Financial jobs can be profitable, which is why they’re in such high demand. Getting into the finance industry is challenging, as the admission requirements may be high, but so are the salaries. Many professionals have master’s degrees in business, math, economics, or statistics, and most positions require at least a four-year degree.
Nevertheless, the financial industry offers a wide range of job opportunities on and off Wall Street, such as underwriting, private equity, and other services that cover a wide range of skill sets and interests. There are popular business ventures that you can try. For instance, a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm advises clients who wish to restructure their companies. In other words, businesses hire them for consultancy.
If you’re not sure where to start—or what to aspire to—here’s a brief rundown of popular careers in finance. They’re quite lucrative. An average employee in the financial sector in America earns $74,850. It’s a respectable sector as a lot of money is involved. Also, once you get into it, you gain a lot of financial knowledge which helps you in investments so that also becomes a lucrative venture for you.
What Are the Career Options in the Finance Sector?
1. Underwriting
A bank’s underwriting department is in charge of raising funds. Underwriters specialize in debt or equity underwriting and are supported by industry experts. Client-facing tasks are popular for these bankers, who work with outside contacts to assess capital requirements while also working in-house with traders and security salespeople to find the best solutions. Underwriting is no longer limited to investment banks; in recent years, it has spread to larger universal banks.
2. Private Equity
Private equity (PE) is a division of many investment banks, but opportunities are found in smaller, specialist organizations. Bankers in this sector solicit funds for non-profit organizations and businesses, keeping a percentage of any revenue generated through transactions. Private equity specialists have strong academic qualifications along with prior investment banking expertise.
3. Venture Capital
Venture capital (VC) firms specialize in supporting start-up businesses, in fast-growing fields such as technology, biotechnology, and green technology. While many target companies fail, venture capitalists often profit by obtaining financial interest early in the development phase, resulting in a high return on investment. Employees at venture capital firms are usually skilled in crunching numbers and closing agreements, as well as being knowledgeable about new technologies and concepts. They are ecstatic about the prospect of finding “the next new thing.”
4. Corporate Finance
A career in corporate finance entails managing a company’s or organization’s finances. Employers in corporate finance seek people who are trustworthy, experienced, and skilled. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or management is almost required. Knowing how a firm operates will set you apart from the competition. You’ll also need great organizational, communication, and technical abilities for entry-level employment. The competition is a lot but the jobs are quite glamourous in this sector.
5. Financial Planning and Advising
Financial advising or planning is another interesting form of a finance career. Meeting with a client and helping them develop a workable strategy for their personal or corporate wealth requires financial planning. As a financial advisor, you can put your financial knowledge to good use by helping people. If you are knowledgeable in financial law, investment techniques, or insurance policies, you can be a valuable asset by helping organizations and individuals in many industries.
This type of position often requires earning a college degree in finance or business or having several years of practical experience in the financial sector. Communication, management, and attention to detail are some of the skills required for this type of profession.
6. Accounting
Accountants are critical to a company’s or individual’s financial well-being. They can work on their own, although the majority of them work for an accounting firm. Corporate accountants manage a wide range of financial operations to ensure that the business or organization runs. Private accountants examine and maintain their clients’ financial records to ensure that they are abiding by the law and making prudent financial decisions.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business is often required of accountants. Finance management, decision-making, and corporate communication are all skills that the finest accountants have.
High entry barriers, fierce competition among applicants, and a lot of stress are all common features of financial careers. Nonetheless, these positions offer a variety of benefits, including a difficult work environment, interaction with driven and bright coworkers, growth chances, and outstanding income. While many people enter the financial profession for the money, the most successful people have a strong passion for what they do.
