Feedback for rare opportunity

Hello, I’m a sophomore at a non-target with two finance-related internships on my resume. I have a genuine interest in finance since sophomore year of high school, so I decided to major in my interest and see where it took me. So far the journey has been great, but I have something in the back of my mind. I have a family member who owns an electrical contracting business and who has stated that I may inherit it. I also need to major in electrical engineering (EE), which sounds interesting, but it’s not finance. If I do switch my major to EE and decide to inherit the business and then decide to pursue a career in high finance, can I? No one in my family has pursued a career in high finance, so I know the journey will be hard, but extremely rewarding compared to just owning a business due to nepotism. Thanks for reading, any feedback is appreciated.

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your situation:

  1. Interest and Passion:

    • It's crucial to follow your genuine interest. If finance has been your passion since high school and you enjoy it, continuing in this field might be more fulfilling for you.
  2. Switching Majors:

    • Switching to Electrical Engineering (EE) to inherit the family business is a significant decision. While EE can provide a solid technical foundation, it is different from finance. However, having a technical background can be beneficial in certain finance roles, such as those in the healthcare sector or tech-focused investment banking.
  3. Career Transition:

    • Transitioning from a technical field to high finance is possible. Many professionals have successfully made this switch. For example, a 3rd-year Harvard Medical School student considering a transition to high finance found that the critical thinking and technical knowledge from their engineering days were valuable in finance.
  4. Family Business:

    • Inheriting a family business can be a great opportunity, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. It's essential to consider whether you are genuinely interested in the business and if you have the skills and passion to run it successfully.
  5. Long-term Goals:

    • Reflect on your long-term goals. What do you want out of life? Are you more inclined towards a structured corporate environment, or do you prefer the autonomy of running your own business? Being brutally honest with yourself about your aspirations and personality can help guide your decision.
  6. Networking and Experience:

    • Regardless of your major, gaining relevant experience and building a network in the finance industry is crucial. Your current finance-related internships are a great start. Continue to seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and connections in the finance world.
  7. Educational Path:

    • If you decide to switch to EE but still want to keep finance as an option, consider pursuing an MBA or other finance-related certifications in the future. This can provide you with the credibility and knowledge needed to transition into finance roles.

In summary, while switching to EE and inheriting the family business is a viable path, it’s essential to weigh your genuine interests and long-term goals. Transitioning to high finance later is possible, especially with the right experience and education. Consider what will make you happiest and most fulfilled in the long run.

Sources: 3rd year Harvard Medical School student thinking about high finance transition- am I being realisitc?, Transitioning from tech to a serious finance job (yes, you read that right), Private Equity or Pizza Equity?, Banking doesn’t sound as bad when you consider other paths., Accounting major, can't seem to break into IB

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