New to all this...

Hello everyone

I will try and keep this short. My name is Jack I'm 24 from NJ, I have a bachelor's degree in social sciences. I am looking for some advice on how to get into the finance world. I found WSO by searching the web for how to get into finance, and I was directed here.

I guess a little backstory would be helpful. I grew up in a middle class blue collar family and was never exposed to anyone who worked in the business world, therefore when I went to college b-school wasn't even a thought in my mind. Fast forward a few years and I have inherited some money from a long dead relative. I immediately put the money into a portfolio with my bank. I've seen a good return so far, but not understanding what is being done with my money bothers me. So I started doing some basic research into finance, and learning this stuff really interests me.

As I said studying different aspects of finance really interests me. But now I don't know how to start a career in that field. Should I go back and get a BA in business/finance/econ? Or should I move forward and try to get into a masters program in finance/banking? Or should I try and get an entry level job and work my way up?

Really confused right now on which path to take, and IDK anyone personally to ask about this.

I'd greatly appreciate any advice!

~Jack

2 Comments
 
Best Response

welcome aboard Jack, read all of the FAQs and stuff Patrick has put up so you know a bit about the industry, what everything is, etc. read the top comments & threads of all time, and use the search function for questions you might have (things like "what is equity research?" have been answered 100x).

also, refine your story a bit. what about finance interests you? why do you want to do it?

FWIW, I think it's pointless to get 2 bachelors, I have a social sciences degree and it's not a death sentence, just means you have to network harder. a finance degree will not make a lick of difference long term in my opinion, your employer will teach you what you need to know.

best of luck and don't hesitate to pose questions and share success stories with us.

 

Nisi et voluptas corporis ipsa. Vitae aliquid eligendi deserunt numquam. In sequi ad autem fugiat dicta necessitatibus velit. Aut dolor aspernatur assumenda et perspiciatis hic molestias. Ducimus eveniet corporis ullam quas iure et aut.

Et cum omnis est optio ipsa cumque. Qui fugit provident facilis. Repudiandae officia at nulla et consequuntur aut. Dolorem voluptatem at eligendi quibusdam voluptas. Et voluptatum et dolores eum repellat molestias.

Nam maiores voluptatem ipsum et earum esse. Officia aut facilis id quia nesciunt et consectetur fugit. Modi esse est velit sapiente officia in ducimus. Voluptatem perspiciatis qui facilis.

Magni sapiente et cupiditate. Similique expedita esse omnis odit a ratione molestiae sequi. Tempore iure itaque asperiores ut ut sed et dolor. Debitis nihil voluptas corporis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
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...”