Feeling pigeonholed due to past internships

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your situation is not uncommon, and there are actionable steps you can take to leverage your unique background and pivot into a finance career. Here’s how you can approach this:

1. Highlight Transferable Skills

• Your experience at start-up incubators and accelerators likely gave you exposure to business strategy, financial modeling, and operational insights. These are valuable in fields like venture capital (VC), corporate finance, or consulting.
• Emphasize skills like analyzing business models, market research, and working in dynamic environments during networking and interviews.

2. Explore Career Paths That Value Your Background

• Venture Capital (VC): Your start-up experience aligns well with VC, where understanding early-stage businesses is critical.
• Corporate Development/Strategy: Companies value candidates who understand start-ups and innovation, especially in roles focused on acquisitions or partnerships.
• Private Equity (Growth Equity): Some PE firms focus on scaling smaller businesses, where your start-up exposure could be an asset.
• Tech-Focused Finance Roles: Consider roles in tech companies’ finance departments, where your biology degree and start-up experience could differentiate you.
• Healthcare Investment Banking or Equity Research: Your biology degree could be a strong asset in healthcare-focused finance roles.

3. Leverage Your MSFinance Program

• Use the program’s career services and alumni network to connect with professionals in your target fields.
• Participate in case competitions, finance clubs, or any experiential learning opportunities to build relevant experience.
• Focus on building technical skills (e.g., financial modeling, valuation) to bridge the gap between your background and traditional finance roles.

4. Network Strategically

• Reach out to alumni or professionals in VC, healthcare finance, or corporate development who have non-traditional backgrounds.
• Use LinkedIn and informational interviews to learn about roles that align with your experience and interests.
• Be transparent about your background and emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt.

5. Gain Relevant Experience

• Pursue internships or part-time roles during your MSFinance program in fields like investment banking, equity research, or corporate finance.
• Consider certifications like the CFA Level 1 or SIE Exam to demonstrate your commitment to finance.

6. Tailor Your Story

• Craft a narrative that connects your biology degree, start-up experience, and MSFinance program to your target roles. For example:
  • “My background in biology and start-up incubators has given me a unique perspective on innovation and business strategy. Through my MSFinance program, I’m building the technical skills to apply this knowledge in venture capital or healthcare finance.”

By focusing on these steps, you can position yourself as a candidate with a unique and valuable perspective, even if your past internships don’t align perfectly with traditional finance roles.

Sources: Medical School --> IBanking, Undergrads: Non-finance, non-target, not a problem. 5 Steps to get you started., Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, Are finance majors retarded?