MBA, CFA Level 1

[canuck101]

Hi all,

I am planning to relocate to Singapore and have an MBA in Finance and have passed CFA Level 1. In addition I several years of experience in quantitative analysis.

How hard is it to find a job in banking / capital markets in Singapore with my qualifications? I have already received my EPEC and am planning to go to Singapore soon for a week or so to look for a position. Will a week be sufficent.

The problem is I am already working in Canada and I can only take limited number of days as holidays.

I was wondering if anyone has been in my situation before and have succeeded in finding the job. Is it a good time to look for a job in March?

Sorry..too many questions but would really appreciate some input.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers
Canuck:-)

[brazil_farfromhome]

Hi,

Feb/March are supposed to be the best months to look for a job at Banks, specially because most banks pay bonus during this period. Only after receiving bonus people actually start to change jobs, making it an interesting time to look for one.

Having a MBA in Finance is good but believe that it really depends on which school you are coming from. CFA is different, as it is a standard (very high btw) and banks look at this certificate with a lot of interest.

Quant skills are hot ... many funds like Renaissance Technologies making a lot of money for last couple years ...

hope it helps,
Best regards,

[Vanveritte]

No need to use your days off. Apply online, get your phone interview, negotiate over emails, fly to Singapore for the final negotiation and a contract signing. If your skills are valuable they will go for your terms. Would that work for you? Btw, somehow local banks are requiring PR or citizenship form applicants but many foreigners are working in the banks. I am not sure how that magic works here.

[ching]

If you don't have much time to spend in Singapore, networking from overseas may be your best bet in finding a job. Then, as the previous poster suggested, fly down to finalize.

It's usually easier to look for a job when you're already here. But a week sounds pretty short! Still, you never know...