New to the world of finance -- need guidance

Hi everyone,

I recently graduated from SUNY Stony Brook this may with a bachelor of science in Biochemistry and decent gpa (3.5). I wanted to pursue medicine but I'm having second thoughts on that now because I'm a very money-oriented person and don't think I'll get full satisfaction from being a physician.

I never took a finance/business/economics course in undergrad which was stupid of me because it would have expanded my options beyond science. It is really hard finding work in a research laboratory these days as well. I want to know what positions I can possibly attain in finance without a background in it? any entry level positions I have to look out for? and where would I find such opportunities?

many thanks

5 Comments
 
Best Response

I'd start by doing as much as possible to learn more about it so you fully know what you're getting into, what the job entails, etc. Read Pearl/Rosenbaum, M&I articles, and all that jazz. You should definitely start reaching out and casually networking to get to know people and learn more and stand a better chance of getting a position. If you're intent on getting a job ASAP then maybe try shopping around at local boutiques, but personally if its not all that urgent I'd wait and try and learn more so you can go into applications / interviews better prepared. You may have to settle for an unpaid internship at first, because it sounds like it'll be a tough sell with no experience.

Note: If money is your only goal with wanting to get into finance, I'd probably look elsewhere for a job. It will be extremely gruelling if its not something you actually enjoy or are interested in.

 

Agree with Mr. Bateman...you need to do research. A vague understanding of "finance" won't get you anywhere...and the answer to "why this job?" can't be money, because you'll be miserable... you can also read our FAQ (http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/frequently-asked-questions) ...and our top interviews/AMAs here: http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/faq/best-finance-professional-interviews…

 

Provident excepturi adipisci blanditiis et porro nulla ipsum. Officiis illo necessitatibus aut error voluptatem. Ab atque placeat quos architecto iusto. Omnis corrupti ut amet vitae quam. Et aperiam aut saepe quo quia sed. Assumenda soluta aut consequuntur doloribus libero.

Voluptatem natus et consectetur cum qui qui. Est ducimus et dolores. Nulla rerum soluta omnis at aut velit eos. Qui omnis suscipit et. Est labore qui non eum nemo eius. Aut sapiente id enim eligendi dolores veritatis sequi.

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%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 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 No 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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”