Is Finance a Good Career Path?

If you’re considering a career switch into the finance industry, it’s natural to question whether it’s the right move for you. With lucrative salaries, growth opportunities, and the ability to make a real impact, finance can be an excellent career choice. But is finance a good career path in today’s changing landscape?

Directly from experienced finance career coaches, here is the inside scoop on building a rewarding career in this dynamic field. Read on for insights into finance industry trends, required qualifications, and how to leverage resources like PathWise to skill up and open doors to new opportunities.

The Broad World of Finance Careers

From investment banking and asset management to insurance and corporate finance, the finance sector encompasses a diverse range of roles. As global economies evolve, demand is growing for professionals who can navigate complex markets, manage investments, and assess financial risks.

Within the finance industry, some of the key career paths include:

• Financial Advisors: Analyzing clients’ financial situations and making recommendations on investments, savings, debt, taxes, and retirement planning.
• Investment Bankers: Facilitating mergers and acquisitions, raising investment capital, and managing hedge funds or private equity funds.
• Insurance Agents: Assessing risks and providing coverage through various insurance products including life, health, property, and casualty insurance.
• Corporate Finance: Overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, capital management, and forecasting for businesses.
• Retail Bankers: Providing personal and commercial banking services like loans and deposit accounts.

Qualifications to Break Into Finance

Gaining the necessary credentials is key to launching your finance career. Here’s what it takes:

• Relevant Degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or related fields. Coursework in statistics, analytics, and business is beneficial.
• Industry Certifications: Relevant professional credentials like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) enhance credibility.
• Work Experience: Build your resume through internships, entry-level roles, or finance-adjacent positions to gain hands-on skills.
• Networking: Connect with professionals through associations, events, informational interviews, and networking platforms.
• Soft Skills: Excel at communication, critical thinking, analysis, and problem solving. These capabilities are highly valued by finance employers.

Pros and Cons of Finance Careers

Pros:

• High Compensation: Finance careers are known for their lucrative salaries. The median annual wage for all business and financial occupations was $79,050 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with many professionals earning six-figure incomes.
• Job Diversity: The finance industry offers a wide range of career paths, allowing professionals to specialize in areas such as investment banking, financial planning, or corporate finance.
• Dynamic Work Environment: Finance is a dynamic field where no two days are the same. Professionals often find themselves tackling new challenges and opportunities regularly.

Cons:

• High Stress Levels: The demanding nature of finance roles, particularly in public accounting or investment banking, can lead to high stress and long working hours.
• Constant Learning: The finance sector is continually evolving, requiring professionals to stay updated with new regulations, technologies, and market trends.
• Work-Life Balance: Some finance careers, such as financial advising, may require availability beyond standard working hours, making it challenging to maintain a work-life balance.

Future Outlook for Finance Careers

Despite economic uncertainty, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 900,000 job openings for financial occupations through 2032. Business expansion, regulatory changes, and retirements will continue driving demand. Fintech innovation and sustainability also present new opportunities.

With strategic preparation, you can gain a foothold even as a career changer. Our coaches here at PathWise frequently work with aspiring finance professionals to evaluate transferable skills, pursue training, and land roles matching their strengths.

Making a Career Switch to Finance

Switching to finance requires planning but can be achievable with the right guidance. Here are tips to get started:

1. Identify transferable skills from your current or past roles that apply to finance like analytics, communication, sales, or leadership. Quantify achievements as well.
2. Obtain necessary credentials and training. Enroll in courses to fill knowledge gaps and consider certificates or degrees that align with your goals.
3. Search for transitional roles that relate to finance like operations, sales, or client services that can lead to finance-specific positions.
4. Optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile to align with finance employer needs can make you more discoverable.
5. Network, network, network!** Attend industry events and connect with professionals one-on-one to create opportunities.
6. Consider mentoring and specialized finance career coaching to help formulate your job search and career strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions on Finance

Still have questions about getting into finance? Here are answers to some common concerns:

Is finance a good career for the future?

Yes, demand for qualified finance professionals is projected to remain strong in the years ahead across specializations like corporate finance, investments, insurance and more. New technologies and regulations will create evolving opportunities as well.

Is finance a good major?

Pursuing a finance, accounting or business-related degree provides foundational knowledge for a career in this field. Complementary coursework, certifications, internships and networking are also key.

What Is the Highest-Paying Finance Job?

Finance jobs as a whole tend to pay well, with certain positions offering exceptionally high compensation. Here are some of the highest-paying finance jobs:

• Financial Manager: Median annual wage of $139,790.
• Actuary: Median annual wage of $113,990.
• Financial Advisor: Median annual wage of $95,390.
• Accountant: Median annual wage of $78,000.

How can I switch to finance from another field?

First identify transferable skills. Seek additional education and certificates to fill knowledge gaps. Pursue transitional roles and use sites like PathWise to network and find a mentor to guide your career change. The investment will pay off!

Let PathWise Help Chart Your Course

As you can see, finance offers diverse, well-compensated career paths both today and in the future. With strategic planning and expert guidance, you can make a successful transition.

Check out some of our wonderful podcast guests and their journey through a Finance Career: including Trevor Rozier-Byrd, Janine Hirt, and Sarah Biller.

If you’re ready to take the next step, connect with one of our certified finance career coaches. We’re here to help you gain clarity on your goals, make informed choices, and take actions towards a rewarding finance career.