Learn Finance to Advance Your Career

Finance is a broad term that describes money management and how funds are acquired. This includes banking, det, credit, capital markets, money, and investments. Working in finance can be incredibly lucrative, especially if you have the right technical skills and culture fit for the industry.

Entry-level positions in finance include Financial Analyst, Research Analyst, or Investment Analyst. Financial Analyst and Investment Analysts work in investment banks or mid- to large-sized businesses. They analyze financial data, market indicators, and business information to recommend the best financial moves for their employer.

A Research Analyst can work in almost any industry, but they most commonly work in finance. They research the current market, gather data on companies that a bank might invest in, and compile reports. They usually work alongside or in a lower position than a Financial or Investment Analyst.

Investment Banker is a general title for anyone who works in an investment bank, but usually refers to those whose positions are Associate level or above. They oversee all of the analysts in their department, put together reports and paperwork, and make the final call on the decisions that analysts are making recommendations for.

Private Equity Associate is a coveted role in finance. It’s the best paying Associate level position in finance. Private Equity Associates oversee the activity of a private equity firm on the mid-level. They make sure that the deals their firm specializes in go through smoothly and report to senior and c-level management.

Each one of these positions relies on understanding the landscape of the finance industry. They also need to do a deep dive on the exact specialty their bank focuses on. Lastly, in order to land a role in finance, you’ll need to learn how to use Excel, Quickbooks, and most likely get a college degree.