5 answers
Asia
Student
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
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What advice would you give to someone with a non-finance background trying to break into finance?
In my internship with the Office of Children and Families, I developed strong project management and research skills, especially through engaging with community stakeholders and working on policy development. I’m interested in applying my analytical skills to the finance sector and would appreciate any guidance on making this transition.
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5 answers
Maura FitzGerald
Instructional Designer
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Maura’s Answer
It's definitely possible to break into an entry-level finance role without the background- if you showcase your interest and relevant experience. In the work you have done, think about highlighting the types of skills that would translate between the two- for example, working with data and attention to detail to name a few. Look for other opportunities on campus to engage in finance-related orgs or activities that you can add to your resume. Not all experience needs to come from your major and not all experience needs to be paid! Showing your strong interest in finance and proactivity in seeking these opportunities out beyond the classroom will speak volumes.
Badiana Badio Eckstrom
HR Leader
3
Answers
Westport, Massachusetts
Updated
Badiana’s Answer
Leveraging Your Skills for a Finance Career
Your internship at the Office of Children and Families is an impressive foundation for a career in finance. The strong project management, research, and stakeholder engagement skills you developed are highly transferable to the financial industry.
To transition into finance, consider the following:
1. Identify and Highlight Relevant Skills:
Analytical Skills: Your research and policy development experience demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, which are crucial in finance.
Problem-Solving: Successfully engaging with community stakeholders requires effective problem-solving skills, a valuable asset in any financial role.
Communication Skills: Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely is essential for building relationships and presenting financial information.
2. Explore Entry-Level Opportunities:
Look for Ground-Level Roles: Start by seeking entry-level positions that allow you to gain practical experience and learn from experienced professionals.
Consider Rotational Programs: These programs offer exposure to various departments within a financial institution, helping you identify your interests and strengths.
Be Open to Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn new technical skills and industry knowledge.
3. Develop Technical Skills:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera offer a wide range of free finance courses, including financial modeling, accounting, and investment analysis.
4. Network Strategically:
Connect with Professionals: Reach out to finance professionals on LinkedIn and attend industry events to build relationships.
Seek Mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and opportunities to advance your career.
Remember, the finance industry values diverse perspectives and skills. By leveraging your unique experiences and continuously developing your knowledge, you can successfully break into this exciting field.
Your internship at the Office of Children and Families is an impressive foundation for a career in finance. The strong project management, research, and stakeholder engagement skills you developed are highly transferable to the financial industry.
To transition into finance, consider the following:
1. Identify and Highlight Relevant Skills:
Analytical Skills: Your research and policy development experience demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, which are crucial in finance.
Problem-Solving: Successfully engaging with community stakeholders requires effective problem-solving skills, a valuable asset in any financial role.
Communication Skills: Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely is essential for building relationships and presenting financial information.
2. Explore Entry-Level Opportunities:
Look for Ground-Level Roles: Start by seeking entry-level positions that allow you to gain practical experience and learn from experienced professionals.
Consider Rotational Programs: These programs offer exposure to various departments within a financial institution, helping you identify your interests and strengths.
Be Open to Learning: Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn new technical skills and industry knowledge.
3. Develop Technical Skills:
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera offer a wide range of free finance courses, including financial modeling, accounting, and investment analysis.
4. Network Strategically:
Connect with Professionals: Reach out to finance professionals on LinkedIn and attend industry events to build relationships.
Seek Mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and opportunities to advance your career.
Remember, the finance industry values diverse perspectives and skills. By leveraging your unique experiences and continuously developing your knowledge, you can successfully break into this exciting field.
Simona Zaffaroni-Lucas
Financial Analyst
27
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Simona’s Answer
Hi Asia - thank you for your question. It is very close to me, I have been working in finance covering various roles and taking care of various responsibilities across different organisation but my study background is in linguistics. It's not that I did not have the desire to study finance or economics - simply did not have the time because I started to work in young age when I was still studying languages at the university. But I learned. And everybody can learn - of course it's not easy, concepts appear abstract but if you apply, if you have common sense, if you practice and shadow people and if you have the passion to succeed, in my view, unless the job role description demands it, you don't need a degree in finance.
You are mentioning already key skills: strong project management, research skills, engaging with people and analytical skills. These are already the right ''ingredients''. You need to be organised, because it's not just what you do (project management, deliverables, rules). You depend on other people (the engagement that you mention) and people will depend on what you do. You need to develop a strong sense to not just look at the first answer, detailed analysis is needed (does it make sense? do the numbers reflect such and such trend in the business, why is that? The research skills you have). Engaging with people - communicating for impact, extremely important: there are many stakeholders. What happens if I do xxx, will that impact someone and why is that.. how do I make sure that my team knows that such and such revenue or cost trend is xxx and because of yyy. Clear communication is essential. Analytical skills, these wrap all up.
If you join a company in a finance role of course you will have to observe, learn and start to apply specific principles.. but you will find a colleague who will hand over that job competencies to you, there will be a team leader or a manager who will explain what the actual job is about. The learning process, the curiosity, the approach - all depends on your attitude and if you like what you are doing. But if you have already developed those analytics skills and you are organised, you are already starting with a strong background.
I wish you all the best in your search for the job you'd like to do. And always important - a good dose of humour, deep breath and keep carrying on!
You are mentioning already key skills: strong project management, research skills, engaging with people and analytical skills. These are already the right ''ingredients''. You need to be organised, because it's not just what you do (project management, deliverables, rules). You depend on other people (the engagement that you mention) and people will depend on what you do. You need to develop a strong sense to not just look at the first answer, detailed analysis is needed (does it make sense? do the numbers reflect such and such trend in the business, why is that? The research skills you have). Engaging with people - communicating for impact, extremely important: there are many stakeholders. What happens if I do xxx, will that impact someone and why is that.. how do I make sure that my team knows that such and such revenue or cost trend is xxx and because of yyy. Clear communication is essential. Analytical skills, these wrap all up.
If you join a company in a finance role of course you will have to observe, learn and start to apply specific principles.. but you will find a colleague who will hand over that job competencies to you, there will be a team leader or a manager who will explain what the actual job is about. The learning process, the curiosity, the approach - all depends on your attitude and if you like what you are doing. But if you have already developed those analytics skills and you are organised, you are already starting with a strong background.
I wish you all the best in your search for the job you'd like to do. And always important - a good dose of humour, deep breath and keep carrying on!
Autymn Harris
DE+I Program Manager
18
Answers
Wake Forest
Updated
Autymn’s Answer
Breaking into finance with a non-finance background is definitely possible, especially with your strong analytical and project management skills. Start by learning the basics of finance through online resources like Coursera or Investopedia. Highlight your transferable skills, such as research, communication, and managing complex tasks, when applying for roles.
Network with people in finance to gain insights into the industry and consider certifications to boost your credentials. Look for entry-level or hybrid roles, like financial analysis or operations, where you can apply your existing skills while learning more about finance on the job. Your background gives you a solid foundation—focus on learning and connecting with the right people, and you’ll be on your way.
Network with people in finance to gain insights into the industry and consider certifications to boost your credentials. Look for entry-level or hybrid roles, like financial analysis or operations, where you can apply your existing skills while learning more about finance on the job. Your background gives you a solid foundation—focus on learning and connecting with the right people, and you’ll be on your way.
Santos Rivero
Analyst
2
Answers
Panama City, Panama
Updated
Santos’s Answer
Hello there! I strongly suggest you take advantage of some finance courses to boost your financial understanding. But don't forget, widening your circle of connections is essential. For example, immerse yourself in the finance team at your workplace, arrange individual meetings, be open and express your desire to gain experience in this field. Lastly, participate in student or professional organizations in your local community or college. You'll be amazed at the fantastic network you can tap into!