2 answers
Darryon
Student
Locust Grove, Georgia
3
Questions
Asked
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For someone who works in the Financial district?
How was your path to get to where you are now. Were there ups and downs along the way and how long did it take to get to the job position you always wanted. #Career-path
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2 answers
Terence Cheung
Business Operations
78
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Terence’s Answer
Finance careers require a strong grounding in math and an understanding of economic principles. Within the field of Finance, there is a whole range of jobs that you could go into - financial analysis, investment, banking, market analysis, portfolio management, etc. Basically, there is every a job for virtually any profile on the spectrum.
The key to me is to understand what drives you and what interests you, then combine them with the education required (math/econ for example) and build experience. You may be more analytical and more interested in the understanding gains/losses, that is completely opposite from interacting a lot with people in the finance sector and building understanding/knowledge. Your own interests and passions shape what a "dream job" really is.
From the start, you'll need to build that foundation in math. Talk to teachers, advisors, or trusted family members to understand what interests you. Post college, try to gain exposure and experience in the finance sectors that interest you. From there, you'll see the varied roles in that particular field.
The key to me is to understand what drives you and what interests you, then combine them with the education required (math/econ for example) and build experience. You may be more analytical and more interested in the understanding gains/losses, that is completely opposite from interacting a lot with people in the finance sector and building understanding/knowledge. Your own interests and passions shape what a "dream job" really is.
From the start, you'll need to build that foundation in math. Talk to teachers, advisors, or trusted family members to understand what interests you. Post college, try to gain exposure and experience in the finance sectors that interest you. From there, you'll see the varied roles in that particular field.
Frank Minerva, CFA, CFP®
Head Strategy and Management for National Sales Group
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hi Darryon
Very few career paths are linear; all have ups and downs. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and don't be afraid to fail. You can learn more from what didn't work if you are observant and willing to engage in some self critique. Your question about chasing your dream job has two key elements; knowing what you enjoy and want to do....and knowing what you might not enjoy and don't want to do. This is difficult, but here's an exercise that can help:
On a clean pad of paper, write down everything you think is important to you in a career....from the most important to the least important. This will vary by individual. Some categories to consider could be : type of industry, a commute (or not), compensation, career path/growth possibilities, personal time burden required for success, flexibility, competition, size of company, public or private, will you have an office and does that matter, dress code, and many more, etc. Make the list as comprehensive as possible. When done, assign a rank of 1 to 5 to each item by assigning a 5 ranking to the most important and a 1 to the least. You will now at least have some sense of direction as to what is important to you....and just as valuable, what is not.
I have observed that many careers are a mix of determined and targeted purposeful action....as well as a bit of a random walk. Both can take you to great outcomes.
Very few career paths are linear; all have ups and downs. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and don't be afraid to fail. You can learn more from what didn't work if you are observant and willing to engage in some self critique. Your question about chasing your dream job has two key elements; knowing what you enjoy and want to do....and knowing what you might not enjoy and don't want to do. This is difficult, but here's an exercise that can help:
On a clean pad of paper, write down everything you think is important to you in a career....from the most important to the least important. This will vary by individual. Some categories to consider could be : type of industry, a commute (or not), compensation, career path/growth possibilities, personal time burden required for success, flexibility, competition, size of company, public or private, will you have an office and does that matter, dress code, and many more, etc. Make the list as comprehensive as possible. When done, assign a rank of 1 to 5 to each item by assigning a 5 ranking to the most important and a 1 to the least. You will now at least have some sense of direction as to what is important to you....and just as valuable, what is not.
I have observed that many careers are a mix of determined and targeted purposeful action....as well as a bit of a random walk. Both can take you to great outcomes.