How to work my way into finance?
Hi, this is my first post. I signed up for this website because I need advice and I don't know where else to get it.
I finished college 4 months ago with a degree in Sociology (a mistake which I fully recognize at this point) and a mediocre GPA. I didn't have much direction in my life and it wasn't until part-way through my senior year (when I became Treasurer of my fraternity) that I really got a grasp on what I wanted to pursue. Incidentally it was far too late to change my major without incurring an extra two-years-worth of debt and surpassing my university's unit limit.
I thought, "oh well, I guess I'll never do finance," but I've realized that's a losing attitude, especially since I know that this is what interests me most.
I don't want to get into finance to make a ton of money (though that does happen to be an added bonus), I want to do this because I've found I love working with numbers and learning about the economy/financial practices.
It might be an uphill struggle for me to break into this profession, but I'm only 22 and I'm willing to start at the bottom - or even below the bottom, for that matter.
I've looked at several options, such as financial certification programs, community college classes, courses in excel, etc, but I'm skeptical of the actual benefit of these programs - especially since they generally cost thousands of dollars. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to invest in myself, but if I do, I want to make sure that I'm getting my money's worth.
It looks like an internship is the best option, but I've already graduated with my BA. Do employers offer internships to college graduates, and if so, where should I be looking? Also how can I convince a future employer that I'm serious about getting into this field if I don't have the educational background or any work experience?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Try for a CFA. Other than that, apply on career sites (the firm's website). Bloomberg offers the BAT, and a few friends got AM jobs from a few select employers there. It's worth a shot. I hope others comment with better advice, but don't give up, you'll get where you want to be with persistence.
thanks, i'm definitely checking out the CFA
I disagree with the above, while a CFA checks a box, indicates proficiency in finance, and is better than nothing, it takes a minimum 18 months (assuming you do L1 Dec, pass, L2 June, L3 June and pass all 3, only known one guy to do this.
my advice would be get a job doing something and go for a master's in finance. TNA has a few good threads on this, but the short answer is you need a rebranding, and MSF is a good way to do that.
all of this is to say don't stop the other stuff: excel proficiency, introductory accounting courses online, networking., but I wouldn't bank on that. if I were you, I'd get a job doing something, network/do that other stuff for a year, and if you don't have anything, go for a MSF.
this is good advice, i appreciate it.
What kind of jobs do you guys have in your offices for non-finance majors? Like clerks, receptionists, etc? I think it might be a good idea to work around the business in order to network.
It's not a good idea. Don't do that. You'll come across as a clerk, desperate to get into finance. It's better to do an MSF or CFA.
Clear MSF candidate
Get good at Excel and get a job as a temp. That's what I did. My company uses Adecco to fill roles when employees are on leave. I had two months to prove myself, but that was enough to get my foot in the door. Nothing in a book can train you for what the real job is going to be. If you can actually do the job, then there will always be spots open. Go into the interview and tell them that you will work nights, weekends, whatever is needed. Show enthusiasm and the ability to get along with other people.
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