Jumping into headhunting: Ask the Expert
Q: I was recently made redundant from a junior fund management position. I am 31 with several internships under my belt and a good degree. I now have two new offers in fund sales and one to work as a headhunter. I like the idea of headhunting but know there is no way back into the industry from there. What is a realistic career path in headhunting and what else could I do in five or ten years?
A: Act with your eyes open. Headhunting sounds glamorous, but it's a hard-nosed, performance-driven business. If you are not successful, you will be out on your ear pretty quickly, although if you do deliver, it's great, because you're in a job where you're making lots of people very happy.
As for career structures, ex-headhunter Tony Tucker sums it up like this: "You become a bigger headhunter, working on bigger accounts for a bigger firm." You will continue to be responsible for generating revenues, even if you are promoted to managing a team or division.
Where can you go in 5-10 years time? In-house recruiting positions are an obvious move, or outplacement, although the latter is normally for people nearer the end of their careers.
Next week's question: If you have been a director of a company that has gone into liquidation is it still possible to become a financial advisor and stockbroker? I know you have to step down as director.
What would you advise? Send your answer to: expertadmin@efinancialcareers.com
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