but do huxley, michael page etc. do graduate positions?

Not exactly connection with these recruitment agencies. All I used to do is look out for their openings regularly though. As for my job, I saw the advertisement on the Guardian's weekend career sections. It was put up by a recruitment agency on behalf of the trading firm. They were specifically looking for derivative traders at graduate levels.Recruitment firms almost never specify that they're looking for graduate positions. However, whenever they advertise for positions "with 6 months to 1 year experience" or "PhD/MSc Finance" without mentioning experience requirement, or "specific knowledge in derivatives/econometrics/...", I personally believe people with (or about to obtain) MSc Finance qualifications should give it a go. Some of us have done this, and a considerable number of them have shown interests in our profiles.At the end of the day, it's up to you to judge whether you have the right profile to apply to these positions. They'll never specify "graduates only", or "no graduates please". What I deeply believe (and would advocate) is investment banking graduate interviews almost always pay little attention to your knowledge gained in an finance masters course.

If you hold a working permit in UK, good luck, perhaps those firms are still willing to help and listen to your bla bla bla ...If not, sorry, better don't count too much hope on them (due to the current job market condition)Just my 2 centsJobseekerI really hope my name, can one day, change to jobemployee...

Sorry, but I don't agree entirely. First of all, although I'm studying in London, my job offer is Amsterdam based, from a Dutch trading firm. Don't under-estimate the number of opportunities in continental Europe. Of course with multilingual skills, there's even better chances. A bunch of us have come across numerous opportunities seeking German French speakers, and they have good responses.Again, it's up to you to try. If you think negatively in the outset, of course the chance of securing a job offer is even slimmer.

I am about to finish my masters and am now looking for jobs. Obviously, almost all the I-banks have completed their hiring for the grad programs, however, there are still some opportunities left. For example, the program offered by BNP Paribas.Has anybody heard of it? Even better, anybody out there working for BNP Paribas who can provide more information than that provided on the web page? I am more looking for information that is concerned with culture, work climate, etc. since almost all I-banks offer the same kind of programs.Any comments are welcome.svunt

Svunt,I'm in a similar postion to you - just finishing my MSc dissertation and considering sales/trading positions. Despite gaining two offers from two hedge firms (one invloves locating to the Netherlands to trade on the floor), my main concern was the level of training and the prestige of the firm (this will reflect the strength of your CV when moving into future positions). From the recruitment conslutants who I've had the pleasure of talking to , many small proprietary trading firms in London offer excellent training schemes often involving small teams - providing more personal coaching. However, with the economic climate and job stability I've been tempted to also apply for more credible analyst positions with reputable IB's. "Obviously, almost all the I-banks have completed their hiring for the grad programs"Sure, however, not all the positions have been filled (despite the downturn in recruitment numbers). As a result I've also got an interview lined up with another French IB (Societe Generale ) for a money market trader. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions: slickequity@hotmail.comSlick.------

Slick,How did you get those very good offers in hedge fund area?

Hi! Does the M.Sc Investment Securities and Investment Banking from ISMA qualify as a masters in Finance. and if any one can tell me, what are the job prospects of a person with this particular degree?

oops! i mean M.Sc. International Securities and Investment Banking(ISIB).

In my opinion if a person wants to work on the quantitative side of things, a graduate degree in mathematics seems more logical than an MBA. I have an undergraduate degree in finance, and I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in math. The training I've received in my mathematics courses has been an excellent compliment to my business training and has increased the breadth of my knowledge base. Not to mention the fact that MBA coursework is mostly just a rehashing of what was already learned in an undergraduate business program.There are 1000's of MBA's applying for positions on Wall St., but few of them have sufficient mathematical acumen to handle a quantitative position. If you want to differentiate yourself, get as much quantitative training as possible.

Hi GreedandFear, You make a good point but do you not think there is more to an MBA than just what you learn? In my opinion, having a maths/quantitative postgrad may be better in terms of the work, although many MBA's do offer quantitative options. (I have got a book on stochastic calculus which is supposed to be an option as part of the Wharton MBA, which is very, very quantitative ).I believe whenever anyone attends an institution, for an MBA, MSc, undergrad, etc. you develop a sort of loyalty for that place and people who come out of that course. For example, someone recruiting from an IB with an MBA from Harvard, will be slightly preferential to candidates from Harvard. You yourself will probably have developed some affinity to the institutions where you did your undergrad and are doing your postgrad degree and will in the future, if recruiting, probably look more favourably on candidates with similar qualifications to yourself. Since, an MBA has been the traditional route into associate level at major companies I feel that candidates with an MBA will be looked upon more favourably since most of the people doing the recruiting will have an MBA. It does boil down to having a qualification simply for the name, but unfortunately this is how it is sometimes.

HI guys, I am new to this so I'm not quite sure how this all works.I would just like some guidance. I have just finished MPhil Economics and now on the job-hunt. People see me more as a quantitative person rather than with strong communication skills and have been advised that I am more suited for middle office jobs. Does that mean research analytical role? If so what kind of areas would involve these skills in I-Banking? What kinda of implications does it have for future career developments? Final question:what is quant?thanks

Hi!I've been reading this thread and I'd like a bit of advice if you dont mind I'm about to start an MSc International Business Economics at Westminster University as I'm interested in a career within Quantitative Finance. The course contains modules such as Financial Engineering and Analysis of Economic & Business Data. I've looked at many of the IBs and many of them want people with 2:1/1st BA/BSc Degrees and I only achieved 2:2 in Business & IT. I wonder if doing the MSc will help me get my "foot in the door" as I'm currently working in the Project Management field as a planner, does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi MortalSend me a private message and i shall give you contacts of a few grad students/ alumnus of ISMA, if thats what you are looking for.But ISMA as far as i know has a very good program inshape.ISIB is good, but FEQA is more comprehensive.cheersAshish