I want to be an investment banker but am a trained lawyer - how can I achieve this? -

I have been looking for a career change for a while. I am a 30 year old real estate lawyer and would be looking to move into investment banking. What steps do I need to take to change career?

I think that is a brilliant idea, just because a lot of Investment banks are collapsing doesnt mean there arent oppurtunities to make money in this area. Some of America s greatest tycoons made their fortunes during the great depression because they saw oppurtunities where other people saw failure. But getting back to what you were saying try doing an MBA in finance by correspondence (there isnt much difference in doing one full time) it shouldnt take more than a year and is a lot cheaper, also try getting a proffessional qualification from an institution like the Securities and Investment Institute: they are a renowned UK based organisation that offer distance training for people in the securities, exchanges, trusts and investment markets. Being a lawyer you could combine law with investment banking, of late there have been alot of issues to do with regulation raised in the financial services industry and you being a lawyer would find several oppurtunities in the industry. However it would not be prudent to quit your currunt job but rather study while you work, an MBA is not very difficult qualification and you should be able to manage studying while working. I hope that has been helpful.

I would advise you to continue with your present job as a real estate lawyer because this is your career and what you are trained for. Investment banking now have lost their splendour as many have been taken over by banks and one have even gone bankrupt.

I don t think investment banks would have a job for real estate lawyer. I think you can consider studying CFA or MBA Finance. But why do u want to join investment banks at this time when majority of them have already collapsed?

Investment banks need lawyers too. Frank Partnoy was a lawyer. He use to work for Morgan Stanley. Steve Rattner was a journalist who use to work for Lazard Frères and now runs Quadrangle, a hedge fund. It just takes connections.

are you sure that this is a good idea when so many financial institutions are going under? Look on the recruitment sections of the banking websites and apply for graduate entry jobs and then you learn on the job.

Do an executive MBA with specialisation in Finance

call your local college and ask to speak to a career counselor...I want a change too.

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