I have reiterated that if you want to build an investment banking career, you need to start early. How early? The day you set your feet into a university, you have to start planning. Do not miss any chance to gain intern experience with investment banks.
It is a fact that many of my candidates got their first full-time jobs in IBs where they had their internships.
Recently, one of my blog readers asked me to do a resume critique for him. I was surprised that this young man managed to get an intern job at top tier Wall Street firms at all the summers during his university life. Before graduation, he was exposed to different departments in IBs and gained valuable hands-on experiences. Soon after I did the resume critique for him, he reported that he got hired by Deutsche Bank.
How to Source Investment Banking Internship Positions
If in any case you don’t find an appropriate internship opportunity via your university network, try other sources. Rising Star Internships can help you source investment banking internship positions according to geography. Bear one important thing in mind – man is not born equal. Some interns make coffee and do photo copying; some do financial analysis and help assemble research reports. Do your best to find out your responsibilities before taking up the job. Even if it is an intern job, make sure you find something worth doing.
Thoughts from Anna Maria D’Souza
Don’t forget your intern employer is likely to be your first full time employer. Make sure to look for quality positions with quality employers.
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Career
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Investment Banking Resume Writing – Make Use of the Golden 30 Seconds
Many a time, I receive resumes of 11 pages long. These resumes usually begin with career goal, career objective, executive summary, career profile and so on. Not until I flip over to the 4th page, I wouldn’t know what does this candidate do and with which company. Usually I am tied by then and will continue to read another resume.
Contrarily, when I approach senior and highly respected investment bankers in my daily work, some of them can’t even produce a one-page resume. Some can produce a few lines summarizing their experience and I have to write up the whole resume for them.
May I remind all my blog readers, resumes do not need to be long - the value of its content is far more important than its length.
Few people realize that banking managers spend on average 30 seconds to read a resume. Why giving up the most valuable position and space on your resume writing career goals, objectives, summaries, which no banking manager would care to read? Why not make use of the golden 30 seconds to present your most outstanding academic credentials or experiences that would add value to the position that you are applying for?
‘Tell what you want to tell’ – is usually the cause of long resumes. Some people even tell how many dogs they have at home, how many times they have married, how many countries they have traveled. Some others describe exactly in detail how good they are at all the seven languages they know (read, write, oral / basic, intermediate, conversational, fluent, native…).
May I ask you to stick to this strategy – ‘tell what readers want to know’. This will effectively make your resume shorter and more focused. And of course, optimize the golden 30 seconds in presenting the best of you.
Test of your knowledge on my blog
What is my recommended length of an investment banking resume?
A. One page
B. One and a half page
C. Two pages
Resume Writing
Contrarily, when I approach senior and highly respected investment bankers in my daily work, some of them can’t even produce a one-page resume. Some can produce a few lines summarizing their experience and I have to write up the whole resume for them.
May I remind all my blog readers, resumes do not need to be long - the value of its content is far more important than its length.
Few people realize that banking managers spend on average 30 seconds to read a resume. Why giving up the most valuable position and space on your resume writing career goals, objectives, summaries, which no banking manager would care to read? Why not make use of the golden 30 seconds to present your most outstanding academic credentials or experiences that would add value to the position that you are applying for?
‘Tell what you want to tell’ – is usually the cause of long resumes. Some people even tell how many dogs they have at home, how many times they have married, how many countries they have traveled. Some others describe exactly in detail how good they are at all the seven languages they know (read, write, oral / basic, intermediate, conversational, fluent, native…).
May I ask you to stick to this strategy – ‘tell what readers want to know’. This will effectively make your resume shorter and more focused. And of course, optimize the golden 30 seconds in presenting the best of you.
Test of your knowledge on my blog
What is my recommended length of an investment banking resume?
A. One page
B. One and a half page
C. Two pages
Resume Writing
Sunday, December 9, 2007
JP Morgan Trading Game – Extended to Asia
Want to be a trader, and don’t want to risk your own money? Well, as a student aiming for an investment banking career, this is a game for you.
FantasyFutures™ is an online global derivatives trading game with very real prizes and experience. It used to be available to students from Europe and the US, and it is now extended to Asia.
Attention: Students from Hong Kong, Singapore, China and India
This year, eligible undergraduates & master program students at participating schools in Hong Kong, China, India & Singapore can join the game. Weekly winners from each location will receive a certificate and prize points to accumulate for bigger value prizes.
You won’t resist these prizes, if you are dedicated to an investment banking career
The top three players from each location will be flown to JP Morgan’s regional office in Hong Kong where they’ll enjoy dinner with their senior traders, as well as going on a behind-the-scenes tour of JP’s trading floor, plus experience a day-in-bank as a trader. There’s no better way to get recognised or discover what it’s really like to work at a trading floor.
If you become the grand prize winner for Asia, in addition to the above prize, you’ll also have the choice of an expense paid-trip to visit JP Morgan’s offices in either London or New York – you decide.
It’s fun and it’s exciting. You’ll develop invaluable skills in a simulated – and stimulating – environment. And it could aid your future application.
JPMorgan FantasyFutures™ is open to all eligible undergraduates & master program students at participating schools in Hong Kong, China, India & Singapore.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Investment Banking Career
FantasyFutures™ is an online global derivatives trading game with very real prizes and experience. It used to be available to students from Europe and the US, and it is now extended to Asia.
Attention: Students from Hong Kong, Singapore, China and India
This year, eligible undergraduates & master program students at participating schools in Hong Kong, China, India & Singapore can join the game. Weekly winners from each location will receive a certificate and prize points to accumulate for bigger value prizes.
You won’t resist these prizes, if you are dedicated to an investment banking career
The top three players from each location will be flown to JP Morgan’s regional office in Hong Kong where they’ll enjoy dinner with their senior traders, as well as going on a behind-the-scenes tour of JP’s trading floor, plus experience a day-in-bank as a trader. There’s no better way to get recognised or discover what it’s really like to work at a trading floor.
If you become the grand prize winner for Asia, in addition to the above prize, you’ll also have the choice of an expense paid-trip to visit JP Morgan’s offices in either London or New York – you decide.
It’s fun and it’s exciting. You’ll develop invaluable skills in a simulated – and stimulating – environment. And it could aid your future application.
JPMorgan FantasyFutures™ is open to all eligible undergraduates & master program students at participating schools in Hong Kong, China, India & Singapore.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Investment Banking Career
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Resume Writing Skills – Tell Employers What They Want To Hear
The most important thing that an employer wants to know is how you can contribute and bring value to their business. When writing your resume, never write these:
Leading, motivating and evaluating team members
Forward analytical thinking
Strong networking and negotiation skills
If you write things like this, it’s just like you’ve written nothing. You just fill your resume with non-sense. I can’t reiterate more - you have to be precise and specific – and tell the employer what they want to know. A couple of strategies here.
Strategy One – Play With Numbers
Bankers are good at numbers. Play around with measurable figures.
Not specific: Involved in an award-winning TMT research team.
Specific: Key member of a TMT Research Team ranked number one by Euromoney in 2007 (third in 2006).
Strategy Two - Analyze What The Hiring Manager Wants To Hear
Emphasis results. Hiring managers want to know how you can add value to their business. One of my current MD candidates used to be a Credit Marketing Manager/Corporate Dealer. Here’s how he described his job.
Mr. Headhunter initiated, developed and managed a US$47 million portfolio of corporate clients. He increased loam volume by 18% and contributed to achieving 23% and 40% growth in branch non-funds and foreign exchange income respectively.
Thoughts on Resume Writing Skills From Anna Maria D’Souza
Never put up 20 bullet points listing all your daily duties. Always analyze the position you are applying for and what the hiring manager wants to hear from you.
Resume, Cover Letter & Interview – All In A Row
I just come across an article by Kevin Donlin, talking also about ‘Tell Employers What They Want To Hear’. It’s not investment banking focused, but the concept is just the same – apply the concept of ‘Tell Employers What They Want To Hear’ through out the process of cover letter writing, resume writing and interviewing - Enjoy reading.
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Is investment banking your dream job? Take a Free Career Test!
Resume Writing
Leading, motivating and evaluating team members
Forward analytical thinking
Strong networking and negotiation skills
If you write things like this, it’s just like you’ve written nothing. You just fill your resume with non-sense. I can’t reiterate more - you have to be precise and specific – and tell the employer what they want to know. A couple of strategies here.
Strategy One – Play With Numbers
Bankers are good at numbers. Play around with measurable figures.
Not specific: Involved in an award-winning TMT research team.
Specific: Key member of a TMT Research Team ranked number one by Euromoney in 2007 (third in 2006).
Strategy Two - Analyze What The Hiring Manager Wants To Hear
Emphasis results. Hiring managers want to know how you can add value to their business. One of my current MD candidates used to be a Credit Marketing Manager/Corporate Dealer. Here’s how he described his job.
Mr. Headhunter initiated, developed and managed a US$47 million portfolio of corporate clients. He increased loam volume by 18% and contributed to achieving 23% and 40% growth in branch non-funds and foreign exchange income respectively.
Thoughts on Resume Writing Skills From Anna Maria D’Souza
Never put up 20 bullet points listing all your daily duties. Always analyze the position you are applying for and what the hiring manager wants to hear from you.
Resume, Cover Letter & Interview – All In A Row
I just come across an article by Kevin Donlin, talking also about ‘Tell Employers What They Want To Hear’. It’s not investment banking focused, but the concept is just the same – apply the concept of ‘Tell Employers What They Want To Hear’ through out the process of cover letter writing, resume writing and interviewing - Enjoy reading.
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Is investment banking your dream job? Take a Free Career Test!
Resume Writing
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Do You Fancy Alternative Investment?
Citadel – Best Hedge Fund 2007
When you are looking for the best investment bank to work for, you must first of all find out what your strengths and interests are. If you fancy hedge fund and alternative investment, Citadel must be one of your top choices.
Careers at Citadel
Careers at Citadel have three major areas:
Investments and Trading
Quantitative Research
Information Technology
Entry-level positions are available in Chicago, its worldwide headquarters.
Citadel has a relatively simple website. Check its ‘Careers’ section and it is easy to find out information on training, internship and campus events.
What New Hires Have to Say About Citadel
Visit its website again and look for the ‘Our People’ section. You will find some young people talking about their lives at Citadel. Get a better understanding of their life style. Don’t forget that ‘A Day In The Life’ can’t represent a full picture – be prepared to work long hours, even on weekends, if you are devoted to an investment banking career.
Is investment banking your dream job? Take a Free Career Test!
Best Investment Bank
When you are looking for the best investment bank to work for, you must first of all find out what your strengths and interests are. If you fancy hedge fund and alternative investment, Citadel must be one of your top choices.
Careers at Citadel
Careers at Citadel have three major areas:
Investments and Trading
Quantitative Research
Information Technology
Entry-level positions are available in Chicago, its worldwide headquarters.
Citadel has a relatively simple website. Check its ‘Careers’ section and it is easy to find out information on training, internship and campus events.
What New Hires Have to Say About Citadel
Visit its website again and look for the ‘Our People’ section. You will find some young people talking about their lives at Citadel. Get a better understanding of their life style. Don’t forget that ‘A Day In The Life’ can’t represent a full picture – be prepared to work long hours, even on weekends, if you are devoted to an investment banking career.
Is investment banking your dream job? Take a Free Career Test!
Best Investment Bank
Friday, November 16, 2007
Hedge Fund – Rising Star in Creating Billionaires
Citadel and Ken GriffinKen Griffin – one of my clients whom I want to introduce to my blog readers as their idol. Ken is a typical example of starts young, gets rich young and is a self-made billionaire who of course, qualifies to retire young. His company, Citadel, was rated Best Hedge Fund by Euromoney in 2007.
Ken Griffin (38) was a typical successful young investor who started trading at his dorm room at Harvard. He established Citadel at the age of 22 in 1990.
Citadel - The Silent Giant
Unlike other private-money gurus such as Warren Buffett, Stephen Schwarzman and Steve Cohen, Ken Griffin remains largely unknown. Citadel has ballooned into an AUM of $16 billion. (That’s $1.5 billion more than Cohen’s firm and half a billion dollars more than the fund run by George Soros, according to estimates.) Citadel trades in low profile, however huge volume. On some days it trades as much as 3 percent of the volume on the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange.
Ken Griffin’s Bio
1968 – Born
1990 – B.A. in Economics, Harvard University
1990 – Founded Citadel
2003 – Forbes 400 – net worth $650 million #377 (first time on list)
2004 – Forbes 400 – net worth $825 million #363
2005 – Forbes 400 – net worth $1.5 billion #207
2006 – Forbes 400 – net worth $1.7 billion #204
2007 – Forbes 400 – net worth $3 billion #117
More About Ken Griffin
Started investing as a Harvard undergrad; read article in Forbes about Home Shopping Network, became interested in the stock market. Managing $1 million of family's, friend's money by senior year. Convinced by investor Frank Meyer to move to Chicago; founded Citadel Investment Group 1990 with Meyer's money. His hedge funds said to have averaged 20% net of fees annually. Assets under management exceed $16 billion.
Source: Forbes 2007
Kenneth C. Griffin (born 1968 in Daytona Beach, Florida) is an American hedge fund manager. Currently, he is Managing Director and CEO of Citadel Investment Group, a Chicago based hedge fund. A self-made billionaire, he founded and propelled Citadel to one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world.
Source: Wikipedia
Download FREE eBook: "The Complete Guide To Day Trading"
Ken Griffin started day trading while he was at Harvard. Obviously he started early and became rich early. If you want to start now, download this free ebook and learn to become the trader you want to be.
Test of your investment knowledge
What is hedge fund?
Young investor
What is hedge fund?
Young investor
Saturday, November 10, 2007
World’s Top Earning Traders 2006
Not only investment banks produce top earning traders. Hedge fund is a rising star. Many multi-million-dollar bankers quit their jobs to set up hedge funds.
John Arnold, a onetime natural gas trader at Enron Corp., became the highest-paid manager last year, earning between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, according to a poll. His Centaurus Energy is an energy hedge fund.
Some hedge fund traders are actually very young. One of my clients Dan Zwirn is only 35. The top earner John Arnold is even younger, only 33.
You can be rich and young, if you devoted to an investment banking career. Dan Zwirn was traveling on his private plane when I scheduled his interviews in Asia. Let’s take a look at his income and bio.
Here are the twin stars’ age and their estimated income:
John Arnold (33) - GBP 750 million – 1 billion
Dan Zwirn (35) – GBP 40-50 million
Source: Trader Monthly
Daniel Zwirn – Set up his hedge fund at the age of 29
Daniel Zwirn has proven to be a successful young investor. A Wharton graduate, did stints with $8 billion Highbridge Capital Management and MSD Capital, the private investment fund of computer billionaire Michael Dell, prior to opening his own shop DB Zwirn in 2001, when he was only 29.
Daniel Zwirn – Bio
1972 Born
1993 BS, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business
1993 BAS, University of Pennsylvania, Moore School of Electrical Engineering
1993 Analyst, Lazard Frères
1996 Portfolio Manager, MSD Capital
1997 Davidson Kempner Partners
1998 MBA, Harvard Business School
2001 – 2003, MD & Senior Portfolio Manager, Highbridge Capital Management
2001 – present, Founder, DB Zwirn
Mr. Zwirn received an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School in 1998, a B.S. in Economics with a triple concentration in Accounting, Finance and Corporate Control (self-designed), cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 1993, and a B.A.S. in Computer Science, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering in 1993.
John Arnold, a onetime natural gas trader at Enron Corp., became the highest-paid manager last year, earning between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, according to a poll. His Centaurus Energy is an energy hedge fund.
Some hedge fund traders are actually very young. One of my clients Dan Zwirn is only 35. The top earner John Arnold is even younger, only 33.
You can be rich and young, if you devoted to an investment banking career. Dan Zwirn was traveling on his private plane when I scheduled his interviews in Asia. Let’s take a look at his income and bio.
Here are the twin stars’ age and their estimated income:
John Arnold (33) - GBP 750 million – 1 billion
Dan Zwirn (35) – GBP 40-50 million
Source: Trader Monthly
Daniel Zwirn – Set up his hedge fund at the age of 29
Daniel Zwirn has proven to be a successful young investor. A Wharton graduate, did stints with $8 billion Highbridge Capital Management and MSD Capital, the private investment fund of computer billionaire Michael Dell, prior to opening his own shop DB Zwirn in 2001, when he was only 29.
Daniel Zwirn – Bio
1972 Born
1993 BS, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business
1993 BAS, University of Pennsylvania, Moore School of Electrical Engineering
1993 Analyst, Lazard Frères
1996 Portfolio Manager, MSD Capital
1997 Davidson Kempner Partners
1998 MBA, Harvard Business School
2001 – 2003, MD & Senior Portfolio Manager, Highbridge Capital Management
2001 – present, Founder, DB Zwirn
Mr. Zwirn received an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School in 1998, a B.S. in Economics with a triple concentration in Accounting, Finance and Corporate Control (self-designed), cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 1993, and a B.A.S. in Computer Science, cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Electrical Engineering in 1993.
Recommended career tools:
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Best Investment Banking Resume – Write Only What is Wanted
Many a time I receive resumes of 11 pages. I was wondering if Warren Buffett’s resume is that long.
Obviously, many candidates want to include as much information as possible, thinking that it will impress the hiring manager. Regretfully I have to tell this is not a good strategy, especially in the busy investment banking world. The art of resume writing is to consider what the reader wants to know, and NOT what you want to tell.
To determine what to include in your resume is the first step. Next is to determine the sequence of presentation. Last is to present in a simple and effective layout.
I am a headhunter, my way of reading a resume is very much similar to that of hiring managers. Let me tell you what information I immediately want to know when reading a resume.
Experienced hire – what is your current job, with whom and for how long. If that satisfies me, I’ll continue look at your work history and educational credentials.
Entry-level hire – what college do you graduate from, majoring in what subject and your GPA. If that satisfies me, I’ll continue to see if you have any intern experience that sounds interesting.
Determine what is wanted and what is not
Do a thorough appraisal of yourself, and see what is unique about yourself and that would catch the eyes of the hiring managers. Here are some life examples.
- Straight A’s in O-level and A-level exams, school topper throughout
- Work 40+ hours/week to finance education without family gifts or loans
- Obtain five professional qualifications in seven years time
I have extracted these from my candidates’ resumes. They are so impressive and made me remember them. I like especially the guy who had to work 40+ hours per week to finance his own education however graduated from Stanford with many other extra curricular activities.
Don’t waste time in writing unwanted information, such as:
- Married to Anna (my first and only wife) for 17 years
- Married to Anna, with two kids, Natalie (born on 11 August 02), Nicholas (born on 11 September 05)
- Do not write your employers' names, display their company logos instead
Don’t’ laugh, these are true examples extracted from the daily resumes that I read, and this is only a short list. I am sure nobody wants to know how many times you’ve been married. Even if you want to present your family status, you don’t need to tell your kids’ birthdays. Colour logos can only beautify your resume, however won’t gain you extra credit. Don’t waste time on them.
Exercise – to write your best investment banking resume:
- Review yourself and look for your personal USP (unique selling point)
- Content scan your resume and filter those unwanted and unnecessary information
Test of your knowledge on my blog:
What is my suggested length of an ideal investment banking resume?
A. One page
B. One and a half page
C. Two pages
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Investment Banking Resume Writing
Obviously, many candidates want to include as much information as possible, thinking that it will impress the hiring manager. Regretfully I have to tell this is not a good strategy, especially in the busy investment banking world. The art of resume writing is to consider what the reader wants to know, and NOT what you want to tell.
To determine what to include in your resume is the first step. Next is to determine the sequence of presentation. Last is to present in a simple and effective layout.
I am a headhunter, my way of reading a resume is very much similar to that of hiring managers. Let me tell you what information I immediately want to know when reading a resume.
Experienced hire – what is your current job, with whom and for how long. If that satisfies me, I’ll continue look at your work history and educational credentials.
Entry-level hire – what college do you graduate from, majoring in what subject and your GPA. If that satisfies me, I’ll continue to see if you have any intern experience that sounds interesting.
Determine what is wanted and what is not
Do a thorough appraisal of yourself, and see what is unique about yourself and that would catch the eyes of the hiring managers. Here are some life examples.
- Straight A’s in O-level and A-level exams, school topper throughout
- Work 40+ hours/week to finance education without family gifts or loans
- Obtain five professional qualifications in seven years time
I have extracted these from my candidates’ resumes. They are so impressive and made me remember them. I like especially the guy who had to work 40+ hours per week to finance his own education however graduated from Stanford with many other extra curricular activities.
Don’t waste time in writing unwanted information, such as:
- Married to Anna (my first and only wife) for 17 years
- Married to Anna, with two kids, Natalie (born on 11 August 02), Nicholas (born on 11 September 05)
- Do not write your employers' names, display their company logos instead
Don’t’ laugh, these are true examples extracted from the daily resumes that I read, and this is only a short list. I am sure nobody wants to know how many times you’ve been married. Even if you want to present your family status, you don’t need to tell your kids’ birthdays. Colour logos can only beautify your resume, however won’t gain you extra credit. Don’t waste time on them.
Exercise – to write your best investment banking resume:
- Review yourself and look for your personal USP (unique selling point)
- Content scan your resume and filter those unwanted and unnecessary information
Test of your knowledge on my blog:
What is my suggested length of an ideal investment banking resume?
A. One page
B. One and a half page
C. Two pages
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Investment Banking Resume Writing
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Investment - Start Young
I am not the only one in favour of the idea of ‘start investing young’.
Many believe that starting young will lead to a better quality life financially, which is true. I believe in starting young because it is an important step in building an investment banking career.
Young Investor – When to start?
According to James Glassman, start young is good, at birth is nice. I come across one of his articles in which he describes the seven rules for investing young. The most predominant factor is ‘to start young’.
Investment – What are the Benefits of Starting Young?
If you start young and have the right strategy, you don’t really have to worry about money in your life.
If you start young and get to know the market well ahead of your peers, you have a competitive advantage when starting an investment banking career.
If you start young, you don’t necessarily have to work for others. Like Tim Sykes, Michael Stahl and the TeenAnalyst trio, they are the bosses of themselves even before graduating.
If you start young, you are on the track to retire young and retire rich.
Investment Banking Career – Best to Start Young
Of course not at birth, however the younger the better. Though there are rare cases that some successful investment bankers didn’t start young and didn’t come from a related educational background, it is important that you get yourself acquainted to the market and make your investment banking resume unique and outstanding.
Are you set to build an investment banking career?
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
How to bring the concept of ‘investment’ into the life of a young person?
Make it a gift – if you have a teenage child, or want to encourage any young person to invest. Here’s a true story.
My boss has a friend whose daughter is also called Anna. On Anna’s 12th birthday, my boss bought her 100 shares of Esprit as a gift. Esprit was also listed in Hong Kong, so I copied his idea and bought some Esprit shares for my own birthday. In January 2004, the share price was HK$24.5 and today it closes at HK$120. While Anna is only 16 now, she already sees the power of investment and starts to make some trades on herself, though she hasn’t decided to make herself an investment banker.
Interest statement: Anna Maria D’Souza is not a current share holder of Esprit.
Investment Banking Career
Many believe that starting young will lead to a better quality life financially, which is true. I believe in starting young because it is an important step in building an investment banking career.
Young Investor – When to start?
According to James Glassman, start young is good, at birth is nice. I come across one of his articles in which he describes the seven rules for investing young. The most predominant factor is ‘to start young’.
Investment – What are the Benefits of Starting Young?
If you start young and have the right strategy, you don’t really have to worry about money in your life.
If you start young and get to know the market well ahead of your peers, you have a competitive advantage when starting an investment banking career.
If you start young, you don’t necessarily have to work for others. Like Tim Sykes, Michael Stahl and the TeenAnalyst trio, they are the bosses of themselves even before graduating.
If you start young, you are on the track to retire young and retire rich.
Investment Banking Career – Best to Start Young
Of course not at birth, however the younger the better. Though there are rare cases that some successful investment bankers didn’t start young and didn’t come from a related educational background, it is important that you get yourself acquainted to the market and make your investment banking resume unique and outstanding.
Are you set to build an investment banking career?
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
How to bring the concept of ‘investment’ into the life of a young person?
Make it a gift – if you have a teenage child, or want to encourage any young person to invest. Here’s a true story.
My boss has a friend whose daughter is also called Anna. On Anna’s 12th birthday, my boss bought her 100 shares of Esprit as a gift. Esprit was also listed in Hong Kong, so I copied his idea and bought some Esprit shares for my own birthday. In January 2004, the share price was HK$24.5 and today it closes at HK$120. While Anna is only 16 now, she already sees the power of investment and starts to make some trades on herself, though she hasn’t decided to make herself an investment banker.
Interest statement: Anna Maria D’Souza is not a current share holder of Esprit.
Investment Banking Career
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Top Earners at Investment Banks
As bonus announcement period is approaching, let’s review the top earners among investment banks in 2006.
Do You Want to be An Investment Bank CEO Or a Trader?
Guess who’s making a 9-digit income – a CEO or a trader. Read this post. Also read this.
Top Players at Top Investment Bank - Goldman Sachs - 2006
Driss Ben-Brahim – proprietary trader – London
Pierre-Henri Flamand – principal strategies trader - London
Morgan Sze – principal strategies trader – Hong Kong
Read details
Morgan Sze
City: Hong Kong
Firm: Goldman Sachs
Age: 41
Estimated Income: $75-$100 million
Source: Trader Daily, April 2007
FREE stock quote
Stock Trading Robot
How Much Does a CEO Earn?
In my last post, I mentioned the recently retired ANZ CEO John McFarlane. Rarely a CEO’s employment contract is published, but here is Mr. McFarlane’s.
Key terms of Mr. McFarlane’s contract extension are:
• a one-year extension to Mr. McFarlane’s existing contract until 30 September 2007
• fixed annual remuneration of $2,000,000
• target variable annual remuneration of $2,000,000 linked to annual performance
• long-term incentives, subject to shareholder approval at ANZ’s 2004 Annual General Meeting, comprising 175,000 Performance Shares. The shares will vest, subject to achieving performance hurdles in the period from 31 December 2006 to 31 December 2009. The total value of the proposed grant is estimated to be $2,500,000.
Source: ANZ press release 26 October 2004
Are you set to start an investment banking career?
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Salary
Do You Want to be An Investment Bank CEO Or a Trader?
Guess who’s making a 9-digit income – a CEO or a trader. Read this post. Also read this.
Top Players at Top Investment Bank - Goldman Sachs - 2006
Driss Ben-Brahim – proprietary trader – London
Pierre-Henri Flamand – principal strategies trader - London
Morgan Sze – principal strategies trader – Hong Kong
Read details
Morgan Sze
City: Hong Kong
Firm: Goldman Sachs
Age: 41
Estimated Income: $75-$100 million
Source: Trader Daily, April 2007
FREE stock quote
Stock Trading Robot
How Much Does a CEO Earn?
In my last post, I mentioned the recently retired ANZ CEO John McFarlane. Rarely a CEO’s employment contract is published, but here is Mr. McFarlane’s.
Key terms of Mr. McFarlane’s contract extension are:
• a one-year extension to Mr. McFarlane’s existing contract until 30 September 2007
• fixed annual remuneration of $2,000,000
• target variable annual remuneration of $2,000,000 linked to annual performance
• long-term incentives, subject to shareholder approval at ANZ’s 2004 Annual General Meeting, comprising 175,000 Performance Shares. The shares will vest, subject to achieving performance hurdles in the period from 31 December 2006 to 31 December 2009. The total value of the proposed grant is estimated to be $2,500,000.
Source: ANZ press release 26 October 2004
Are you set to start an investment banking career?
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Salary
Friday, October 19, 2007
Investment Banking Career - Start Young Or Not?
Retiring ANZ Chief On Carving Your Own Path
Though I believe firmly that it is important to start young if you want to build an investment banking career, there are exceptions. If you feel you want to join the field, do it.
John McFarlane, the ANZ CEO who stepped down by September 30, 2007, started his career at Ford Motors.
What Did John McFarlane Tell Graduates?
Here is an extraction of an interview published by Wall Street Journal on October 8, 2007 – the full article is only available to pay subscribers. Trying not to violate the copy right law, I can’t send you a link to read the full article, but extracted some content of interest to my readers.
WSJ: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Mr. McFarlane: My first job was in the production area of Ford Motor Co. in England where I was a graduate trainee in 1969. I don't think you'll find tougher circumstances, so everything after that was much easier. But I learned about manufacturing, operation, cost control, and purchasing. I learned that I didn't want to be in manufacturing, and I went and did my M.B.A.
WSJ: Do you think people should go to business school or skip the M.B.A.?
Mr. McFarlane: Going to a quality business school does matter. It teaches you the language of business and gives you an insight into all aspects of business, so that you aren't likely to come across any problem of which you don't have at least a basic awareness.
WSJ: What would you tell someone starting out in your field?
Mr. McFarlane: In my conversations with graduates, one thing that often comes up is how to find a good balance between work and life. I simply say get a life. Work is important, but there are other things that are more important.
The other question is how to succeed. Essentially this is ensuring you are passionate about what you are doing and that you are good at it.
About John McFarlane – A Short Bio
Born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1947, Mr. McFarlane was educated at Dumfries Academy, later gaining an MA from the University of Edinburgh and an MBA from Cranfield. He advanced his finance studies at the London Business School.
Mr. McFarlane began his career in manufacturing with Ford of Europe in 1969, followed by a 31-year career in banking in Europe, Asia and Australia. Following 18 years with Citibank, ultimately as head of Citibank in the UK and Ireland, he became Group Executive Director of Standard Chartered in 1993, based in London and Hong Kong, and in 1997, became CEO of ANZ. He lives in Melbourne.
Source: ANZ website (published until September 30, 2007)
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Career
Though I believe firmly that it is important to start young if you want to build an investment banking career, there are exceptions. If you feel you want to join the field, do it.
John McFarlane, the ANZ CEO who stepped down by September 30, 2007, started his career at Ford Motors.
What Did John McFarlane Tell Graduates?
Here is an extraction of an interview published by Wall Street Journal on October 8, 2007 – the full article is only available to pay subscribers. Trying not to violate the copy right law, I can’t send you a link to read the full article, but extracted some content of interest to my readers.
WSJ: What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Mr. McFarlane: My first job was in the production area of Ford Motor Co. in England where I was a graduate trainee in 1969. I don't think you'll find tougher circumstances, so everything after that was much easier. But I learned about manufacturing, operation, cost control, and purchasing. I learned that I didn't want to be in manufacturing, and I went and did my M.B.A.
WSJ: Do you think people should go to business school or skip the M.B.A.?
Mr. McFarlane: Going to a quality business school does matter. It teaches you the language of business and gives you an insight into all aspects of business, so that you aren't likely to come across any problem of which you don't have at least a basic awareness.
WSJ: What would you tell someone starting out in your field?
Mr. McFarlane: In my conversations with graduates, one thing that often comes up is how to find a good balance between work and life. I simply say get a life. Work is important, but there are other things that are more important.
The other question is how to succeed. Essentially this is ensuring you are passionate about what you are doing and that you are good at it.
About John McFarlane – A Short Bio
Born in Dumfries, Scotland, in 1947, Mr. McFarlane was educated at Dumfries Academy, later gaining an MA from the University of Edinburgh and an MBA from Cranfield. He advanced his finance studies at the London Business School.
Mr. McFarlane began his career in manufacturing with Ford of Europe in 1969, followed by a 31-year career in banking in Europe, Asia and Australia. Following 18 years with Citibank, ultimately as head of Citibank in the UK and Ireland, he became Group Executive Director of Standard Chartered in 1993, based in London and Hong Kong, and in 1997, became CEO of ANZ. He lives in Melbourne.
Source: ANZ website (published until September 30, 2007)
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Investment Banking Career
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Young Investors Educating Other Young People to Invest
Today I want to introduce three successful young investors – who have the same mission – educating other teenagers to invest.
What Were You Doing at the Age of 14?
Other than going to school, Chris Stallman (22), Dan Schuster (21) and Danny Miliaresis (19) were also investing. Other than that, they even establish Teenanalyst.com to educate other teens to invest.
This is not an easy task at all. I am completely impressed by the job done by these three young men.
About TeenAnalyst.com and the Teen Trio
In April 1999, three teenagers from Bourbonnais, Illinois decided to create a print newsletter that would educate teens about the stock market… Now in its fifth year, TeenAnalyst.com has helped educate over 600,000 young investors (and adults) across the country.
Source: TeenAnalyst.com
Take a look at the teen trio’s bios.
Chris Stallman
Dan Schuster
Danny Miliaresis
Your Own Investment vs Investment Banking Career
Get to know about investing is no better than getting hands-on investment experience. If you aim at building an investment banking career, start investing as early as you can. Make yourself a successful young investor before you step into any position in an investment bank. If you don’t want to risk your money, take a look at the Summer Stock Contest.
TeenAnalyst Summer Stock Contest
TeenAnalyst has a Summer Stock contest which runs from April 10th until August 31st. The person with the highest return will have themselves featured on their website!
Stock Trading Robot
TeenAnalyst Resume Writing Tips
If you are writing your investment banking resume, you should read the TeenAnalyst’s tips in addition to my tips in this blog.
I like their style – short, precise and direct to the point. Though they are not fully investment banking focused, it will certainly add value to your resume writing.
* Stress Your Strengths
* Make it Neat
* Keep it Reasonably Short
* Always Include Your Contact Information
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
What Were You Doing at the Age of 14?
Other than going to school, Chris Stallman (22), Dan Schuster (21) and Danny Miliaresis (19) were also investing. Other than that, they even establish Teenanalyst.com to educate other teens to invest.
This is not an easy task at all. I am completely impressed by the job done by these three young men.
About TeenAnalyst.com and the Teen Trio
In April 1999, three teenagers from Bourbonnais, Illinois decided to create a print newsletter that would educate teens about the stock market… Now in its fifth year, TeenAnalyst.com has helped educate over 600,000 young investors (and adults) across the country.
Source: TeenAnalyst.com
Take a look at the teen trio’s bios.
Chris Stallman
Dan Schuster
Danny Miliaresis
Your Own Investment vs Investment Banking Career
Get to know about investing is no better than getting hands-on investment experience. If you aim at building an investment banking career, start investing as early as you can. Make yourself a successful young investor before you step into any position in an investment bank. If you don’t want to risk your money, take a look at the Summer Stock Contest.
TeenAnalyst Summer Stock Contest
TeenAnalyst has a Summer Stock contest which runs from April 10th until August 31st. The person with the highest return will have themselves featured on their website!
FREE stock quote
Stock Trading Robot
TeenAnalyst Resume Writing Tips
If you are writing your investment banking resume, you should read the TeenAnalyst’s tips in addition to my tips in this blog.
I like their style – short, precise and direct to the point. Though they are not fully investment banking focused, it will certainly add value to your resume writing.
* Stress Your Strengths
* Make it Neat
* Keep it Reasonably Short
* Always Include Your Contact Information
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Secret Career Document
Young Investor
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Build An Investment Banking Career – Start Young
Some investment bankers are very good at investing, but they don’t care to or they don’t know how to tell/educate others to invest.
There is an unusual talent, whom not only start investing before his teenage, he even thought of educating other young people to do so. And he did it successfully.
Be a Successful Young Investor
Whether you decide to work for investment banks or for yourself, getting your feet wet on investment is an important step. The earlier to start, the better. Get yourself acquainted to the market will highly add value to your resume as well as during an interview.
About Michael Stahl and StreetSage
Michael is a seasoned young investor who began investing in the 4th grade. At 22, he became widely respected for his knowledge of finance and entrepreneurship. Mike founded the StreetSage in July 2001 with a mission of "To improve financial literacy among young adults through novel approaches of practical, interactive education."
Michael Stahl and StreetSage have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Mike has appeared on CNN/fn and Bloomberg Financial Television, and was even interviewed in Investor's Business Daily and Business Week, for the company’s pioneering work in financial education.
More about the successful young investor – Michael Stahl
Investment Game Blueprint
In 2001, when Michael studied in the dorm room of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he was committed to finding interesting and enjoyable ways to educate his peers about investments.
Since then the concept has been blueprinted and designed to provide the first teaching tool to accurately illustrate the virtues of long-term investing using a 25-year game-simulation.
Challenge: Turn $10,000 into $100,000 in less than three months
Sound tough? It’s not in the world of StreetSage. That’s because StreetSage is a virtual stock market that simulates 25 years of investing in only 10 weeks.
As a StreetSage investor, you’ll make decisions based on realistic information with realistic results, and you’ll have plenty of time to build wealth… or not. Either way, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about picking, holding, and selling stocks. The experience will serve you well when it’s time to put your own money to work making more in the real world market.
Source: StreetSage
Thought of the Day for Young Investors
From Anna Maria D’Souza
If you don’t want to risk your money, play the free StreetSage game.
You don’t have to start as a big-cap investor, Michael Stahl (CEO of StreetSage) started with his little family gift; Tim Sykes (Founder of Cilantro Fund) started with his Bar Mitzvah money. The multi-million dollar fund for the Paradise for Senior Citizens in Finland started with 780 Nokia shares.
Young Investor
There is an unusual talent, whom not only start investing before his teenage, he even thought of educating other young people to do so. And he did it successfully.
Be a Successful Young Investor
Whether you decide to work for investment banks or for yourself, getting your feet wet on investment is an important step. The earlier to start, the better. Get yourself acquainted to the market will highly add value to your resume as well as during an interview.
About Michael Stahl and StreetSage
Michael is a seasoned young investor who began investing in the 4th grade. At 22, he became widely respected for his knowledge of finance and entrepreneurship. Mike founded the StreetSage in July 2001 with a mission of "To improve financial literacy among young adults through novel approaches of practical, interactive education."
Michael Stahl and StreetSage have been featured in the Wall Street Journal. Mike has appeared on CNN/fn and Bloomberg Financial Television, and was even interviewed in Investor's Business Daily and Business Week, for the company’s pioneering work in financial education.
More about the successful young investor – Michael Stahl
Investment Game Blueprint
In 2001, when Michael studied in the dorm room of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he was committed to finding interesting and enjoyable ways to educate his peers about investments.
Since then the concept has been blueprinted and designed to provide the first teaching tool to accurately illustrate the virtues of long-term investing using a 25-year game-simulation.
Challenge: Turn $10,000 into $100,000 in less than three months
Sound tough? It’s not in the world of StreetSage. That’s because StreetSage is a virtual stock market that simulates 25 years of investing in only 10 weeks.
As a StreetSage investor, you’ll make decisions based on realistic information with realistic results, and you’ll have plenty of time to build wealth… or not. Either way, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about picking, holding, and selling stocks. The experience will serve you well when it’s time to put your own money to work making more in the real world market.
Source: StreetSage
Thought of the Day for Young Investors
From Anna Maria D’Souza
If you don’t want to risk your money, play the free StreetSage game.
You don’t have to start as a big-cap investor, Michael Stahl (CEO of StreetSage) started with his little family gift; Tim Sykes (Founder of Cilantro Fund) started with his Bar Mitzvah money. The multi-million dollar fund for the Paradise for Senior Citizens in Finland started with 780 Nokia shares.
Young Investor
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Can Smart Stock Pick Change Life?
Yes, certainly. Clever investors are good at their daily stock pick. Though not every stock they pick make money, but smart stock pick can certainly change life.
I am going to kick off my successful young investors series by telling this story on how smart stock pick changes life.
I used to work for a Finnish company. Therefore I have some knowledge about Finland where this story originates. It is dramatic, but it is true. Many who had heard this story from me, found it amazing and started to look for ways to improve their stock pick skills and investment strategy.
Mysterious Legacy
In 1962, a Finnish businessman named Onni Nurmi died, leaving 780 XXX shares to his home village in his will. Under the terms of Nurmi’s will, the income that they generate is to be used for recreation of the elderly of the municipality of Pukkila, a village about 60 miles north of Helsinki, with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.
For years, the money went on small treats for the 20 or so elderly residents: marginally better biscuits with the Saturday evening coffee, for instance. Pukkila council, which manages the portfolio, also used the dividends to buy more XXX shares whenever there was a new issue.
The Bequest Sharply Rose in Value by 3,000-fold
The value of Nurmi's gift rose from $30,000 in 1962 to $90 million in 2002. The portfolio now holds 800,000 shares of the same stock. Of course, this was by no means its peak. As for Pukkila, it has become the paradise for senior citizens in Finland.
Pukkila – Paradise for Senior Citizens in Finland
The bountiful dividends have allowed the local authority to arrange for free taxi rides for all Pukkila residents over the age of 65, as well as free physical therapy, the cleaning of television sets to prevent fires, and all manner of other important services that can be seen to promote the well-being of the local elderly, according to the terms of Nurmi’s will.
Each February the senior citizens of Pukkila gather at the village school to celebrate Onni’s day with a concert.
About Onni Nurmi
Onni Nurmi was born just outside Pukkila on October 24, 1885. As a young man, he ran a shop in Pukkila, but the business failed. He borrowed money from his fellow villagers, promising to pay them back with interest as soon as he could, and then, in 1913, alarmed his creditors by leaving suddenly for America. He returned in 1928 as a rich man and paid off all his debts, with humble gratitude and interest included. In 1962 he died, leaving a gift of 780 shares to his fellow villagers.
Nobody knows how Nurmi acquired his wealth in the America. Robbing a bank? Well, not a respectful speculation. I guess he made some smart stock picks at the Wall Street. On his 44th birthday – October 24, 1929 – Wall Street had the most devastating stock market crash in American history. Nurmi returned to Finland just before then and his gift to his fellow villagers was from the stock market. This made me believe firmly that he made his money from his smart stock pick.
What Shares Were the 780 Shares?
Everyone who had heard this story came up with the same question. What share were the 780 shares? Answer is: Nokia. A follow up question: Who made that stock pick decision? Well, I guess Nurmi himself.
About Nokia
Nokia makes mobile phones. However few people know what Nokia made before mobile phone was invented.
In the 60s, when Onni Nurmi purchased the shares, Nokia dabbled in cables and tyres but was famous for the manufacture of wellington boots - not a bad business to be in, given the Finnish climate.
In the mid 80s, Onni Nurmi's bequest began to appreciate quite dramatically as Nokia pioneered the car phone market. Its 1984 Talkman became the in-car must-have for the rich and successful. In 1987, in a decisive move away from gumboots, Nokia invented the Cityman, the world's first mobile phone. It was the size of a loaf of bread but, even so, it generated great excitement; Nokia shares began to surge phenomenally, and continued to do so into the 90s, as the company dominated the mobile phone market.
Nokia's net sales were EUR 41.1 billion in 2006, with an operating profit of EUR 5.5 billion.
Nokia Stock Price Closing
NYSE – $37.25 – October 2, 2007
NYSE – $19.61 – October 2, 2006
Interest Statement: Anna Maria D’Souza is not a shareholder of Nokia.
I am going to kick off my successful young investors series by telling this story on how smart stock pick changes life.
I used to work for a Finnish company. Therefore I have some knowledge about Finland where this story originates. It is dramatic, but it is true. Many who had heard this story from me, found it amazing and started to look for ways to improve their stock pick skills and investment strategy.
Mysterious Legacy
In 1962, a Finnish businessman named Onni Nurmi died, leaving 780 XXX shares to his home village in his will. Under the terms of Nurmi’s will, the income that they generate is to be used for recreation of the elderly of the municipality of Pukkila, a village about 60 miles north of Helsinki, with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.
For years, the money went on small treats for the 20 or so elderly residents: marginally better biscuits with the Saturday evening coffee, for instance. Pukkila council, which manages the portfolio, also used the dividends to buy more XXX shares whenever there was a new issue.
The Bequest Sharply Rose in Value by 3,000-fold
The value of Nurmi's gift rose from $30,000 in 1962 to $90 million in 2002. The portfolio now holds 800,000 shares of the same stock. Of course, this was by no means its peak. As for Pukkila, it has become the paradise for senior citizens in Finland.
Pukkila – Paradise for Senior Citizens in Finland
The bountiful dividends have allowed the local authority to arrange for free taxi rides for all Pukkila residents over the age of 65, as well as free physical therapy, the cleaning of television sets to prevent fires, and all manner of other important services that can be seen to promote the well-being of the local elderly, according to the terms of Nurmi’s will.
Each February the senior citizens of Pukkila gather at the village school to celebrate Onni’s day with a concert.
About Onni Nurmi
Onni Nurmi was born just outside Pukkila on October 24, 1885. As a young man, he ran a shop in Pukkila, but the business failed. He borrowed money from his fellow villagers, promising to pay them back with interest as soon as he could, and then, in 1913, alarmed his creditors by leaving suddenly for America. He returned in 1928 as a rich man and paid off all his debts, with humble gratitude and interest included. In 1962 he died, leaving a gift of 780 shares to his fellow villagers.
Nobody knows how Nurmi acquired his wealth in the America. Robbing a bank? Well, not a respectful speculation. I guess he made some smart stock picks at the Wall Street. On his 44th birthday – October 24, 1929 – Wall Street had the most devastating stock market crash in American history. Nurmi returned to Finland just before then and his gift to his fellow villagers was from the stock market. This made me believe firmly that he made his money from his smart stock pick.
What Shares Were the 780 Shares?
Everyone who had heard this story came up with the same question. What share were the 780 shares? Answer is: Nokia. A follow up question: Who made that stock pick decision? Well, I guess Nurmi himself.
About Nokia
Nokia makes mobile phones. However few people know what Nokia made before mobile phone was invented.
In the 60s, when Onni Nurmi purchased the shares, Nokia dabbled in cables and tyres but was famous for the manufacture of wellington boots - not a bad business to be in, given the Finnish climate.
In the mid 80s, Onni Nurmi's bequest began to appreciate quite dramatically as Nokia pioneered the car phone market. Its 1984 Talkman became the in-car must-have for the rich and successful. In 1987, in a decisive move away from gumboots, Nokia invented the Cityman, the world's first mobile phone. It was the size of a loaf of bread but, even so, it generated great excitement; Nokia shares began to surge phenomenally, and continued to do so into the 90s, as the company dominated the mobile phone market.
Nokia's net sales were EUR 41.1 billion in 2006, with an operating profit of EUR 5.5 billion.
Nokia Stock Price Closing
NYSE – $37.25 – October 2, 2007
NYSE – $19.61 – October 2, 2006
Interest Statement: Anna Maria D’Souza is not a shareholder of Nokia.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Who Wants to be an Investment Banker?
Investment bankers usually outperform their peers in terms of income. Investment banking is one of the careers that enables ‘retire young and retire rich’.
I always encourage my readers to start building their investment banking career while at college. I recently come up with a website that well describes the life of an investment banker along with some useful career information. If you want to be an investment banker, please spend a few moments on this link: The Princeton Review.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
IB Career Overview
I always encourage my readers to start building their investment banking career while at college. I recently come up with a website that well describes the life of an investment banker along with some useful career information. If you want to be an investment banker, please spend a few moments on this link: The Princeton Review.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
IB Career Overview
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Investment Banking Resume Template
I am recently searching for a head of fund management. This is a very senior position. Most of my candidates are very good at their businesses, very good at managing money and very good at managing people. Unfortunately some of them are unable to produce even a one-page resume for themselves. In terms of writing an investment banking resume, you as a fresh graduate, could be more capable, if you were my blog reader. I ended up have to write resumes for those candidates.
Headhunters make money out of placing candidates, so you must be confident with their resume writing skills. I am here to make resume writing easy for everyone, especially those who are looking for jobs in the investment banking field. Either you are looking for senior or entry level positions, you would need to write a resume if you are in the job market looking for opportunities.
Here is a template I use. I use it to write resumes for candidates whose income packages are in 7-digit US dollars. Of course I’ve modified it for my young graduate blog readers. If you were an experienced banker, just omit the ‘activities’ section and move ‘education’ to below ‘experience’.
Resume Template for Young Investment Bankers
Candidate Name
One line address
Telephone number (with voice mail service)
email
EDUCATION / SCHOLARSHIPS
2007 Name of University, City, Country
Degree, Subject, GPA: xxx, First Class Honour / Dean’s List … etc
* Coursework description
2006 Name of Course (by scholarship??)
Institute/University, City, Country
2007 Type of Scholarship
2007 Any other Academic Achievement
EXPERIENCE
Company Name, Location City, 2006 - 2007
Title, Department
Job description
Company Name, Location City, 2006
Title, Department
Job description
Company Name, Location City, 2005
Title, Department
Job description
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
2006 Activities at university
2005 Activities at the public, volunteer work etc.
SKILLS
Language: Native English, fluent Cantonese and Mandarin, basic Italian
Software: Word, Powerpoint, Excel
Work 4-8 hours/week to partially finance education without loans (2004-2007) – replace this by any other money-related facts that will present you as a unique and outstanding young individual.
Give Your Resume a Professional Look & Feel (L&F)
Resume writing tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
The other day, one of my blog readers asked me to do a resume critique for him. The content of his resume was actually very good. However he just lacked a professional layout to capture the hiring manager’s interest in reading. His resume was full of different fonts and sizes, effects like bold, CAP, italic, underline and all kinds of symbols ►. Proper use of effects is a powerful tool to capture your reader’s attention, but over use of them will only spoil your resume.
Though good L&F won’t guarantee success, bad L&F loses readers quickly. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!
Good resumes have one thing in common, simplicity. Make it your mantra.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Resume Template
Headhunters make money out of placing candidates, so you must be confident with their resume writing skills. I am here to make resume writing easy for everyone, especially those who are looking for jobs in the investment banking field. Either you are looking for senior or entry level positions, you would need to write a resume if you are in the job market looking for opportunities.
Here is a template I use. I use it to write resumes for candidates whose income packages are in 7-digit US dollars. Of course I’ve modified it for my young graduate blog readers. If you were an experienced banker, just omit the ‘activities’ section and move ‘education’ to below ‘experience’.
Resume Template for Young Investment Bankers
Candidate Name
One line address
Telephone number (with voice mail service)
EDUCATION / SCHOLARSHIPS
2007 Name of University, City, Country
Degree, Subject, GPA: xxx, First Class Honour / Dean’s List … etc
* Coursework description
2006 Name of Course (by scholarship??)
Institute/University, City, Country
2007 Type of Scholarship
2007 Any other Academic Achievement
EXPERIENCE
Company Name, Location City, 2006 - 2007
Title, Department
Job description
Company Name, Location City, 2006
Title, Department
Job description
Company Name, Location City, 2005
Title, Department
Job description
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
2006 Activities at university
2005 Activities at the public, volunteer work etc.
SKILLS
Language: Native English, fluent Cantonese and Mandarin, basic Italian
Software: Word, Powerpoint, Excel
Work 4-8 hours/week to partially finance education without loans (2004-2007) – replace this by any other money-related facts that will present you as a unique and outstanding young individual.
Give Your Resume a Professional Look & Feel (L&F)
Resume writing tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
The other day, one of my blog readers asked me to do a resume critique for him. The content of his resume was actually very good. However he just lacked a professional layout to capture the hiring manager’s interest in reading. His resume was full of different fonts and sizes, effects like bold, CAP, italic, underline and all kinds of symbols ►. Proper use of effects is a powerful tool to capture your reader’s attention, but over use of them will only spoil your resume.
Though good L&F won’t guarantee success, bad L&F loses readers quickly. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!
Good resumes have one thing in common, simplicity. Make it your mantra.
Recommended career tools:
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Resume Template
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Why is This a Sample Resume?
David’s resume is not an investment banking resume, but it is a good sample resume for any one in any industry. A good work history is the soul of a good resume. In this respect, David is perfect. His resume is also perfect in many ways. Let’s look at them one by one.
Education: Good education with outstanding results.
Age: David is 39 years old and has a young family. He is old enough to have sufficient experience to contribute, and he is young enough to grow with any organization. Due to discrimination law, personal info like age and status are usually not required, but David chose to disclose these on his resume, which is certainly appreciated by hiring managers.
Experience: He had three jobs only in 18 years of time, proven to be stable.
Career history: You can see distinct promotion records in the two companies he worked for. His AUM grew from A$200K to A$70m in eight years’ time while he was with Famous Chemicals. The number of people he managed grew from 18 to 325 in nine years’ time while he was with Famous Exhibitions. His responsibilities grew from a domestic account manager to president, bearing regional P/L accountabilities.
Look & Feel: A clean and tidy layout, easy for readers.
Think Before You Accept A Lateral Move
Career tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
The other day I received a resume in which the candidate had four jobs within the same company in four years. Actually he changed job every year however without a single promotion. Hello, this isn’t a healthy trend. Unless you are on a pre-planned rotation trainee program, otherwise you have to be very careful when accepting a lateral move. Once is fine, but once a year is too much. David Smith’s resume is sure to make all the hiring managers eyes blink because he had distinct promotion in each of his move, not only upward movements, but distinct growth in AUM and the number of people he managed.
In any resume, hiring managers want to see upward vertical movements and not continuous lateral movements. Keep this in mind towards building your own sample resume.
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Sample Resume
Education: Good education with outstanding results.
Age: David is 39 years old and has a young family. He is old enough to have sufficient experience to contribute, and he is young enough to grow with any organization. Due to discrimination law, personal info like age and status are usually not required, but David chose to disclose these on his resume, which is certainly appreciated by hiring managers.
Experience: He had three jobs only in 18 years of time, proven to be stable.
Career history: You can see distinct promotion records in the two companies he worked for. His AUM grew from A$200K to A$70m in eight years’ time while he was with Famous Chemicals. The number of people he managed grew from 18 to 325 in nine years’ time while he was with Famous Exhibitions. His responsibilities grew from a domestic account manager to president, bearing regional P/L accountabilities.
Look & Feel: A clean and tidy layout, easy for readers.
Length: Just right. David has 18 years of experience and he's targeting a CEO role, therefore a page and a half is fine.
Weakness: David didn’t include his contact info on his resume. Please make sure you won’t omit this when writing a resume.Think Before You Accept A Lateral Move
Career tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
The other day I received a resume in which the candidate had four jobs within the same company in four years. Actually he changed job every year however without a single promotion. Hello, this isn’t a healthy trend. Unless you are on a pre-planned rotation trainee program, otherwise you have to be very careful when accepting a lateral move. Once is fine, but once a year is too much. David Smith’s resume is sure to make all the hiring managers eyes blink because he had distinct promotion in each of his move, not only upward movements, but distinct growth in AUM and the number of people he managed.
In any resume, hiring managers want to see upward vertical movements and not continuous lateral movements. Keep this in mind towards building your own sample resume.
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Sample Resume
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sample Resume – CEO Level
Quite frequently I receive outstanding resumes from candidates of non investment banking background. Here is one. I am shame that I can’t get him a job, because he is not a banker. However I am sure his next move is a CEO role.
I don’t always grade a resume as a sample resume, as there are lots of criteria to fulfil. David’s resume is one of my most admired non-banking resumes. Read it and come back tomorrow. I’ll tell you why. In the long run, I hope all my readers will work towards building a similar resume for themselves.
David Smith
EDUCATION
University of Sydney, Australia - 1996
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, completed with Distinction average
University of Queensland, Australia - 1987
Bachelor of Science, Double major in Chemistry and Mathematics
First Class Honours
PERSONAL
Language: English, Mandarin, Spanish
Date of Birth: July 1, 1968
Interests: Reading, surfing, wine, traveling, photography
Family: Married, with three children
EXPERIENCE
Famous Exhibitions, China/Australia, 1998 – present
2005 – present: President, Greater China
Based in Shanghai with responsibilities for Famous Exhibitions Greater China.
• In charge of the XXX/YYY JV, XXX/ZZZ JV and FE offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.
• Total of 325 staff, 45 exhibitions annually
• Board Director of Famous Exhibitions, Famous YYY and Famous ZZZ
• Full P/L and balance sheet responsibility
• Responsible for M&A activities in China
• Responsible for integration processes, culture development, training program, Corporate PR program, succession planning, localization of management, implementation of corporate policy etc.
2002 – 2005: Managing Director, Australia
• Responsible for a staff of 198, 22 exhibitions
• Full P/L and balance sheet responsibility
2001 – 2002: Divisional Director, Australia
• Responsible for staff of 95
• Responsible for management of consumer, mining, manufacturing and printing events
1998 – 2001: Exhibition Director, Australia
• Responsible for staff of 18
• Responsible for management of mining, manufacturing and printing events
• Received the Famous Exhibitions Chairman’s award in 2001.
Famous Chemicals, Australia, 1990 – 1998
1996 – 1998: Commercial Manager
Reported to the Managing Director and was a Management Committee role. Total business turnover being A$70M per annum.
• Sales and Marketing manpower management, planning and development (Total of 12 sales and marketing Staff)
• Development of the 3-Year Operating Plan and implementing growth strategies
• Management of annual sales, cost centre budgets and the National Customer Service Office.
1995 – 1996: Product Manager, Chemicals and Catalysts
• To manage all commercial facets of the two product groups in the Australasia markets
• Successfully managed the merger of the XXX and YYY chemicals businesses in Australia. Turnover being A$7M with 50 products involved
1993 – 1995: Product Manager, Personal Care
• Business grew from A$200K per annum to A$3.5M
• Doubled personal care sales in a six-month period
1991 – 1993: Account Manager, All Product Areas
Macquarie Explosives, Australia, 1989 – 1991
1990 – 1991: Marketing Officer
1989 – 1990: Graduate Marketing Trainee
Test of Your Knowledge on My Blog
Which of the following are frequently asked investment banking interview questions?
A. Finance
B. Financial Market
C. Brain Teaser
Answer: all of them
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Sample Resume
I don’t always grade a resume as a sample resume, as there are lots of criteria to fulfil. David’s resume is one of my most admired non-banking resumes. Read it and come back tomorrow. I’ll tell you why. In the long run, I hope all my readers will work towards building a similar resume for themselves.
David Smith
EDUCATION
University of Sydney, Australia - 1996
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, completed with Distinction average
University of Queensland, Australia - 1987
Bachelor of Science, Double major in Chemistry and Mathematics
First Class Honours
PERSONAL
Language: English, Mandarin, Spanish
Date of Birth: July 1, 1968
Interests: Reading, surfing, wine, traveling, photography
Family: Married, with three children
EXPERIENCE
Famous Exhibitions, China/Australia, 1998 – present
2005 – present: President, Greater China
Based in Shanghai with responsibilities for Famous Exhibitions Greater China.
• In charge of the XXX/YYY JV, XXX/ZZZ JV and FE offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.
• Total of 325 staff, 45 exhibitions annually
• Board Director of Famous Exhibitions, Famous YYY and Famous ZZZ
• Full P/L and balance sheet responsibility
• Responsible for M&A activities in China
• Responsible for integration processes, culture development, training program, Corporate PR program, succession planning, localization of management, implementation of corporate policy etc.
2002 – 2005: Managing Director, Australia
• Responsible for a staff of 198, 22 exhibitions
• Full P/L and balance sheet responsibility
2001 – 2002: Divisional Director, Australia
• Responsible for staff of 95
• Responsible for management of consumer, mining, manufacturing and printing events
1998 – 2001: Exhibition Director, Australia
• Responsible for staff of 18
• Responsible for management of mining, manufacturing and printing events
• Received the Famous Exhibitions Chairman’s award in 2001.
Famous Chemicals, Australia, 1990 – 1998
1996 – 1998: Commercial Manager
Reported to the Managing Director and was a Management Committee role. Total business turnover being A$70M per annum.
• Sales and Marketing manpower management, planning and development (Total of 12 sales and marketing Staff)
• Development of the 3-Year Operating Plan and implementing growth strategies
• Management of annual sales, cost centre budgets and the National Customer Service Office.
1995 – 1996: Product Manager, Chemicals and Catalysts
• To manage all commercial facets of the two product groups in the Australasia markets
• Successfully managed the merger of the XXX and YYY chemicals businesses in Australia. Turnover being A$7M with 50 products involved
1993 – 1995: Product Manager, Personal Care
• Business grew from A$200K per annum to A$3.5M
• Doubled personal care sales in a six-month period
1991 – 1993: Account Manager, All Product Areas
Macquarie Explosives, Australia, 1989 – 1991
1990 – 1991: Marketing Officer
1989 – 1990: Graduate Marketing Trainee
Test of Your Knowledge on My Blog
Which of the following are frequently asked investment banking interview questions?
A. Finance
B. Financial Market
C. Brain Teaser
Answer: all of them
Recommended Career Tools
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Sample Resume
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Investment Banking Interview – How to Shoot Yourself Straight to the Top of The ‘Must-Hire’ List?
Isn’t there such a thing that will shoot you straight to the top of the ‘must-hire’ list? I doubt it until I come across Jimmy Sweeney’s “WOW…You’re Hired!” Though my blog is investment banking focused, I am always keen to look for powerful career tools for my readers. Here is one.
What is “WOW…You’re Hired!”?
Remember Jimmy Sweeney, whom I’ve mentioned several times in my blog? He’s one of my most admired figures in the career industry.
Jimmy has recently created a job interview secret called the ‘Secret Career Document’.
Here’s what Jimmy says:
When my company was hiring last year, I knew if I had interviewed a person who handed me this type of 'Secret Career Document' I'd have three words to say immediately, "WOW... You're Hired!"
That's exactly why I've named this secret strategy, "WOW...You're Hired!"
Does the Secret Career Document Work for Investment Banking Interview?
According to Jimmy, it works like magic for top level executives, career changers, students fresh out of college… ANY field, industry or position you can imagine. Hello, ‘students fresh out of college’…these are my readers. I can’t wait to introduce this Secret Career Document to you.
Quote from the Website of Job Interview Secret
…Puts you in such high regard during the interview process that employers don't want you to get away—and many times are prepared to pay you more for this fact.
Now, for the first time ever, you can create a customized 'Secret Career Document' for your job search in just 10 minutes flat using my fill-in-the-blanks templates and step-by-step system.
The HEART of this system is my step-by-step, fill-in-the-blanks template provided to you in Microsoft Word format for easy customization of your very own job-landing "Secret Career Document."
What return do you expect out of an investment of $97? How about landing a dream job at reduced time, less stress and frustration? Don’t forget, time is money. Secret Career Document is a unique investment that will change your life. Give it a go. Not up to your expectation? Jimmy offers a full 56-day money-back guarantee.
The Benefits of Acting NOW?
It is obviously expensive of getting a personal service from career gurus like Jimmy Sweeney.
As a bonus for a limited period, Jimmy offers One FREE Personal Review And Critique Of Your 'Secret Career Document', and send you an email with his thoughts and suggestions. This is a $200 value.
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Investment Banking Interview
What is “WOW…You’re Hired!”?
Remember Jimmy Sweeney, whom I’ve mentioned several times in my blog? He’s one of my most admired figures in the career industry.
Jimmy has recently created a job interview secret called the ‘Secret Career Document’.
Here’s what Jimmy says:
When my company was hiring last year, I knew if I had interviewed a person who handed me this type of 'Secret Career Document' I'd have three words to say immediately, "WOW... You're Hired!"
That's exactly why I've named this secret strategy, "WOW...You're Hired!"
Does the Secret Career Document Work for Investment Banking Interview?
According to Jimmy, it works like magic for top level executives, career changers, students fresh out of college… ANY field, industry or position you can imagine. Hello, ‘students fresh out of college’…these are my readers. I can’t wait to introduce this Secret Career Document to you.
Quote from the Website of Job Interview Secret
…Puts you in such high regard during the interview process that employers don't want you to get away—and many times are prepared to pay you more for this fact.
Now, for the first time ever, you can create a customized 'Secret Career Document' for your job search in just 10 minutes flat using my fill-in-the-blanks templates and step-by-step system.
The HEART of this system is my step-by-step, fill-in-the-blanks template provided to you in Microsoft Word format for easy customization of your very own job-landing "Secret Career Document."
Return On Investment
What return do you expect out of an investment of $97? How about landing a dream job at reduced time, less stress and frustration? Don’t forget, time is money. Secret Career Document is a unique investment that will change your life. Give it a go. Not up to your expectation? Jimmy offers a full 56-day money-back guarantee.
The Benefits of Acting NOW?
It is obviously expensive of getting a personal service from career gurus like Jimmy Sweeney.
As a bonus for a limited period, Jimmy offers One FREE Personal Review And Critique Of Your 'Secret Career Document', and send you an email with his thoughts and suggestions. This is a $200 value.
Read more about how to create a Secret Career Document
Test of Your Knowledge on My Blog
Which of the following are frequently asked investment banking interview questions?
A. Finance
B. Financial Market
C. Brain Teaser
These career tools are seriously short-listed by Anna Maria D'Souza for those who serious want to start an investment banking career.
Investment Banking Interview Guide
Amazing Cover Letters
Amazing Resume Creator
Investment Banking Interview
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Best Resume Cover Letter
If you happen to land on my blog to look for tips to write an effective resume cover letter, I am not going to let you down. Investment banking is one of the most demanding careers. If your cover letter impresses a banking hiring manager, it is likely to impress most hiring managers.
Let me reiterate the golden rules of a best investment banking resume cover letter: short and precisely. It should contain answers to these questions precisely:
1. What are you doing?
2. What do you want to do?
3. What are you able to do?
4. What do you want the reader to do?
Very often I receive excellent cover letters and resumes. However I am shame that I can’t get the candidates jobs, because they are not bankers.
Here is a beautiful resume cover letter that I receive recently. I don’t think the author is my blog’s reader, but this letter perfectly fits all the criteria I set forth.
Why don't you use it as a sample and tailor one for your own particular background?
Hiring managers usually spend 20 seconds reading a cover letter. We shall set this as a target.
I would like to introduce myself as a professional marketer with 17 years of marketing and sales experience in Healthcare and Diagnostics industries.
I am currently a Regional Business Manager in Famous HealthCare (Asia) and the countries under my responsibility include Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. I am now seeking a Marketing/ Business management position that will maximize use of my knowledge and experience.
A copy of my resume is enclosed for your reference.
I look forward to have a discussion with you on any current opportunities that you are undertaking.
Resume Cover Letter Tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
Some people think that sending in a hard copy cover letter and resume is more polite and personal. However they don't realise that many companies, especially headhunting firms, have to enter their data electronically. Feel free to send in your resume together with a cover email (which serves the purpose of a cover letter). Hard copy resume senders are usually requested to resubmit electronically.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Cover Letter
Let me reiterate the golden rules of a best investment banking resume cover letter: short and precisely. It should contain answers to these questions precisely:
1. What are you doing?
2. What do you want to do?
3. What are you able to do?
4. What do you want the reader to do?
Very often I receive excellent cover letters and resumes. However I am shame that I can’t get the candidates jobs, because they are not bankers.
Here is a beautiful resume cover letter that I receive recently. I don’t think the author is my blog’s reader, but this letter perfectly fits all the criteria I set forth.
Why don't you use it as a sample and tailor one for your own particular background?
Hiring managers usually spend 20 seconds reading a cover letter. We shall set this as a target.
I would like to introduce myself as a professional marketer with 17 years of marketing and sales experience in Healthcare and Diagnostics industries.
I am currently a Regional Business Manager in Famous HealthCare (Asia) and the countries under my responsibility include Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. I am now seeking a Marketing/ Business management position that will maximize use of my knowledge and experience.
A copy of my resume is enclosed for your reference.
I look forward to have a discussion with you on any current opportunities that you are undertaking.
Resume Cover Letter Tips from Anna Maria D’Souza
Some people think that sending in a hard copy cover letter and resume is more polite and personal. However they don't realise that many companies, especially headhunting firms, have to enter their data electronically. Feel free to send in your resume together with a cover email (which serves the purpose of a cover letter). Hard copy resume senders are usually requested to resubmit electronically.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Cover Letter
Sunday, September 9, 2007
The Best Investment Banks – Citibank and Anthony Leung
Why is it Important to Start Your Banking Career at One of The Best Investment Banks?
If you start your career at a good place, your future is almost guaranteed, provided you do well. Therefore, ‘good’ or ‘best’ to some extent is related to ‘size’. If the bank is big enough, there are enough opportunities for you to learn and grow within the same organization without having to jump ship every now and then.
Few people plan to stay with their first employer for 23 years, but if opportunities are there, you’ll just naturally stay. Anthony Leung is a typical example of such.
Anthony joined Citibank in Hong Kong from university in 1973. He was a management trainee to start with. Before 40, he was Citigroup’s number one man in Asia.
Throughout his period with Citibank, he had chances to rotate among various departments. With the intensive training, he knows who’s doing what at every corner in the bank and get to know how to manage an investment bank. Before he left in 1996, he was the head of investment banking and head of private banking at Citigroup in Asia. He then became the chairman of Asia for JPMorgan Chase.
Anthony Leung – Bio
1952 – Born
1973 – Bachelor of Social Science, University of Hong Kong
1973 – 1996 Citibank, from currency trader to head of investment banking in Asia
1982 – Program for Management Development, Harvard Business School
1999 – Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School
1996 – 2001 JPM Chase – Asia Pacific Chairman
2001 – 2003 Financial Secretary of Hong Kong (read more)
2002 – Married to Olympic diving queen Fu Mingxia (read more)
2007 – present - Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Group
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
If you start your career at a good place, your future is almost guaranteed, provided you do well. Therefore, ‘good’ or ‘best’ to some extent is related to ‘size’. If the bank is big enough, there are enough opportunities for you to learn and grow within the same organization without having to jump ship every now and then.Few people plan to stay with their first employer for 23 years, but if opportunities are there, you’ll just naturally stay. Anthony Leung is a typical example of such.
Anthony joined Citibank in Hong Kong from university in 1973. He was a management trainee to start with. Before 40, he was Citigroup’s number one man in Asia.
Throughout his period with Citibank, he had chances to rotate among various departments. With the intensive training, he knows who’s doing what at every corner in the bank and get to know how to manage an investment bank. Before he left in 1996, he was the head of investment banking and head of private banking at Citigroup in Asia. He then became the chairman of Asia for JPMorgan Chase.
Anthony Leung – Bio
1952 – Born
1973 – Bachelor of Social Science, University of Hong Kong
1973 – 1996 Citibank, from currency trader to head of investment banking in Asia
1982 – Program for Management Development, Harvard Business School
1999 – Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School
1996 – 2001 JPM Chase – Asia Pacific Chairman
2001 – 2003 Financial Secretary of Hong Kong (read more)
2002 – Married to Olympic diving queen Fu Mingxia (read more)
2007 – present - Senior Managing Director, Blackstone Group
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Thursday, September 6, 2007
The Best Investment Banks - banking career
To consolidate the results of various polls, here are the top five best investment banks, in terms of career:
Goldman Sachs
Bank of America
Citi
Lehman Brothers
Morgan Stanley
Depends on the region where you are, there are top choices for beginners, such as:
Japan - Nomura
Europe - Deutsche
Australia - Macquarie
I have collected these best investment banks career sites for your easy visiting. They are all professionally laid out, and please do spend some time visiting them and look for opportunities that interest you.
If you are interested in private equity or hedge fund, we’ll talk about their key players later on.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Goldman Sachs
Bank of America
Citi
Lehman Brothers
Morgan Stanley
Depends on the region where you are, there are top choices for beginners, such as:
Japan - Nomura
Europe - Deutsche
Australia - Macquarie
I have collected these best investment banks career sites for your easy visiting. They are all professionally laid out, and please do spend some time visiting them and look for opportunities that interest you.
If you are interested in private equity or hedge fund, we’ll talk about their key players later on.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Best Investment Banks – top entry level hires
I’ve shorted listed a number of best investment banks from another source.
Collegegrad.com is a website dedicated for college students and recent grads. They have a list of Top Entry Level Employers for 2007. Employers are ranked according to their projected number of 2007 entry level hires.
Here are the investment banks on the list and their projected 2007 hires.
Bank of America – 2,500
UBS – 1,500
Morgan Stanley – 600
Lehman Brothers – 400
See the full list
You would notice that BoA, UBS, MS and Lehman all enjoy high ranking in almost any poll. If you want to start an investment banking career, you do worth investing some time visiting their career sites. You can find them on the right hand side of this blog.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Collegegrad.com is a website dedicated for college students and recent grads. They have a list of Top Entry Level Employers for 2007. Employers are ranked according to their projected number of 2007 entry level hires.
Here are the investment banks on the list and their projected 2007 hires.
Bank of America – 2,500
UBS – 1,500
Morgan Stanley – 600
Lehman Brothers – 400
See the full list
You would notice that BoA, UBS, MS and Lehman all enjoy high ranking in almost any poll. If you want to start an investment banking career, you do worth investing some time visiting their career sites. You can find them on the right hand side of this blog.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
A DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Best Investment Banks – top MBA employers
Fortune has a poll picking the top 100 employers most desired by MBA students. For the interest of my readers, I’ve noticed that there are 16 investment banks on the list. Let’s see who these best investment banks are.
Fortune 2007 - 100 top MBA employers
3 Goldman Sachs
10 Bank of America
11 Citi
12 Morgan stanley
15 Lehman Brothers
19 Merrill Lynch
21 JPMorgan
38 Deutsche Bank
39 UBS
43 Fidelity
45 JPM Chase
46 Bear Stearn
47 Barclays Capital
55 Credit Suisse
72 Wachovia
84 HSBC
Fortune 2007 - 100 top MBA employers – Full List & Methodology
Compare with Business Week’s poll of Best Places to Launch a Career, you’ll notice that Goldman Sachs has a high ranking in both polls. Citi being ranked as the Global Best Investment Bank by Global Finance, also enjoys high ranking in the MBA students’ poll.
I am sure you must want to dive into the career sites of these best investment banks and see if there are opportunities for yourself. Before we do so, we’ll look at another desired employer tomorrow.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Fortune 2007 - 100 top MBA employers
3 Goldman Sachs
10 Bank of America
11 Citi
12 Morgan stanley
15 Lehman Brothers
19 Merrill Lynch
21 JPMorgan
38 Deutsche Bank
39 UBS
43 Fidelity
45 JPM Chase
46 Bear Stearn
47 Barclays Capital
55 Credit Suisse
72 Wachovia
84 HSBC
Fortune 2007 - 100 top MBA employers – Full List & Methodology
Compare with Business Week’s poll of Best Places to Launch a Career, you’ll notice that Goldman Sachs has a high ranking in both polls. Citi being ranked as the Global Best Investment Bank by Global Finance, also enjoys high ranking in the MBA students’ poll.
I am sure you must want to dive into the career sites of these best investment banks and see if there are opportunities for yourself. Before we do so, we’ll look at another desired employer tomorrow.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Best Investment Banks – to launch a career
Best Places to Launch a Career
Business Week has a poll called BEST PLACES TO LAUNCH A CAREER. Of course it is not easy to determine who the best employers are for entry-level workers.
Methodologies & 2006 rankings
Best Investment Banks to Launch a Career
For the interest of my readers, I’m only interested to find out who are the best investment banks for entry-level bankers. Among the top 30, there are three investment banks, namely:
Rank 4: Goldman Sachs
2005 Entry Level Hires: 615
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
Rank 9: JPMorgan
2005 Entry Level Hires: 249
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
Rank 22: Lehman Brothers
2005 Entry Level Hires: 400
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
If you want to visit these best investment banks career sites, you can find them on the right hand side of this blog.
Tomorrow, we'll look at another best employers poll.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
Business Week has a poll called BEST PLACES TO LAUNCH A CAREER. Of course it is not easy to determine who the best employers are for entry-level workers.
Methodologies & 2006 rankings
Best Investment Banks to Launch a Career
For the interest of my readers, I’m only interested to find out who are the best investment banks for entry-level bankers. Among the top 30, there are three investment banks, namely:
Rank 4: Goldman Sachs
2005 Entry Level Hires: 615
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
Rank 9: JPMorgan
2005 Entry Level Hires: 249
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
Rank 22: Lehman Brothers
2005 Entry Level Hires: 400
Average Pay: $55,000 and above
If you want to visit these best investment banks career sites, you can find them on the right hand side of this blog.
Tomorrow, we'll look at another best employers poll.
Recommended career tools:
Amazing Resume Creator
a DIY resume is good enough for an entry level job. Investment bankers always want the best out of the best. To stand out from the crowd, get Jimmy Sweeney’s help to craft a best resume for yourself.
Amazing Cover Letter
A powerful cover letter is the perfect partner of your resume. Personalize and customize your amazing cover letter with Jimmy Sweeney’s help.
Best Investment Banks
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