Could anyone advise me on how imortant is a title for a first job? I have to choose between Quantitative Financial Analyst/Assistant Vice President and Graduate Trainee positions taking into account that the starting salary is exactly the same and both jobs are quite interesting. My first concern is that for a "Graduate Trainee" it will be harder to motivate that there are no UK citizens who would qualify for this position (I need a permit to work in UK). On the other hand, Graduate Trainee probably may be changed to something better soon with a corresponding increase in salary. Or is it a wrong assumption?Are there any other considerations to take into account? All thoughts are greatly appreciated.

It doesn't really matter.Your employer will advertise for a graduate trainee, 60 hour weeks, a phd, 3 three years experience for £20K a year.No one will reply and he'll be able to put a tick in the box which says 'No qualified UK citizens'. If they really want you, they'll find a way.BTW, do you mean Assistant Vice President, or Assistant to the Vice President?Richard

Thanks for reply, Richard.If they put an actual salary in advertisement, some UK PhDs may reply And would "Assistant Vice President" (without "to") look better on CV? (I hope I won't need to change job soon but everything can happen...)Ezhik.

Ppauper is right, if you look at the M&A/CF rungs on the ladder (I like to beause they seem to have linear progression if you avoid the culls) then AVP is 6-8 years of experience.

LondonPete, could you please give a link where to find the M&A/CF rungs ladder? I'm a bit confused with all those job titles. Thanks a lot.Jeny

job titles in the Banking world are almost meaningless! There is a huge difference between titles and responsibility from bank to bank. I know a couple of places where it is standard to start as a AVP straight out of a PhD.

Jeny, this is a rough idea of typical M&A/Corp Fin rungs on the greasy pole. There is no strict adherence by all banks to this, but it's a good generalization.Analyst - BottomAssociate [Cull Time]Associate VPVPDirector/MDExecutive Director - Top

Thanks a lot