1) ur age works against u.

2) ur background works against u (no financial experience).

3) ur sch works against u (SMU).

For (1), cannot be helped. cos we got to serve 2 yrs of NS plus u made the wrong choice of joining the government.

For (2), if can, quit n find a finance job/internship. does not matter if it is a big or small company, or front or back office or wat. Employers want to see that u r want to join the finance industry in your resume.

if u really wanna be serious, like others suggest, pls get an overseas Masters. Otherwise front office positions u can really kiss goodbye already with your background. Equity research is considered front office.

n really from your replies, i think u have no idea of what you are getting into. another one of those government workers who thinks they are lowly paid and wants to enter the finance industry. Ask what they know, they say equity research cos i buy stocks on my own. Nobody cares abt ur trading record honestly.

Only ur sch brand + relevant finance job exp + age matters.