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

FAQs

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

Finance Career Character Traits

If on the other hand, you love numbers, are good at math and Excel spreadsheets, and relish delving into the financials of a public company, then you might want to be an analyst. If you have both skill sets, a position as a financial advisor could suit you best.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1. Investment Banker. Roles in investing banking are highly sought after. For investment bankers, it's often a higher competition to land a role in one of the largest firms.

It offers a fast-paced, continuously challenging career

The adrenalin of deals (whether you're the client or broker) and the buzz of the trading floor and the pace of change - for the better or worse - means it can provide a highly stimulating career.

Drawbacks of a career in finance can include high stress, long working hours, continuing education requirements, and, in some cases, limited job stability.

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.

Overall, finance students rate their satisfaction with their degree a 3.1 out of 5.

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.

The majority of investment professionals have a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or Economics. Investments advisers and bankers must also obtain a license to practice. Important skills for investment professionals include communication, negotiation and critical-thinking for working in a fast-paced environment.

For example, if you are interested in stocks, consider learning more about how to build a balanced portfolio. If you are thinking about a career in finance, think about learning about specific areas you would like to specialize in, such as investment banking or financial planning.

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.

Financial stability can be defined differently for each person, but there are some common indicators of being financially secure. Signs of financial stability include following a budget, living below your means, saving money consistently, prioritizing debt repayment, and paying bills on time.

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.