Hi:I need an honest opinion about my prospects in IB. Here is a little bit about my background:Bachelors & Masters in Physics from IndiaPhD in Electronics Engineering from IndiaPost Doc from the best University in my field in USWorked as an engineer in a variety of different roles, ending up being a program manager in a start-up company. That totals to 10 yrs in industryGot interested in the finance side of the technology. Currently, getting a self-sponsored MBA (executive) from Columbia. The sole reason I chose Columbia was I could not think of any better educational setting that would fill the gaps that I had in my knowledge in finance.Proficient in C++ and VB Coauthored a book chapter, have published and presented over 40 peer reviewed journals, and have couple of patentsI will not pretend that money was not a factor, but I am indeed finding finance extremely interesting, especially for the technical and mathematical aspect of it. Also, I am somebody who loves working “with people”, thus despite push from friends in the field, do not feel the job of Quant would make me quite as happy. I am fascinated by IB and was wondering what are my chances? Also, what specific aspect or side of IB would fit with me more? I already know which direction I want to head in IB, but don’t want to restrict people on this board from discussing about that specific interest of mine and thus would refrain from talking about it as yet. My main concern being I am no longer a spring chicken—I am 38. I have a natural penchant for anything that is quantitave in nature. Have extensive experience doing mathematical modeling and simulation. I need to know from the experienced professionals what would be my “foot-in-the door” job in IB and the trajectory thereafter.

QuoteWorked as an engineer in a variety of different roles, ending up being a program manager in a start-up company. That totals to 10 yrs in industryWhat industry did you work in?Also, speak to Columbia MBA career services. Have you interviewed with the IB's in their recruitment visits to your campus yet?

I have primarily worked in the Telecom industry. Yes I will be talking to the Columbia career services, however, I wanted the consensus of the forum members. Thanks for your input

Hmmm. 38 with telecoms background. I'd say you're what the head hunters classify as a "hard sell". Know any C++? Good derivatives knowledge?

There exist some roles in finance where a very high quality of C++ skills with a good maths background will get you in, we've got one now, but too far from you.But as TJ says, you would have to be "sold" rather than bought.No one ever says "young" to a pimp like me in their job specifications, and I think a lot of ageism is actually people over-compensating for the views of those they work for.You would have to show that your years have made you more skilled, rather than worn out.

From what Ive seen so far 38 would be very old for an associate. itll be a tough sell but nothing is impossible.

Hey DCFC:C++ and mathematical abilities are not a problem at all. However, I was wondering what fields were you thinking about--your expereinced input might steer me in a direction that might be closer to home (NYC/Boston) Also, how about investment management? is it tougher or just as tough as IB

QuoteOriginally posted by: sdeyHi:I need an honest opinion about my prospects in IB. Here is a little bit about my background:Bachelors & Masters in Physics from IndiaPhD in Electronics Engineering from IndiaPost Doc from the best University in my field in USWorked as an engineer in a variety of different roles, ending up being a program manager in a start-up company. That totals to 10 yrs in industryGot interested in the finance side of the technology. Currently, getting a self-sponsored MBA (executive) from Columbia. The sole reason I chose Columbia was I could not think of any better educational setting that would fill the gaps that I had in my knowledge in finance.Proficient in C++ and VB Coauthored a book chapter, have published and presented over 40 peer reviewed journals, and have couple of patentsI will not pretend that money was not a factor, but I am indeed finding finance extremely interesting, especially for the technical and mathematical aspect of it. Also, I am somebody who loves working “with people”, thus despite push from friends in the field, do not feel the job of Quant would make me quite as happy. I am fascinated by IB and was wondering what are my chances? Also, what specific aspect or side of IB would fit with me more? I already know which direction I want to head in IB, but don’t want to restrict people on this board from discussing about that specific interest of mine and thus would refrain from talking about it as yet. My main concern being I am no longer a spring chicken—I am 38. I have a natural penchant for anything that is quantitave in nature. Have extensive experience doing mathematical modeling and simulation. I need to know from the experienced professionals what would be my “foot-in-the door” job in IB and the trajectory thereafter.The only way you can get in somewhere is by doing the following.1) Write ten programmes to calculate pricing of some products. Mostly American in exercse. The codes should idealy include exotics like Cliquettes etc.have a good memory of the FINITE DIfference /FINITE Element methods. the equations could be set up for you by the structuring group initially. Position yourself as one who could 'code on the fly'. VERY FEW LIKE CODING PART. MOST OF THE A'holes in the top managemnet have not seen a C/C++ book. They are there by 'licking or some other means. Having said that the top ten IBs will have the brains from bottom to top. They may find you useful. You have to tell them what you can 'HELP' in the present set upThe rest would take you if you can tell them that you can SET up a desk from scratch in flat six months in any of the required field ( credit, structuring etc) the desk would be there, probably.BUY two good books. One for theory and the other for application.In five years time nobody will be bothered when you got into finance.I would have taken you if I was in the decission making capacity here. Nothing is impossible. May be you can just get into a broking firm and slowly work your way up.REMEMBER - I will tell you some truth. YOu will find many idiots in the field of finance those who have massive ego. They will hate you if you try TEACH them stuffs. Just flow with them. Things would be fine. My earlier boss was from Australia. He worked as a programmer(as he claimed). he never understood the declarations in my C programme. He was being paid 5 times the salary I use to get. I showed him that he was an a'licker and was the biggest idiot on earth(proportionate to the salary and facilities he used to get). he had no idea about calculating the vols in a spreadsheet. Result - I was the first guy to be kicked out. His superiors were convinced that I was a trouble maker. The field of finance is full of people like him. YOU, have some patents to your credit. SO be careful of the world you are entering into. BUT, I would like to see you succeed.all the bestCheers

Hey Cosmologist:point well taken. Thanks for being so thoughful and validating. Moreover, you answered my questions in the way it was intended.