Quote from AbPQuant:
For over 13 years, I have been trying to find a job in an Investment Bank or Asset Management firm with no success. I have been to numerous interviews always getting to second and sometimes third interview stages. For some reason they are always reluctant to take it to the next stage, like if one is not worthy to do such job. Like I should be in Sports or Music.
I graduate with an upper second class degree in Economics. This includes Mathematical modeling and Econometrics. In my second year at University, I bought books such as Chaos and Order in the Capital Markets (E Peters), Profiting from Chaos (T.Vega) etc, working papers, journals and magazines such as Futures, Stocks and Commodities etc. My final year Econometrics project was on the Capital Asset Pricing Model and Arbitrage Pricing Theory. I was successful in getting a place to study a Masters in Finance and Investment but couldn't secure funding.
I started looking for an Entry Level position, but I was to spend the next 4 years filling shelves in the supermarket. I continued looking for a job and doing my research but money was very tight and I had no support whatsoever as my family is not here.
I eventually got a job indexing business and political articles, but still wasnât what I wanted to do.
My first big job interview disappointment was with Bloomberg. I got through the First interview and was invited for a second. The next few weeks were then spent waiting for a decision. I can't believe they could leave one hanging for three good weekends. I was waiting for them to decide my future.
The next disappointment was at UBS. At the first interview, the guy was very impress with my CV, telling me how he couldn't study Econometrics because he found it too difficult. I was invited for a second interview, where HR told me "we are likely to offer you the position". She was telling me how I had to log on into a website to fill in my details. She also told me I shouldn't worry if the contract arrived late. I was supposed to take a test and was told even if I didn't do too well I shouldn't worry. Now I was waiting for the call, but nothing. When I eventually got the call she was mentioning "other candidatesâ. We felt you were good but other candidate was more suited.
Last month I applied to Euronext Liffe for a Market Services Analyst position. The first interview was with two second Managers. Again I was invited for the second interview where I sat with some members of the various teams. At least two of them told me that with my knowledge the training should take less than normal. Shortly before Christmas I received a letter saying they wouldn't take me on because of my lack of market knowledge and customers services experience. I met at least three second managers. Didn't these idiots realize from my CV and the first interview that my market knowledge is below what they are looking for. I had wasted 1 1/2 days only for them to come back and insult me. âLack of Market knowledgeâ that is very funny.
For the past 5 years I have worked for two financial information companies as a Data Analyst . I am currently earning £23,000 which to me is an under achievement. My parents have sponsored me, but know they have retired and I have to look after them and my younger siblings.
It's a new year and I just feel very sad. I hope my parents had gone to US or Canada instead of being born in a backwards country that values background more to talent. My friends who are in the US have all done very well for themselves, and they weren't even born in the US.
Yeah, there is trading, but when I open an account with £200; I know the odds are against me. I develop trading models in my own time.
I have been looking for a job as Data / Pricing Analyst or Static Data. This is where my work experiences lies, but I know I could do so much more.
I have worked so hard over the years but without the reward. This holiday was spent making more job applications. I really do not want to waste another year. I just need somebody to help me. I need to move forward in life.
