Career advice for fresh grad
 

Just graduated this year with an nus econs degree and I am currently applying for jobs. I have been applying mostly to banks for the positions that I am keen in (securities, fx related) but the dilemma here is that I cannot relate how can I perform in other job functions in the bank. Perhaps due to my ignorance, I fail to see the vast opportunities that lies ahead?

There are a few job recruiters that offered me contractual jobs (not an issue), but those are IT/ admin work. Not that I belittle IT jobs, the issue is that I believe my knowledge on VBA/ programming will not satisfy the job itself since the course I had taken was a add on to my diploma back then. Moreover I really wish to utilise something related to my major rather than to revert back to where I came from.

As for now I am really keen to learn more about the securities/ fx side of the business and I don't mind taking on any related internship/ apprenticeship. The bank letter is here and seems like time is not on my side, can fellow forumers drop this greenhorn some career advice.

Yar yar another freshie who is very interested in investment/trading side of the banking industry, we hear that all the time here.

If you need to ask here means your studies and network is not there, why waste time pursuing something you have no chance of getting? Might as well take a look at where you stand and go for normal PME jobs within & outside banking. Pay and career progression is decent enough for you to live on anyway.

The world is much bigger than high finance sector, it is better to be humble and live within your capabilities than waste time taking up lousy banking temp jobs in the hope that you will be the superstar who makes it big.

Yes there are plenty with the same aspiration and plenty more like yourself, frustrated. I don't know about you but I have been working on my goals and I do appreciate your honest input that there is a bigger world out there. Sometimes reality is harsher than it seems, right?

Now, I usually don't retaliate at such feedbacks but your assumption that if one's "studies and network is not there, why waste time pursuing something you have no chance of getting" is one that I highly disagree. Being realistic is one, but to know the importance to have something to work towards is another.

To address this "Superstar who makes it big", I don't recall mentioning anything like that. I have been following the forum for quite some time and I have expected such replies, unfortunately I can understand why people are cynical towards any fresh grad or anyone who speaks of getting into the trade.

I will be honest.

You're too late into the game, mate. There is a bigger world outside of FO finance. You missed the boat and you're probably never going to get on it.

You can disagree or continue talking about outliers but no point right? Find anothe career path and work hard.

Hello there, perhaps my point isn't clear, I am not looking at FO positions and neither am I qualified to be. I know where do I stand and yes that is impossible to reach, which is why I am asking what other related functions are there? I am keen to do/ learn things related to securities/ fx.

I see no point other than to feed myself if I were to pick another job that does not make me a better learned person.

Fact is those who can get into trading fx/securities side have already done their internship, networking and even an offer now. You already graduate (technically unemployed now) then start to post on forum asking people how to get into where you want.

People advise you to be realistic and too late, you get all emotional and start retaliating. Is that not constructive feedback enough for you? So what are you looking for? Somebody to publish a step by step guide teaching you how to get into fx related? Get real.

Also for someone who profess to have passion in securities/fx banking whatever, already graduate and don't even seem to know how banking works and how are the jobs classified. Some kind of passion & interest & "willing to learn" you are displaying.

yet another grad who wants to work in sexy side of banking but dun even know what he wants. all big ego big ambition no action.

From what I understand, your top-most preferred career is in the Securities/FX industry. Unfortunately, you've not managed to obtain a job there despite multiple applications. Nevertheless, although you're still ultimately interested in the Securities/FX industry, you don't mind trying out other job functions in a bank as long as they are decently good.

Current Status: Recent Graduate in NUS Economics; Have a contract offer at the IT department in a bank.

I don't like to discourage people, but like the other posters, my opinion is that it'll be a tough challenge to get into your preferred job. The reason being: (1) You're a graduate, and thus will not fit into the "undergraduate" criteria for internships in most companies; (2) The securities/fx industry is competitive to get into; (3) The securities/fx industry is getting even tougher every year; (4) Qualifications - I'm not sure of your class of honours and relevant internships.

If you would still like to try, your best bet would be to reach out for connections/people:
1) School: Your Alma Mater's career services and Alumni
2) Personal contacts: Family, Friends, Relatives, etc.
3) Publicly-available information: Apply/network/call/etc to all available Securities/FX jobs in all companies, whether they are in banks, boutiques or family offices.

Doing the above can be very time-consuming and it doesn't guarantee that you'll get a job in the end. However, you'll never know if you never try. One thing to note is that life will not be all rainbows and sunshine even if you manage to get into one in the end. The industry is tough and will be even tougher in the years ahead. Don't think too much about compensation/etc; it may not be as attractive as what you may think it is to be. Job may be quite volatile too.

Anyway, I would think that Tech isn't too bad these days as their roles are changing. However, this would depend on what you actually do within the bank (e.g. pioneering the bank's transformation towards digital platforms, or, just solving technical issues?).

It is an open secret that in order to go into lucrative banking jobs, the standard way is to go for summer internships in global banks. Worse come to worse should at least have a short intern stint with local banks or related FIs. Now already graduate then say want to explore what kind of fx or securities jobs is too late already.

If all you are getting so far is only temp IT contract jobs, means not only your network is missing, even your CV & interview performance is very weak. Normal local uni grads should at least be able to get a perm offer for some BO jobs.

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Those roles are probably filled up before ur final exam. Why you so late then apply?