Thoughts on My Career Plan
Hi everyone! I’d love to hear your thoughts on my career plan.
I’m currently a first-year commerce undergraduate from India, pursuing the FRM and CFA designations. My next step is to apply for a Master’s in Applied finance at SMU in Singapore. Along the way, I aim to build my skills in modeling, Excel, VBA, and other essential tools.
Ultimately, my goal is to break into sovereign wealth funds like GIC and companies like Temasek in Singapore.
I welcome your honest feedback on my three-year plan!
One response
Your career plan looks well thought out, and it’s great to see you’re setting clear goals for yourself! Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
Educational Foundation: Pursuing both the FRM (Financial Risk Manager) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is an excellent choice, especially for your targeted career in finance. These qualifications will give you a strong analytical and risk management skill set, which is crucial for working in sovereign wealth funds.
Master’s Program: Applying to a master’s program in applied finance at SMU is a smart move, especially since Singapore is a major financial hub. Make sure your application stands out by highlighting relevant experiences, your passion for finance, and your career goals.
Skill Development: Learning modeling, Excel, and VBA is essential in this field. Consider taking online courses or joining workshops to strengthen these skills. Additionally, familiarity with data analysis tools and programming languages like Python or R can also be beneficial, as they are increasingly important in financial analysis and decision-making.
Networking: Start building a professional network early. Attend finance-related events, seminars, or workshops. Connecting with professionals in sovereign wealth funds or related fields can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors for internships or job opportunities.
Internships & Experience: Aim to secure internships or part-time positions in finance-related roles to gain practical experience. Try to focus on opportunities that offer exposure to asset management, investment analysis, or financial modeling, as these will be relevant to your career goals.
Stay Updated: Keep abreast of trends and changes in the finance landscape, especially regarding sovereign wealth funds, economic conditions, and global markets. This will not only help you in interviews but also in building your perspective on the industry.
Long-term Vision: While you have a clear target of working at GIC or Temasek, keep an open mind about other opportunities that may arise along the way. Sometimes, working in related fields or companies can provide a stepping stone and valuable experience.
Overall, your plan demonstrates ambition and a proactive approach. Stay focused, adaptable, and dedicated to your learning and networking, and you’ll be well-positioned to achieve your goals in the finance sector. Best of luck on your journey!