Careers in Finance

[Simmiah]

Hello everyone!

I'm posting here in hopes of finding someone who is currently working in the wide world of finance to answer some questions.

I'm a person in her 20's who thinks she's finally hit the right field for her to get into. Finance! What's it like? I'm not looking at the investment banker route due to the crazy hours that I see there.. also not looking to be a stock broker or anything like that.

The analyst description really interests me. I didn't end up studying mathematics in college but took courses in logic & science.. & always loved to analyze things. But life science wasn't my cup of tea. I've loved managing money & am good at the basic stuff... & like to read investment magazines for personal use. So..it seems finance might not be such a bad fit. Not to mention that half my family is in business so maybe I have a talent for it considering my family seems fairly good at it.

I'm interested in careers that are logic oriented. Not dull. I am currently working as a office clerk at the accounting section of a local small company. It's okay work. It's not harsh or demeaning like some other jobs I've tried out over the past 3 years since graduating but it's not fulfilling in a real deep way. It helps though with saving money

Anyone here work in finance? Know anyone who works in finance? My next step is contacting local financial people to ask them these very same questions. Also any advice on how to break into the field?

I have a BA in an unrelated field... Creative Writing. I studied Entomology for 2-3 years also with a research project & work in a lab while I was there & some time after. So I can prove I have logical/analytical skills. I have to learn business/finance on my own. I found a certificate course through the NY Institute of Tech but am looking to get an MBA with an emphasis in finance. Good route?

Any other good career options people might throw out for me are also welcome!

Thanks!

[Jonathan Mead]

Hi Simmiah,

That's great that you think you've found the career you're interested in! Finances have never been something that really interested me, but viva la difference. =)

Perhaps you can apply your creative skills to finances. Maybe you could break into a creative-oriented company writing financial proposals in a creative way. All I can say is don't limit yourself.

You said you work in an accounting department of a company, maybe you could ask one of the upper financial co-workers for advice? Seems like a good place to start.

Wish you luck!

[Matthew Haupt]

I'm a tax & financial guy, Simmiah, and I can honestly say that this can be a very rewarding field, and I don't mean monetarily, although it can also be that as well. I love Steve's article about the "contribution mindset" and this is a service many people really need and when you can provide such a valuable service, they will reward you!

Anyhow, whats it like? It can be demanding and stressful with some clients, or if you make a mistake. A lot of the job can be managing your clients' expectations, so that they know what to expect and aren't disappointed or confused with paperwork or the results of their investments, etc. But it can be wonderful with lots of clients as you educate them about their finances and they progress towards their goals and dreams.

There are lots of financial companies that are looking for fresh faces, but expect to do a lot of smiling and dialing the first couples of years until you have a stable and broad enough client base. But they can give you great training and advice as you start out.

[silicon toad2000]

I'm in a finance/accounting career. It can lead wherever you like. You have already mentioned banking and stock broking, but there's so many roles a qualified accountant can fill within business. Normal bean counting (rather dull), finance manager (raising capital for the company and external reporting), commercial management (more sales related), systems accountant (analysing the system/software running the company), cost accounting (analysing the costs of the business, working on pricing and budgets) and working as an external consultant like a financial planner or a business consultant to company's who need a bit of input from a fresh set of eyes. Also there is a lot of money for someone who can implement a new software package into a business and taylor it to the company's needs.