Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34802)

Hi, sorry but i dont think I should have a higher pay, and of course i'm not naive to think all degrees are equal haha, and certainly what you say is/may be very true about not even have achieved a 3rd class if we're in a local uni.

Yes, you are very right, and i would gladly accept $500 less than a uni grad.
My point is, many HR managers in Govt sector and other companies have an elitist mindset, and i agree to the previous comment prior to my comment (about elitism). So if so many companies want a local uni 1st class, where do we get jobs?

Just to share my exp abit more: Being a 1st class in local uni doesnt mean one can get the job done, the reason why I got the interview with the HR manager was because he hired 2 1st/2nd class local uni grad, who couldnt manage the job and left after 2 months.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34802)

Hi, sorry but i dont think I should have a higher pay, and of course i'm not naive to think all degrees are equal haha, and certainly what you say is/may be very true about not even have achieved a 3rd class if we're in a local uni.

Yes, you are very right, and i would gladly accept $500 less than a uni grad.
My point is, many HR managers in Govt sector and other companies have an elitist mindset, and i agree to the previous comment prior to my comment (about elitism). So if so many companies want a local uni 1st class, where do we get jobs?

Just to share my exp abit more: Being a 1st class in local uni doesnt mean one can get the job done, the reason why I got the interview with the HR manager was because he hired 2 1st/2nd class local uni grad, who couldnt manage the job and left after 2 months.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34794)

No offense to most uol grads here.

But why are u guys so adamant in getting into the banking and finance industry? If you guys are thinking about getting into IBD, go take a look at linkedin at all the summer analysts from undergrad/ masters programs. Take a look at their credentials, then ask yourself what do you have in common with them. Other than which uni they came from, look at what else they have. Before someone tell me that they knew of a UOL grad who had made it into IBD, that is probably like 1% from the rest of the pool of "elites". And those 1% "lucky" UOL chaps either have some uber ninja networking skills or had CFA equivalent certs and etc. Things might be a little different but i hope you guys know what i'm trying to say here.

So if it's not IBD that you're aiming for, then what? middle office? risk mgt department? Or derivatives trading? compliance? back office ops? You have NTU,NUS,SMU,all the private Us and ppl who are thinking of making a career switch competing with you. I have a HR friend in 1 of the local big banks. She told me that they picked a NTU physics graduate with no experience over a FCH BNF UOL grad for a position in corporate finance team. U see, even fresh grads from other non-finance related faculty are competing with you guys.

Don't let the banking craze cloud your judgement. Open your eyes and look around. Read more news and talk to friends in other industries. I have UOL friends working in SGX, finance dept in some of the MNCs. I even know 1 chap who was doing admin/ops in a big agri trading house specialising in oil seeds, grain etc. Some networking here and there and slogged through countless of OTs, the firm finally bumped him up to be a full time trader.
But if you're still dead-fixed on heading into the BNF industry, then i wish you good luck. Persevere on, moderate your ambitions and be mindful of your surrounding and you will go far.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34825)

UOL class of 2011 grad here. It is certainly not true that UOL students would not be able to find a job in BNF. UOL grads out there, DON'T DESPAIR.

I found a job faster than my peers from local unis. Landed in a top bulge bracket middle office role and earning better than my peers from local unis as well. I went for top IB FO assessment centres WITHOUT any network. Unfortunately, was rejected after final round.

Read widely, network and make yourself known in the industry. You'll be fine. Once you're in there, it's all about your ability, and no one would remember about whichever school you came from. I've now moved on to FO, but not with the bb bank. Anything is possible if only you'd be persistent and wiggle your way through, wisely.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34843)

Fresh Grad graduating in May 2013

Starting Pay: $3,500
Historical Average Bonus: 4-8 months

Originally Posted by jobhunter1234 (Post 34852)

U Uol have been hired for 3.5k?

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34854)

Nope. I'm from Nanyang Business School. But to be very honest, over at our side, its really tough finding jobs too. Many are still desperate at this stage.

Originally Posted by Unregistered (Post 34854)

Nope. I'm from Nanyang Business School. But to be very honest, over at our side, its really tough finding jobs too. Many are still desperate at this stage.

Originally Posted by jobhunter1234 (Post 34855)

oh. Bank or consulting firm? NBS has the reputation and I believe 3.5k is not too difficult? Did you negotiate for a higher salary or the employer quotes you that amount? To most employers, asking for a mere 3.5k now is like asking for sky high amount ...