Hi everyone! I recently signed up for the CFA Level 1 test and I’m really looking forward to it. However, I’m worried about my chances of landing my dream position since I’m currently working as a purchasing coordinator.
My goal is to work as an investment research analyst, but I’m starting to doubt my prospects after getting several rejection letters from companies I applied to.
Here’s my background: I hold a Master’s degree in Finance and worked at a small investment banking firm as an analyst before. The crazy hours and low pay burned me out completely, so I had to move back with my parents to tackle my student loan debt and find something more stable.
I also have some relevant experience from internships in wealth management and did equity research work as a teaching assistant during grad school.
Would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts or advice. Sometimes it feels like I’m the only person trying to switch careers like this.
lol rejection letters are basically the entrance fee to finance careers. You burned out of IB and want research analyst now? The hours aren’t much better there either. But your purchasing coordinator job probably taught you vendor analysis better than half these fresh MBAs who think Excel’s tough. Stop overthinking it - companies need people who actually get how businesses work, not just textbook regurgitation. Try smaller firms where they can’t afford to be picky about your “perfect” career path.
Your finance background is perfect for this! Tons of successful analysts started in other areas. That CFA shows you’re serious, and banking experience is huge. Keep at it - you’ll find the right spot!
Career transitions in finance always take forever, but you’ve got IB experience and a graduate degree - that’s solid groundwork. About 60-70% of finance people switch roles in their first five years, so you’re not alone. Start with smaller asset management firms or boutique research shops. They’re way more flexible with non-traditional backgrounds and actually care about real experience over where you went to school. Don’t downplay that purchasing coordinator role either - it shows you can analyze data and catch details, which translates perfectly. Those rejection letters? Totally normal. Most people who successfully change careers send out 20-30 applications before getting interviews. Hit up CFA Institute events for networking and play up that unique angle from your diverse background.
Your mix of business experience and academic background actually works in your favor for equity research. Plenty of successful analysts didn’t follow the traditional path, and your diverse background gives you insights that cookie-cutter candidates don’t have. That purchasing coordinator role? You’ve got vendor evaluation skills and operational knowledge that translates directly to analyzing company fundamentals and supply chain issues.
Don’t see your career as all over the place - frame it as well-rounded prep. Investment banking gave you analytical skills, purchasing showed you how operations really work, and grad school built your theoretical foundation. You can evaluate companies from different angles, which is exactly what equity research needs.
I’d target mid-market research firms or independent providers first. They care more about real experience than a perfect resume progression, and they’re way easier to break into than the big names. Your CFA work shows you’re serious about this field and will help your case once you finish it.
Been there with the career pivot struggle! Switched from corporate finance to equity research three years ago and that purchasing coordinator experience is more valuable than you think. Spent months feeling like my “detour” held me back, but understanding supply chains and vendor relationships gave me insights into company operations my colleagues didn’t have. The rejection letters sting (counted 23 before my first interview), but each one taught me how to position myself better. Your IB background proves you can handle the analytical side, so don’t let burnout define that experience negatively.
IB burnout? That’s actually a strength for research roles. Companies want people who get work-life balance. Plus, your purchasing background gives you solid business ops knowledge - that’ll definitely stand out.
