? Or University..?
 
Both. Between 20 and 30 expect as much change as you did in your teens. Your likes and dislikes will change
 
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