Looking for career guidance here
I’m currently working in investment banking but really want to make a change. The long hours are killing me and I’m not enjoying the transactional side of things anymore. I have decent qualifications and some experience but not sure what direction to go next.
My background includes:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering with top grades
- Master’s in finance with distinction
- CFA certification completed
- About 2.5 years in investment advisory
- 3 years in current IB role
I’m based in the UK and the job market feels pretty tough right now. I know I’ll need to start building connections and it might take some time to transition. What I really want is something with better work life balance where I’m not stuck at the office until late every night.
Any suggestions on what types of roles I should be looking at? Really appreciate any advice from people who have made similar moves.
Oh please, another banker whining about work-life balance 
You’ve got solid credentials - you’ll find something decent. Tried fintech? They love ex-IB people and the hours are slightly less brutal. Corporate finance at big companies is basically IB-lite with actual weekends. Honestly, your engineering degree probably opens more doors than that CFA. Check out PE back office roles or pension funds if you don’t mind being bored to death. Stop overthinking and just start applying everywhere.
Transitioning from investment banking may feel daunting, but your qualifications position you well for success in several areas. Consider exploring corporate development roles at established firms, where your financial expertise and analytical skills will be highly valued, but you can also enjoy a more balanced lifestyle. Your engineering degree is a strong asset in sectors such as technology or industrial companies. Additionally, financial planning and analysis (FP&A) positions at larger organizations could be ideal, as they require a blend of operational and financial understanding that you possess. While the UK job market seems challenging, remember that many companies seek candidates who can navigate uncertain environments, which your background clearly demonstrates. Leverage your engineering alumni network to connect with professionals who successfully transitioned into corporate roles; this can significantly ease your entry into new industries.
The timing could actually work for you - companies restructuring right now need experienced finance people who can handle complex situations. With your engineering background, check out infrastructure funds or renewable energy firms. They’re hiring heavily and the work feels more meaningful than straight transactions. LinkedIn’s got solid career pivot advice that’ll help you plan the switch.
Good luck!
Hey mate, been there! Made the jump from IB to consulting 4 years ago - wish I’d done it sooner. Your CFA + engineering combo is gold for strategy firms. They’re always hunting for people who can crunch numbers AND understand operations. McKinsey, BCG, even smaller boutiques love ex-bankers - you already handle pressure and long projects. Still some late nights but nothing like IB madness. With your background you can probably negotiate a better starting level instead of coming in as a newbie. Talk to headhunters who specialize in financial services exits - they’ll know who’s hiring despite this tough market.
Your dual background is actually a huge advantage that most people miss. Product management at fintech companies or financial services firms love candidates who get both tech and finance - they’re digitizing everything and need someone who can bridge that gap. Risk management at insurance companies or asset managers gives you great work-life balance while putting your CFA to work. You should also look into equity research - your engineering background would be gold for covering tech or industrial sectors. Most transitions take 6-9 months, but your combo should speed that up. I’d reach out to executive search firms that focus on financial services moves.
