7 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career In Finance

Finance can seem intimidating, especially if you think you’re not good at math or that it sounds like a foreign language. But let’s simplify it: you’re already engaging with finance every day without even realizing it.

Think about when a friend asks to borrow money—you’re assessing their risk. Or when you’re shopping and trying to get the best deal, you’re negotiating prices. Even things like buying auto insurance, figuring out inflation, or deciding how much to charge for babysitting involve financial thinking. And yes, even watching Shark Tank and wondering if you’d make a good pitch is a finance-related activity.

You’re savvier than you think! Programs like those offered by the Forté Foundation are dedicated to making this field more approachable and exciting, particularly for college students who may have not considered finance a viable career path.

Exploring Financial Careers: Beyond the Numbers

Finance isn’t just about working with spreadsheets or financial models; it covers a broad range of activities that are relevant in various aspects of life and business. A career in finance offers remarkable versatility and can take many different paths. One of its greatest strengths is the wide array of roles available, allowing you to align your career with your diverse passions and interests.

• Personal Finance: This involves managing your own money, including budgeting, investing, and planning for future financial goals. Learning personal finance skills can help you make informed decisions about saving, spending, and investing your money wisely.
• Corporate Finance: This area focuses on how companies handle their financial resources, including decisions about capital structure, investment strategies, and overall financial planning. Corporate finance professionals help businesses grow and ensure their financial health.
• Investment Banking: Investment bankers assist companies in raising capital by underwriting and issuing securities. They also provide advisory services for major financial transactions like mergers and acquisitions, playing a key role in the financial markets.
• Financial Planning: Financial planners work with individuals and organizations to create strategies for reaching their financial goals. They offer advice on investments, retirement planning, and managing financial risks.

Why Finance is an Exciting Field

If you’ve never considered finance as a career option, here’s why it’s worth exploring:

1. Diverse Career Opportunities: Finance offers a wide range of career paths, from investment banking and corporate finance to financial planning and analysis. You can find a niche that suits your interests and skills, whether you’re drawn to analytical tasks or client-facing roles.
2. Impactful Work: Professionals in finance play a crucial role in shaping business strategies, advising on investments, and managing financial risks. Your work can have a significant impact on both businesses and individuals, influencing economic growth and personal financial success.
3. Dynamic Environment: The finance industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulatory changes, and financial products. This dynamic environment offers continuous learning opportunities and a chance to stay at the forefront of industry trends.

How is Forté Making Finance Accessible?

Forté is dedicated to making finance accessible and engaging for college students through hands-on workshops and online courses that break down complex concepts and reveal diverse career paths. Our user-friendly content helps build a strong foundation in finance, while our networking events and mentorship programs connect students with professionals, offering valuable insights and boosting confidence. We especially focus on encouraging young women to pursue finance careers by showcasing successful women to challenge stereotypes, providing mentorship for guidance and support, and creating supportive networks where they can connect and thrive with peers and industry experts.

As part of Forté’s Career Ready Certificate program, which includes the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam scholarship offered in partnership with Knopman Marks, participants receive everything needed to pass the SIE exam and advance their careers. This includes the Study Essentials course to maximize exam preparation and access to How to Finance, an introductory course designed for those without a finance background.

Getting Started

Finance might seem daunting at first, but it’s a field filled with diverse opportunities and a dynamic work environment, making it an exciting career choice for many college students. Exploring finance can open doors to a range of roles and experiences that you might not have considered before. With the right resources and guidance, you can navigate this complex field and discover its potential.

Embrace the chance to learn, seek out mentorship, and dive into engaging content to build your understanding and confidence. If you’re interested in exploring a career in this field, take advantage of Forté’s offerings to kickstart your journey toward a career in this exciting industry.

Remember, no matter where you start, you can build wealth, a career, and even a business by leveraging this one thing: finance.