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I am in the 10th grade, and am just beginning to explore my future What are some careers and helpful next steps I should consider based on my passions and interests?

I am in the 10th grade, and am just beginning to explore my future career. At school, I am most interested in personal finance, economics, accounting, and IT. My hobbies include investing, learning material online, and working. A topic i'm passionate about is finance. What are some careers that I should consider based on my interests and hobbies? What's your Day in the Life like? What skills are necessary? What is required? How'd you end up in your career path?

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Daniel’s Answer

I think this is a great and mindful question. Financing is important in every single career you can pick. Understanding money is vital not only in life but as a business man ( if you choose to be that). I always recommend getting into a trade for a career. It’s a recession proof career with endless capabilities. When I say trades I’m mainly talking about something that requires a license, such as plumbing, a/c and heating or electrician. These are very valuable jobs to our everyday lives, and will compensate you as such. No matter what you decide, find something that makes you happy first and foremost. That will you never have to work a day in your life. Whatever you decide I wish you the best. Good luck in your career choice!
Thank you comment icon Thanks a ton for the suggestions and feedback! I have considered getting into a trade, and it's always a possibility. I hear lots about certain trades being very rewarding, and it is definitely intriguing, if it's something I enjoy working on. Thank you! Irving
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Rich’s Answer

Based on your interests in finance, economics, accounting, IT, and investing, here are some potential career paths and steps you can consider:

Financial Analyst
Day in the Life: Analyze financial data, create reports, advise on investments, and monitor market trends.
Skills: Analytical thinking, Excel proficiency, financial modeling, and strong communication skills.
Requirements: A degree in finance, economics, or business. Internships in financial firms are highly beneficial.

Accountant
Day in the Life: Prepare financial statements, manage budgets, audit accounts, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Skills: Attention to detail, understanding of accounting software, and problem-solving.
Requirements: A degree in accounting or finance. Becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can open more opportunities.

Financial Planner
Day in the Life: Help individuals manage their finances, plan for retirement, save for education, and invest wisely.
Skills: Interpersonal skills, knowledge of financial products, and ability to create comprehensive financial plans.
Requirements: A degree in finance or business. Certification like CFP (Certified Financial Planner) is often required.

Investment Banker
Day in the Life: Advise companies on mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital. Long hours but high earning potential.
Skills: Strong quantitative abilities, negotiation, and industry knowledge.
Requirements: A degree in finance, economics, or business. Internships and an MBA can be crucial for advancement.

Data Analyst in Finance
Day in the Life: Use IT and data analysis tools to identify financial trends and support decision-making.
Skills: Data visualization, programming (Python, SQL), and financial analytics.
Requirements: A degree in data science, finance, or IT, along with certifications in data analysis tools.

Entrepreneur in Finance or IT
Day in the Life: Develop your own business, such as creating financial tools, consulting, or offering education platforms.
Skills: Business acumen, risk-taking, and adaptability.
Requirements: Experience in the industry, a solid business plan, and continuous learning.

Helpful Next Steps:
Explore Courses and Certifications

Take online courses in finance (e.g., Khan Academy, Coursera, or Udemy).
Earn beginner certifications, such as the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) or Excel Specialist.
Gain Experience

Join school clubs related to business or economics.
Start small investment projects with parental supervision.
Look for part-time jobs or internships related to finance or IT.
Network

Attend career fairs, join finance or investment forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
Develop Soft Skills

Work on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through group activities or volunteering.
Stay Updated

Follow financial news, trends, and markets through sources like CNBC, Bloomberg, or Financial Times.
Plan Academically

Take advanced courses in math, economics, and computer science in high school.
Research colleges with strong programs in finance or related fields.
Thank you comment icon I took this feedback into account and appreciate the detail! Lots of these careers interest me and I'll research these, and look into the steps I should take such as certifications, internships, etc. Thank you for your response, it's much appreciated! Irving
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Eddy’s Answer

It’s great that you’re already thinking about your future and exploring your interests. Based on your passion for finance, economics, accounting, and IT, you might consider careers such as financial analyst, investment banker, accountant, actuary, financial planner, or even a fintech specialist. These careers combine your interest in finance with problem-solving and the potential to leverage technology. To explore further, consider taking advanced classes in math, economics, and computer science, and seek internships or part-time jobs in related fields. Participating in extracurricular activities like a finance or business club could also help you develop relevant skills and connect with mentors. A typical “day in the life” varies by career; for example, a financial analyst might spend their day analyzing data, building models, and advising clients, while an IT specialist in fintech may develop tools to improve investment platforms. Key skills include analytical thinking, communication, and proficiency in software like Excel or Python. To pursue these paths, strong academic performance, relevant degrees, and networking will be crucial. It’s also important to seek mentorship from professionals in these fields to gain insights into their journeys and day-to-day experiences.
Thank you comment icon These careers did catch my eye prior to me making this post, and I'll definitely look more into them. Thank you so much for the response and suggestions, and telling me the steps I can take to get there! All the skills mentioned above I enjoy learning and utilizing, like excel (learning the basics). Much appreciated! Irving
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Anand’s Answer

Hello Irving,

Great inquiry! The realm of finance is quite expansive, offering a variety of career trajectories. Here are a few examples to consider:

- You could become a corporate finance professional, managing a company's finances. This could potentially lead to a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position.
- Another option is to become a Personal Finance or Wealth Management professional. In this role, you'd help individuals with their long-term financial planning. You could work for a major Fortune 500 company that caters to consumers, or you could become an independent financial planner (the latter would require a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification).
- Lastly, you might consider innovating new financial products or solutions in the Financial Technology (Fintech) sector. This could involve areas like consumer lending, digital banking, or cryptocurrency trading.

I'd recommend exploring these and other roles further. Try speaking to individuals who have at least five years of experience in these fields to gain a better understanding of what you might enjoy in your professional career.

I hope this provides some clarity.

Anand recommends the following next steps:

I would encourage you to learn about these and other roles, speak to some folks with at least 5 years of work experience and see where you tend to like spend your professional life.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the feedback! These definitely do interest me, as I am intrigued by a corporate work environment, or helping people manage their finances. I'll research these careers, thanks again! Irving
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Fred’s Answer

Passion is important. There is more to life than money. If you love what you do, the money will come.
Thank you comment icon I'll keep this in mind, as I do love managing finances in my free time, and see a future in a mix of finance and IT. Thank you for the feedback! Irving
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Mishl’s Answer

Hi, Hope you are fine. I would like to suggest you to go for Business Analytics or Data Science graduate degree after your intermediate as your interests are Finance, Accountancy and IT. They are blended fields of IT and Finance. These are fast growing and demand oriented professions too. Well Chartered Accountant is also a good profession but is hard and took more time to become but the academic educational studies completes in less time. So I prefer going for the studies that are new now but within coming 5 to 10 years they would be demanded, thanks!
Thank you comment icon I'll look into these positions and do some research, thank you so much! Irving
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you have a wide range of interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Do you have interest to become an accountant, finance manager, investment banker,trader, financial analyst, financial planners, etc. ?
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4.Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you comment icon Thanks a lot, Rebecca! I'll definitely do my research and I appreciate the suggestions! Irving
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