Is There a Chance for me to Break into High-Impact Finance Roles or am I Stuck in IR Purgatory?

Hey all,

Looking for some real, unfiltered advice.

I graduated in May 2024 with a Kinesiology degree on the Pre-Med Track (minor in Business/Finance) but have been laser-focused on pivoting into finance. I took the first job I could get after months of rejection and I’m currently working as a Financial Analyst at a boutique IR consulting firm.

Before that, I interned at a small Investment Bank and also held a corporate finance internship.

Here’s the issue: I feel like I’m getting boxed into “soft finance” — IR, communications, reporting, — and I want to break into more analytical, deal flow involved, high-impact roles: corporate strategy/development, equity research, even long-term investment banking.

My asks: - Am I pigeonholed by my IR experience? Or could it be a legit stepping stone?

• What roles should I actually be targeting based on my background?

• Should I be doubling down on certifications?

• Is my non-traditional degree killing my chances at more hardcore finance roles? (Should I work towards MBA or do I need an MSF?)

• What would you do in my shoes if you were 22, driven, and tired of being sidelined?

I’m not scared of grunt work — I just want direction from people who’ve been in the trenches. Tear me apart if needed — I’d rather know now than stay stuck.

Thanks in advance.