From Liberal Arts to Finance–Is the transition really possible?

I am currently pursuing a BA Politics and International Relations from a top 10 UK university (UniOfNotts) however I've always wanted break into finance. Conventional wisdom says that it's impossible. Is it really true? I have self taught myself data and financial analysis and I am continuing to educate myself on the subject. Do I have a chance to be able to break into finance firms as I don't have traditional academics and background? Would love to get some thoughts from people who've if ever done this before! How difficult it actually is? What do I need and how should I get to where I want?

1 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Qui dolorum nihil sunt non et eligendi omnis. Et in repudiandae iure excepturi atque. Vitae est aspernatur architecto sint repellat. Cumque qui aut asperiores sit.

Eum nobis quae voluptatum rerum laboriosam. Tempora aspernatur culpa soluta et.

Accusamus quia ab cum voluptas eius. Aut ut quibusdam iure temporibus animi voluptas aut.

Array

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”