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

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

HBR Staff; Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty Images

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 finance is right for me? ›

What Traits Should I Possess? When dealing with finances, it is extremely important to be detail-oriented, organized, analytical and a good communicator.

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 to answer why do you want to pursue a career in finance? ›

Tips to answer "Why do you want to pursue a career in finance?"
  1. Showcase your passion. ...
  2. Highlight your analytical skills. ...
  3. Discuss the impact. ...
  4. Emphasize the challenge. ...
  5. Show your understanding of the industry. ...
  6. Link it to your skills. ...
  7. Highlight the potential for continuous learning. ...
  8. Discuss the potential for growth.
May 8, 2024

What kind of person should go into finance? ›

A strong financial acumen, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well under pressure are all desirable traits which employers seek.

Is finance hard if you're bad at math? ›

However, this is just a simple misperception that many students have in the finance study. It is true that knowing math is essential because finance actually is about studying the flow of money. However, that doesn't mean you need a high level of mathematics skills like Calculus.

Is there a lot of math in finance? ›

Accountants need to be proficient in basic arithmetic, algebra, and statistics to analyze financial data, prepare reports, and ensure accuracy in their work. They may also use mathematical principles to perform tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

What are the cons of 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 good major for introverts? ›

Financial Manager Positions

These financial management positions include controllers, treasurers, credit managers, cash managers, risk managers and insurance managers. Since each of these positions requires strong analytical skills along with the ability to work independently, introverts tend to make ideal candidates.

What is the hardest job in finance? ›

One of the most difficult jobs in Finance is to be the CFO of a PE firm or a PE-backed company. According to a Big 4 firm's survey, turnover of CFOs in PE and PE-backed companies is notoriously high, reaching 80% in less than five years; half of whom are gone within three years.

What attracts you to a career in finance? ›

Why Choose Finance: Example Answer 1. I want to work in finance because I enjoy the challenging nature of the industry and how fast-paced it is. I thrive under pressure. I enjoy problem-solving and analyzing data, but also realize that finance is not just about the numbers, it is about the people too.

How to ace a finance interview? ›

Six expert tips for your next finance interview
  1. Get to the point. ...
  2. Know your finances. ...
  3. Make yourself the added value. ...
  4. Talk confidently about the industry. ...
  5. Engage with the interviewer. ...
  6. Keep learning.

Why did I choose finance as my major? ›

A finance degree can open doors to a broad range of dynamic professional opportunities — often with high earning potential in diverse industries. Finance majors learn fundamental business skills that can translate to careers in a variety of organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

What personality is best for finance? ›

Known as “The Director” personality type, ENTJs are extroverted intuitives, and—like their introverted counterparts (INTJs)—they are well-suited for positions as financial executives or venture capitalists.

Is a finance career worth it? ›

A career in finance can be very lucrative. The average salary for a finance 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.

What type of finance pays the most? ›

Highest-paying finance jobs
  • Investment banker. ...
  • Hedge fund manager. ...
  • Financial analyst. ...
  • Information technology auditor. ...
  • Financial software developer. ...
  • Private equity associate. ...
  • Chief compliance officer. ...
  • Chief financial officer.
Apr 18, 2024

How do I know if I'm doing OK financially? ›

Those who are financially healthy are successfully managing all aspects of their financial life. They have good to excellent credit, a handle on debt, an emergency savings fund and are on the right track for retirement.

How do I know if I will get finance? ›

The only way to find out if you'll be accepted for a loan is to apply. Yet that leaves a mark on your credit file that other lenders can see, potentially affecting your ability to get future credit. This tool finds out your chances of getting loans before you apply, helping you apply for the right loan first time.

What is the #1 rule of personal finance? ›

#1 Don't Spend More Than You Make

When your bank balance is looking healthy after payday, it's easy to overspend and not be as careful. However, there are several issues at play that result in people relying on borrowing money, racking up debt and living way beyond their means.

How do you know if you are in a good financial position? ›

Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of how much debt you have compared to your income. A healthy financial position usually means having a low debt-to-income ratio that won't give you nightmares. You're not drowning in debt; you're in control and making progress towards being debt-free.

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