Finding That Elusive Finance Job
By BankersBall on Sep 16, 2008 in Cube Life, Job Hunting
Step 1: Find a Delorean. Step 2: Go back in time.
Now, for the real tips.
(1) Boutique banks are hiring, including Evercore Partners, Hawkpoint and Gleacher Shacklock. The Los Angeles-based boutique investment bank Moelis is reportedly opening a London office (headed by Kristian Bagger, ex vice-chair of investment banking at Deutsche Bank) in the next month and is expected to hire 5-6 staff. Maybe you’ll be one of them! (Note: Thomas Weisel and Dredsner Kleinwort are laying off — bigtime)
(2) Hedge funds + Private equity = Hiring. Chicago-based hedgie behemoth Citadel just picked up two Merrill execs to build out its North Africa, Middle East and European business. The firm has been on a hiring spree and is planning on launching a new macro-fund run out of London and a special opportunties fund. Several UK-based funds were opening New York offices last year, including CVC Partners, which judging by recent announcements, looks to be growing. Ditto for UK-based BC Partners. Oh, did we mention that private equity salaries are up?
(3) Are banks hiring? Depends. Credit Suisse is adding staff in India, and also adding some senior London-based investment bankers — again, with an international focus. Asia, Africa & ME-focused , Standard Chartered is hiring senior level bankers.
(4) And if somehow you have missed this trend: Pack your bags. As of June, Goldman was hiring in Asia. If you’re suicidally obsessed with staying in New York, we suggest you look at European firms trying to expand in the US (see point 2 above), again likely in the private equity arena, like Cinven (opening New York and Hong Kong offices).
(5) MBA candidates hellbent on being an investment banker are focusing on mid-market & boutique banks. However, expect the competition to be fierce.
(6) And of course … check out our financial recruiters section. As some of more astute commenters have observed, remember that they’re out to serve their client (that is, not you). And don’t forget to check out our tips from our interview with headhunters.
Readers — if your firm is hiring, or if you know of any that are, please comment below.
On Sep 17, 2008, Joy D'Amore said:
H.I.G. Capital has an immediate need for pre-MBA Analysts with top I-bank experience and outstanding academic credentials. Positions are available in Miami and New York. These are with our new Middle Market Fund. We raised $1.5b in new capital for this fund. Positions are in Miami and New York. H.I.G. Capital is a global private equity firm with $7.5b under management, headquartered in Miami, FL.
On Sep 17, 2008, Joy D'Amore said:
Correction - Immediate Analyst opportunity for H.I.G. Capital is located only in Miami, FL.
On Sep 17, 2008, IB said:
It always surprises me how many people only rely on headhunters, but a simple IB search on the Vault reveals the following firms are hiring:
Bentley, Callisto, Stifel Nicolaus, Petsky Prunier, Scott-Macon, Stonebridge, Gruppo Levey, many others as well
These are all investment banking firms and I’m sure are getting a lot of resumes so get them in. Hope this helps and good luck to those searching for jobs in this current Wall Street carnage.
On Sep 18, 2008, Put_Option said:
I hear ML is hiring in their M&A division…
On Sep 24, 2008, Arvin said:
I hear Lehman is hiring - Has anyone had any calls for interviews?