How to make it in Finance?

I have always wondered how to get into Finance in India. It is only now 6 years after I graduated, that I am beginning to know. My reference is the hundreds of Linkedin profiles I have gone through the past 7-8 months. Comments, questions and tips are welcome.

I’ll put these factors, in order of importance:

1.    Go to the top 4 IIMs – Yes this was obvious. Ahmedabad, Banglore, Calcutta and Lucknow to an extent are good bets to take if you want to be in Finance. Chances are that recruiter will even hire you if you are in marketing. It’s a different story on how to get into one of the schools.
2.    Have connections: by this I mean anyone who thinks you have enough savvy to do well and knows people in the industry. Closer the relationship, the better. Otherwise you’ll have to go on a networking spree; relatives, friends of the family and family of friends are the best bets. I have seen that older people find it easier to pass around resumes than people of your own age.
3.    Become a CA: this is also one of the tried and tested methods that can help you get into a good finance job. Aim to clear all exams in first attempt, your value will go up in the market.
4.    Go abroad for your Bachelors/masters: I’m not talking MBA here. Masters in Finance or economics degree from a good university is a good bet. Good part is that these courses can be done without work experience. You will be able to stand out from the crowd.
5.    Tied on 4th place, BCom (Hons) from one of the top Delhi University colleges/BTech from IITs: Good undergraduate degrees are very useful. Somehow Delhi University is what Mumbai University can never be; makes me jealous.
6.    Look good, talk well, be confident: Many a times this is a factor of upbringing, but can be acquired atleast partially. In front end, people look for these qualities, because in finance, people are everything. This quality will help you get good jobs out of college. If you are a girl with these qualities, progress will be quick.
7.    Work for a MNC i-Bank’s Back office: Try to specialize in a function, post MBA jobs are the best in terms of profile. You will be able to make the transition to front end by networking or specialization at work i.e. Equity research, investment banking, Real Estate

The Basic theme goes like this:
Start planning early, it will help you and your parents to understand which path to take.
Network: cultivate people (ask your siblings and parents to do it for you too) to pass on resumes to
Good Brands work!! Make sure you have them. Hard work early pays dividends throughout life.
Standout of the crowd, don’t go for the normal.