Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (2024)

Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (1)

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Summary.

If you’re considering a career in finance, a good way to get your foot in the door and build a strong foundation for your growth typically involves pursuing one of two paths: retail finance or institutional finance. How do you know which path is right for you? Consider the following:

  • Retail finance typically involves dealing with the general public. These professionals service customers that include individual investors and small businesses. The most notable designation for finance professionals working in this space is the CFP, certified financial planner.
  • Institutional finance generally refers to working with large institutions such as banks, hedge funds, and other business entities. The premier designation in this space is the CFA, chartered financial analyst.
  • Retail finance offers the flexibility of working in almost any locale. Institutional finance often implies that you’re an employee of a large institution, and you likely will have less opportunities to work remotely.
  • Retail finance, such as being an independent financial advisor, can mean working with new customers every day, but often doing so alone. Institutional finance usually means working on a team within a department that’s part of a larger department, meaning there is more of a hierarchy.
  • People in retail finance are more likely to obtain a bachelor’s and then pursue necessary insurance and investment licenses or designations specific to their career and clientele. People in institutional finance may have to obtain a master’s to move up the ladder.
  • The average salary for afinance major is $101,038. Pursuing a career as a financial advisor or another form of financial sales can go well beyond this number, whereas a career in corporate America or the government typically stays close to it.

“Can you speak another language?” The hiring manager read the puzzled look on my face.

Is a Career in Finance Right for You? (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if a career in finance is right for me? ›

Still, a career in finance isn't for everyone. If talking about money bores you, for example, you might want to choose a different path. Similarly, if math was never your subject, it's not a dealbreaker, but it is a skill you'll need to practice regularly in this field.

Is finance a good career path for you? ›

Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, opportunities for advancement and consistent demand projections. Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.

How do you know if finance is the right major for you? ›

If you are interested in solving problems in creative ways or helping companies to plan how to grow their revenue or maintain profitability, a finance major is right for you. A Bachelor of Science in Finance will help you develop multiple skillsets with a great outlook for success after your graduation.

Am I suited for finance? ›

If you're good at math or like to work with numbers, this may be the career to pursue. If you like to solve complex problems or if you are interested in organizing information, you might want to learn more about this career path.

Why is finance a good career choice? ›

The Benefits of Working in Finance

Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that business and finance jobs will be in demand from 2022 to 2032, with 911,400 openings on average each year.

What attracts you to a career in finance? ›

Why are you interested in a career in finance? I'm interested in a career in finance because it offers a dynamic environment that combines analytical thinking with strategic problem-solving. Finance roles impact businesses fundamentally and globally, providing a platform for continuous learning and growth.

Is it hard to get a job as a finance major? ›

Getting your foot in the door of a finance job isn't always easy. Start by getting part-time or full-time finance internships, ideally while you're still studying, to gain a competitive edge. As you rack up years of experience, your options will improve.

How difficult is a finance degree? ›

One thing that's for sure is the high amount of math you will need to study. Finance is a mathematical discipline, so if you aren't as comfortable with math as with other ways of thinking, you may find it more challenging. Additionally, finance also makes use of a vast, highly specific vocabulary.

Is finance math heavy? ›

Believe it or not, mastery of advanced math skills is not necessary to have a career in finance. With today's technology, all math-related tasks can be done by computers and calculators. That said, there are some basic math skills that would certainly make you a better candidate in the finance industry.

What personality is best for finance? ›

Along with many of the other types best suited for careers in finance, INTPs are sensible, intelligent, and analytical pragmatists. Unlike some of the other types, they are more adaptable and have a unique outlook on things.

What type of person is good at finance? ›

Detail-oriented. Strong attention to detail is a must-have CFO personality trait because so much time is spent analyzing complex data. Paying close attention to details ensures the accuracy of financial reports. It also improves the chances of spotting and fixing errors or discrepancies.

What kind of people do well in finance? ›

They are sharp, analytical thinkers, but also strong communicators who can share their insights when they are called upon. The best people in finance are the types to explore opportunities for continuous improvement and can prioritize and formulate solutions that create win-win situations.

What are the cons of a finance career? ›

They can include high stress, big responsibility, long working hours, continuing education requirements, and, in some cases, a lack of job security—the finance industry is generally quite cyclical.

Is finance a hard career to get into? ›

Finance isn't for everyone, and you'll need the right combination of hard and soft skills to be successful. “You've got to be a numbers person for anything in accounting and finance,” Kapur says. Depending on their role, finance and accounting professionals may use math and statistics on a daily basis.

How to break into the finance industry with no experience? ›

How to Break Into Finance with No Experience
  1. Overview.
  2. Offer to Work (for Free) at a Search Fund.
  3. Start a Blog about Investing.
  4. Write Articles on Seeking Alpha and Value Investors Club.
  5. Start a Solo Small Business.
  6. Invest Your Own Money.
  7. Take Courses or get Certificates.
  8. Network Aggressively and Systematically.

Is it hard getting a job in finance? ›

You don't need an MBA to work in finance, but the field is highly competitive, especially at the entry-level.

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