6 answers
shae
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Asked
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What finance jobs can I get with no college?
#finance #college
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6 answers
Jake Farnworth
Financial Analyst
12
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Without a college degree, I would think that options within finance are limited. In my opinion, a college degree is the equivalent to a high school degree 20 to 30 years ago. Obviously there are many limitations to why someone cannot attend college whether that be financially related or other circumstances.
As others have mentioned, many companies are now providing college reimbursement to their employees. So if the cost of college is the reason for the question, one could work at one of the many companies that are reimbursing for college while they attend classes which more likely than not would result in little to no student loans.
If college is still not an option, a finance job that comes to mind is working for a bank starting out as a bank teller which could lead to other positions at the bank depending on the size of the bank.
As others have mentioned, many companies are now providing college reimbursement to their employees. So if the cost of college is the reason for the question, one could work at one of the many companies that are reimbursing for college while they attend classes which more likely than not would result in little to no student loans.
If college is still not an option, a finance job that comes to mind is working for a bank starting out as a bank teller which could lead to other positions at the bank depending on the size of the bank.
Kenneth Romanowski
CFP Board Emeritus (R), CTFA (Ret.), Instructor and Researcher of Financial History
29
Answers
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Hello, Shae. I would say that it is possible, however, you might want to find a financial institution, like a bank, learn their systems, and go to night school, which is what I did for my Master's degree and financial designations. Ideally, you want to get your employer to pay for your education. Over the years, I saw a number of people begin as tellers and work their way up while going to night school. You will need additional education to understand the more complex aspects of finance, along with the tools to become a good manager.
Good luck. If you are determined, you will do it.
Ken
Research banks and insurance companies to see what kind of future they would offer.
Good luck. If you are determined, you will do it.
Ken
Kenneth recommends the following next steps:
Julia Charter
Finance, Accounting, Risk management
3
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Julia’s Answer
I understand that there are often barriers that make it hard to impossible for people to attend college. While I wish it weren't so, because college is such a great learning opportunity, I am so glad that you're reaching out for advice for how to pursue a career you're interested in even though there may be more challenges for you to get there.
It is true that your opportunities will be narrower without a college degree. Some companies, including mine, are relaxing their requirements for people to have a college degree before they can be hired, but most large companies will still have that requirement for many roles. When we consider people without college degrees, we look for people that have been able to gain relevant experience in other ways - for example, working as a bookkeeper, or in bank roles (operations, customer service, etc.). The most important element for you to be successful isn't whether or not you get 4 years of college - it's whether you are driven by curiosity, can create clarity and communicate that well, can deliver successful results, and have a 'growth mindset' that allows you to learn from everything, including failure. If you have those things, no matter what you start out doing, however humble that might seem compared to what you might want to do, you can keep showing managers and companies that you achieve great things with the small opportunities they give you, and that will allow you to progress. At some companies, they may need you to get a part-time college degree over time, but they might help you pay for it. At some others, like mine, that won't be a requirement and your career growth will only be limited by what you're able to achieve.
Hope this helps!
It is true that your opportunities will be narrower without a college degree. Some companies, including mine, are relaxing their requirements for people to have a college degree before they can be hired, but most large companies will still have that requirement for many roles. When we consider people without college degrees, we look for people that have been able to gain relevant experience in other ways - for example, working as a bookkeeper, or in bank roles (operations, customer service, etc.). The most important element for you to be successful isn't whether or not you get 4 years of college - it's whether you are driven by curiosity, can create clarity and communicate that well, can deliver successful results, and have a 'growth mindset' that allows you to learn from everything, including failure. If you have those things, no matter what you start out doing, however humble that might seem compared to what you might want to do, you can keep showing managers and companies that you achieve great things with the small opportunities they give you, and that will allow you to progress. At some companies, they may need you to get a part-time college degree over time, but they might help you pay for it. At some others, like mine, that won't be a requirement and your career growth will only be limited by what you're able to achieve.
Hope this helps!
Omi Ahmed
Cybersecurity
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Omi’s Answer
Always staying well educated and pursuing higher education is always recommended. I’ve started working at a Bank with no college degree. I’ve seen many successful people whom ended up being my mentor. They eventually got me to start going back to school. Banks sometimes have tuition reimbursement. I ended up working and going to school part time. Though it took awhile, I finally finished and got a degree.
The degree then helped me get my dream job.
The degree then helped me get my dream job.
Mohd Khan
Municipal Credit Analyst
7
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Mohd’s Answer
You may not get any "finance" jobs but you might be able to work in finance. As an example some administrative assistant positions may not require a College degree so you could look at those. However your pool of opportunities will definitely be smaller with no college degree and competition intense even in roles not requiring college degrees. If you can get such a position you can also get a college degree while working to further your career.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
I am not sure the reason you do not enter college. Do you want to acquire some working experience first or any financial issue or some other reasons? To answer your question, in finance sector, there are jobs that may not require advanced financial knowledge, e.g. operations officer, telesales, etc. However, you may face challenges when you moving your career forward.
If you would like to acquire working experience first before entering college, would you consider to explore any intern or summer job opportunities?
If you have financial challenges, can your parents or any relatives who can assist? Alternatively, would you consider do some part time jobs.
Hope it can help! Good Luck!
If you would like to acquire working experience first before entering college, would you consider to explore any intern or summer job opportunities?
If you have financial challenges, can your parents or any relatives who can assist? Alternatively, would you consider do some part time jobs.
Hope it can help! Good Luck!