How to Get a Job in Finance: A Beginner's Success Guide

Breaking into finance remains one of the most sought-after career moves in 2025. With entry-level positions at firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs offering six-figure salaries, competition is fierce, especially if you don't have a trust fund, blue eyes, and a trust fund. However, the path to a successful finance career looks different today than it did a few years ago. Investment banking, consulting, and corporate finance roles now demand both traditional financial knowledge and modern technical expertise.

Understanding the Finance Industry in 2025

Finance is evolving rapidly, blending traditional banking with technology-driven solutions. Corporate finance remains the backbone of modern business operations, but new opportunities are emerging in financial technology (fintech), sustainable finance, and blockchain.

Key Sectors on the Rise:

• Investment banking

• Financial technology and digital services

• Healthcare financial management

• Cryptocurrency and blockchain

Must-Have Skills for Finance Careers

To stand out in the competitive finance job market, you need a combination of technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills:

• Financial modeling & data analysis

• Bloomberg Terminal & Excel proficiency

• Investment strategy & risk assessment

• AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity awareness

Soft Skills:

• Strategic thinking & problem-solving

• Communication & leadership

• Ethical decision-making

A critical shortage of accountants and financial analysts means companies are offering premium salaries and hiring retired professionals as consultants. This makes now a great time to break into the field.

Highly Sought After Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, or accounting is a strong starting point. For career acceleration, consider an MBA or specialized certifications such as:

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – Essential for investment banking and asset management.

• FRM (Financial Risk Manager) – Ideal for risk management roles.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – Necessary for accounting-focused finance roles.

• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) – Focuses on corporate financial strategy.

How to Land a Job in Finance Faster

Finding the right finance job can be time-consuming, often requiring hundreds of applications. That’s where Prep AI comes in—the Tinder for Jobs. Swipe to apply directly to finance roles at top firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, saving you hundreds of hours. With Prep AI, you can apply to over 100 jobs in less than 5 minutes—a game-changer for anyone breaking into finance.

Where to Find Finance Jobs

Leverage job platforms like eFinancialCareers and LinkedIn, attend networking events, and apply for summer internships at major institutions. Remember, 75% of job opportunities come through networking, so build relationships early.

Career Progression in Finance

Once in the industry, professionals advance through structured career paths:

• 1-2 years: Entry-level roles like Financial Analyst or Investment Associate.

• 3-5 years: Promotion to Senior Analyst or Associate.

• 5+ years: Managerial positions, leading to CFO or VP roles with salaries exceeding $400,000.

Final Thoughts

Breaking into finance requires strategic planning, technical expertise, and adaptability. With unemployment rates for financial analysts at just 1.5%, demand is high. The key is efficiency—and that’s where Prep AI helps you apply faster, smarter, and more effectively.

Ready to land your dream finance job? Start swiping with Prep AI today and take control of your career.