I've been seeking for a job in financial services or finance department of international companies in Zurich/German speaking Switzerland for a couple of years without success. A couple of reason - IMHO - are a not solid knowledge of German and the fact that I'm not based in the area, even if I'm in Switzerland (currently living and working in Lugano, as financial analyst).
My main doubt is: I'm really passionate for finance (investments, markets and so on) but I forecast the financial services industry in serious trouble for at minimum other 5 years and in particular in Switzerland it is likely it will be reducing its relevance as a consequence of the sunset of the offshore.
As a consequence, I thought that maybe it could be better to focus on finance department of large, international companies based in the Zurich area. I tried with some candidacies but I rapidly realized that also in this field the competition is high.
I appreciate Swiss lifestyle and not interested in relocate in London. I visited Zurich and I fell in love with a so international city. I am motivate and well prepared but I can also know that I've never been a top of the class and I don't think I'll be able to stand out.
What I would like to know from EFers in Zurich is: what's happening in the financial services? Do you confirm my impression/fear? What are the critical success factors?
And what in finance departments? Are they hiring? In which industries? What do you suggest in order to success?
Maybe I would need for a kind of career coaching but no idea on who I could contact...
Actually, I believe that my English is enough good... I use it everyday at work... your reply worries me.
Your second sentence points out the reason why I am looking for suggestions: I understand that I have to focus on what I want but I am also pragmatic... Do you really think that it is productive to persist in trying to reach something unreachable?
From my point of view you should first clear up your mind and analyze where your role into a financial position can be. It ́s not necessary to work first in outside positions to join the internal finance department of a company. You can work for huge companies as an accountant, controller, auditor etc. Also, you can always find starting finance positions that don ́t require much previous experience. Don ́t get desperate, and don ́t think it ́s unreachable, you are not asking for a Bugatti Veyron, just a job in finance
I hold a bachelor degree in Economics and Management at the University of Turin (Italy). Areas of studies are: accounting, finance, controlling, audit and business law.
I have worked for several here and I can tell you I speak no German what so ever, aside from very basic manners so language is irrelevant.
Unless you are an outstanding candidate, then really, these companies look at experience. Most people moving to and from the big 4 for example are already at another big 4 or top 100 firm, or straight from Uni onto a grad scheme of sorts.
Otherwise, you need to start small and work your way up.
I had PwC on my CV from the age of 18, and well, I never get refused an interview because of that. Now I have several other big players on the CV, but I do not have a degree nor have I needed one. Maybe that is an exception, I have 6 years of experience over the dude with all the letters and that counts for more.
Also it depends on how you interview. Some people can really sell themselves and come across well, others struggle to do so despite being technically brilliant. People skills always excel in this area.
Try and get yourself in a big 4, in any position, work your way up or around, but once its on your CV your good. Trust me, you do not want to stay there longer than 2 years.
It is exactly what I'm trying to do discussing with EFers (please take a look at my replies to the post of the headhunter in Lausanne). In terms of finance job inside large companies, maybe it would be useful to narrow both in terms of kind of job and industries. In any case, I have 6 years of experience as accountant (unfortunately in a small Italian company, no exposure to Swiss/US GAAP, IFRS, SOx) and 2 at a management consulting firm focused on corporate finance/M&A... But all these years seems unattractive (or not enough) for employers!
As far as I know, Big4 do not hire people without an outstanding academic background and the major part of the positions requires at minimum a solid knowledge of French or German (depending on the part of Switzerland where is offered the job)... In any case, I'll take a look at the careers page of the Big4... fortunately they are 4 and no 20, so it's pretty fast to check!
Well I have neither and they hired me, and whilst a lot of German was spoken in the office, naturally as am in Zurich, common business language was English. The big 4 and nature of the business means all offices in European zone, and Americas need to communicate and liaise, alas, English is the most important, well that was my experience.
I am not sure if Swiss big 4 do similar referral schemes like they do in the UK, but in London I got my foot half way in the door by referral. Still had to pass the interview and competency tests, but otherwise they would of probably thrown my CV in the bin. So, if you know anyone working in one of these firms, look at trying to get a referral also.