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How to Get Into Finance (15 Proven Steps to Start a Successful Career)
Understanding the Finance Industry Landscape
Finance spans banking, markets, and corporate decision-making. Knowing the lanes helps you aim your learning and outreach.
The major sectors
- Banking: retail, commercial, and investment
- Asset & Wealth Management
- Corporate Finance & FP&A
- Accounting & Audit
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
Typical entry roles
Financial Analyst, Investment Banking Analyst, Junior Accountant, Equity Research Associate, Risk Analyst, Credit Analyst. Senior tracks include Portfolio Manager, Controller, VP/Director, and CFO.
Step 1 — Start with the Right Education
Best degrees
Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Mathematics/Statistics. Non-traditional majors can work—prove quantitative reasoning and business judgment.
Alternative pathways
Use MOOCs (Coursera, edX, Udemy) to learn financial modeling, valuation, Excel, Python. Ship course capstones as portfolio artifacts (models, dashboards).
Step 2 — Develop Essential Finance Skills
Analytical & quantitative
- Excel (INDEX-MATCH/XLOOKUP, PivotTables), 3-statement & DCF modeling
- Accounting fluency (IS, BS, CF), ratios, variance analysis
Communication & stakeholder skills
Turn complex numbers into simple narratives for leadership and clients.
Modern tech stack
Python/SQL for analysis and automation; use AI-assisted research to speed insight.
Step 3 — Gain Real-World Experience Early
Internships & part-time roles
Start with boutique firms, local banks, or corporate FP&A to learn live processes (close, forecasting, decks).
Use AI to speed up the search
Step 4 — Build a Strong Professional Network
Optimize LinkedIn, post one weekly market insight, and message alumni with precise asks (e.g., “15 minutes on recruiting timelines”). Track touches in a simple CRM sheet.
Step 5 — Earn Professional Certifications
CFA, CPA, FRM (plus CIMA/ACCA regionally) boost credibility. Even CFA Level I signals commitment and baseline competence.
Step 6 — Create a Finance-Focused Resume & Portfolio
Quantify everything
“Built a 3-statement model for a $12M SaaS; informed pricing—projected +6% margin.” Numbers beat adjectives.
Leverage AI personalization
Use Internstart to mirror keywords per role (IB vs. FP&A) and tailor bullets to stated priorities.
Step 7 — Prepare for Finance Interviews
- Walk a DCF and sensitivity tables
- Explain working capital and cash conversion
- Discuss a recent deal/market move and your view
Bring proof: a 1-page equity pitch or KPI dashboard sparks better conversations than buzzwords.
Step 8 — Explore Different Finance Career Paths
| Path | What you’ll do | Good fit if… |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Finance / FP&A | Budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis | Analytical, cross-functional |
| Investment Banking | Deals, M&A, capital raising | High pressure, client-facing |
| Asset/Wealth Mgmt | Portfolio research, client goals | Markets-driven, advisory |
| Risk | Market/credit/operational risk models | Detail-oriented, controls |
| FinTech | Products, data, automation | Tech-savvy, builder mindset |
Step 9 — Stay Updated on Financial Trends
Follow reputable outlets daily; track rates, inflation, and jobs data. Keep a weekly macro diary with three takeaways.
Step 10 — Keep Growing via Internships, Mentorship & Learning
Run monthly skill sprints (Power Query, pandas, deck design). Pair with a mentor or study group for accountability.
FAQ
Do I need a finance degree?
No—show competency via projects, certifications, and clear communication.
How do I start with no experience?
Build a model, a stock pitch, or a KPI dashboard; then use Internstart to target internships and send tailored applications.
Which certifications are best?
CFA (markets/IB/AM), CPA (accounting/corp), FRM (risk). Even partial progress helps.
How should I prep for interviews?
Practice DCF, accounting linkages, and a recent deal/market view; bring a one-pager project.
Next steps
Choose a lane, ship a small project this week, and build a 50-company list. Apply early with tailored keywords and one standout link.
Sharpen materials with how to write a resume for internship and cover letter for internship. Or skip the busywork—apply with Internstart and let AI match roles, tailor your profile, and submit applications.