That's more than fair. In hindsight, it's pretty obvious when I think 'finance' I have an NYC bias.

Yeah I live in Nebraska and Omaha has a pretty big financial sector beyond the obvious one of Berkshire Hathaway.

I just wanted to thank everyone for the replies. They were very insightful.

I am not expecting a quick fix as to where I am making very good money in 6 months. I know that I have to bust my ass for a long time in order to fix my previous mistakes and show that I am valuable.

I know this blends in with psychology, but for the first time in 3 years or so I acutally like myself. This has done wonders in forming relationships, networking, and having the confidence to make career moves rather than thinking I am destined or "deserve" a crappy job.

I have a business plan written up for a running company I would like to start. The main problem is that there is no way I can get a loan from a bank and I can not in good conscience take a loan from family or friends knowing my previous history. Maybe I could start this by the time I am 30, but we'll see how that plays out.


I have begun to look into MBA programs, but am at the very preliminary stages. I feel like the most important things to focus on in the next year are removing debt, continuing to stay gambling-free, and networking. I will keep you updated on how my story evolves.

Look into taking the level 1 CFA exam. Might be a better option than going the MBA route IMO.

Don't you have to be sponsored?

No, but in order to obtain the full "CFA Charter" you do. That is after passing all three exams and having at least 4 years of "qualifying" work experience. Even mentioning your desire to achieve the designation is +EV while networking, interviewing, etc.

Actually it was hugely different. Just like a guy buying fed funds on a bank treasury desk doesn't have the same job as a flow trader on a repo desk even though they're basically trading the same thing.

Start the next Zerohedge? Really? Zerohedge is an extremely well-run operation. In contrast, there are thousands of absolutely terrible blogs by finance noobs on the internet that amount to worthless drivel. Unless you have something to offer, this is not how I suggest breaking into the field.

The way OP should break into finance is by aggressively networking and teaching yourself. Put 1k in a brokerage account and start trading/investing/whatever. Read books. Read financial statements. Build models. Get to work. Sounds like you have the time.

The route I took was easier. It was also 2007 and Morgan Stanley was trading at $80 a share. I also played 25/50 party poker in 2006 and I should thank my mom for spitting me out of her womb in 1984 and not 1987 every day.

But ultimately this is finance. It's not an intelligence contest. If you can help someone make money you will have a job or you will be working for yourself. No one asks me what my grades were anymore. Compared to many career paths you have a lot of diverse backgrounds because of this. You're going to have to network well and teach yourself some stuff. You're going to have to claw your way into this business but there are thousands of people that have been in a similar situation to yours that have made a living in finance.

Thank you for the great advice. I have been reading a lot of books on investing, trading, etc. just trying to gain as much knowledge as I can. Are there any specific books that you would recommend or programs to learn?

Forget trading completely. This would be the most important point, if you don't listen then that is up to you.

Read 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham and 'Security Analysis' by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd.

All the information you need ever written on investing is there.


By the way, bump this thread in the future and let us know what happened. You remind me of myself. You have already shown great qualities by simply admitting and understanding what happened and where you are. I guess you have the intellect, all you need is the energy and to stay honest and humble. Believe me this will pay dividends.

Best of luck ;-)

OP, I think the most important thing you need right now is direction. I know you are probably thinking that the finance industry pays lots of money and if you can just break in, your made. Its not that easy. Yes the industry pays lots of money to certain positions, but it is hugely competitive and the industry is shrinking and re-pricing itself. With your issues (low GPA, bad credit, very recent gambling addiction) you will have a very hard time landing anything besides retail financial advising where you are basically cold-calling 100+ times a day.

Do you have any experience besides your part time jobs? Any internships in school?

OP, a lot of haters in this thread. I promise you, if you stay away from gambling, find what you love in finance, do whatever it is you need to get in the door (I.E. secretary for 20 k /year), work the $hit out of yourself, take pride in your job while looking toward the end goal, learn your bosses job and make it easier, you WILL be successful.

Basically, be a ball of F*cking fire. Learn requirements. never make anyone ask you for anything. You have it done. When unanticipated requirement comes up, stay until it is done.