Advice on tech career path

Tech related question but I would love to hear what WSO thinks because you will probably provide a better perspective.

My question is whether I should aim for a particular role like project manager/developer or which technology should I learn if I do want to have exposure to the financial industry and potentially have another crack at breaking into finance later.

I am a finance and accounting major. I didn't get through the BB interviews but managed to get a tech consulting role at a F500 tech company. I got really lucky with this role because I was the only business major out of all the CS or engineering majors in my year's intake. Accounting and finance majors normally end up in the back office at tech firms.

I've been really enjoying my time here so far (nearly half a year) but can't decide how to progress my career. I am currently in a software testing role, not ideal but it is a start considering I have zero technical background. I am currently skilling up by learning python and will learn java shortly.

The paths in tech consulting are basically (not mutually exclusive):

• Become a project manager/business analyst/developer
• Align to an industry like banking or healthcare
• Align to a technology like machine learning/AI/Blockchain

I do not want to get pigeonholed as a tester so I need to decide what to pursue fast. I initially wanted to become a project manager due to my business background and it could potentially lead me into an exec role. At the same time, I'm quite interested in data/analytics/AI. . I'm currently trying to get more projects within the banking sector even though much of what we do is for retail banking and not related to high finance/capital markets which is where my interests still lies. Also have some lingering thoughts on becoming a data scientist..

I would love to hear what WSO thinks. I've asked colleagues but cant relate as they are all developers and they can't provide much perspective on my interest in finance.