Variety of Options

Written by: Bautista Valls

When I first began getting hooked on finance, I started to think about what I can do in relation to finance. From my prior knowledge of what I saw in Tik Tok and because of the fact that up until before my summer camp at Columbia I was never really educated about careers in finance, I always thought there were maybe a couple dozen of different types of jobs. Now, after doing some actual research, to my surprise there are in reality more than a hundred different types of jobs. Below are descriptions of some of the most common types of career options available.

Corporate Finance

Investment Banking, Corporate finance, Accounting

These roles focus on helping companies raise money, manage assets, and make financial decisions. Investment bankers handle mergers and initial public offerings. For example, when a company wants to go into the stock market for the first time, they will have an IPO (Initial Public Offering) that states how much it will cost to buy a stock when they start off in the market. Investment bankers help companies with the intricacies and complex details of this process. As for corporate finance professionals, they manage a company’s budgets and financial reports. Finally, accountants record and keep track of all types of transactions a company does, in order to make sure all their spending and profits are taken into account. Overall, people who work in these roles are expected to put in long hours, analyze data accurately, and communicate complex information clearly.

Analytical / Data-Focused Roles

Quantitative Analyst, Data Analyst

Quantitative and data analysts use mathematical models and statistical tools to interpret data, predict trends, and guide financial or business strategies. For instance, a quantitative analyst’s model for a business aids a company by deciding what is best for their company to maximize profit while reducing costs. Similarly, a data analyst will create similar models that predict patterns and trends that also help a company in their decision making. They’re expected to have strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate numbers into actionable insights. Additionally, these roles fall on the less hourly demanding side of most jobs within finance.

Investment Management Roles

Hedge Fund Manager, Portfolio Manager, Stock Broker

Hedge fund managers, portfolio managers, and stockbrokers make investment decisions and manage clients’ assets to maximize returns. They study trends, analyze markets, assess risk, and make high-stakes financial choices daily. While these roles are very well compensated, and often include big bonuses, they require long work hours. In addition, these roles generally come with a lot of pressure, since making good investment decisions is highly challenging and complex, and millions of dollars can be at stake. Success in these roles requires sharp analytical skills, discipline, and quick decision-making under pressure. In addition, it’s important for people in these roles to be highly determined and have an unbreakable will.

Advisory Roles

Personal Financial Planning, Financial Planning, Non-Profit Finance

Financial advisors and planners help individuals or organizations manage money, plan for the future, and reach their financial goals. They build strong relationships with clients, understand their needs, and create personalized financial strategies. These roles require excellent communication, trust-building, and analytical skills. While the work is generally less high-pressure than investment management, advisors still carry responsibility for guiding clients through important financial decisions all the while staying true to their clients needs. Patience, empathy, and the ability to explain complex ideas clearly are essential for success in these Advisory Roles.

Consulting

Management Consulting

Management consultants help organizations improve performance, solve complex problems, and plan long-term strategies to succeed. They analyze data, evaluate processes, and recommend solutions that can increase efficiency and profitability. Consultants often work across different industries, which is why being adaptable to the different industries and being great at communicating is essential. These roles can be fast-paced and demanding, with tight deadlines and significant travel, so success requires strong teamwork as well as being resilient and not giving up when things get tough.

These careers are just the start. Over time, we’ll keep learning, exploring, and breaking down as many paths as we can, helping you understand your options and discover what fits you best.