Why I love my career: The pros of a job in finance
There are many reasons why people in finance love what they do. Here, we uncover a few...
Do a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Wouldn’t it be great if that were true for everyone?
But let’s be real, it isn't achievable 100% of the time. Every career has its ups and downs.
Many people working in finance, however, speak passionately about their work. They find it rewarding and say the positives outweigh the negatives.
Here are some reasons why people in finance love what they do...
#1 Intellectual stimulation
There's rarely a dull day in finance. The work is interesting, challenging, and fast-paced.
Keeping your technical skills sharp is essential but it's equally important to stay informed about industry trends and global events. And as Frank Li, CFA, a Diversified Portfolio Manager at MLC Asset Management, points out: “Every day in the macro environment, things are changing."
Whether you work in investment banking, risk management or financial planning, you need an awareness of economic indicators, market movements, regulatory changes, and geopolitical developments.
Explaining the intricacies of the global economy and how they impact his clients is what keeps Oren Cabir, CFA, a Wealth Advisor at Kayne Anderson Rudnick, motivated.
“It's important to be able to explain all of these very complex subjects into simple words that other people can understand quickly and easily,” he said.
#2 Making a difference
From helping financial markets to function (which is crucial for economic stability) to offering personalized advice and managing investments, finance professionals play a crucial role in real lives.
Research by the International Longevity Centre UK, for example, found people who seek financial advice are, on average, GBP47,000 (USD60,500) better off in retirement than those who don’t.
A job in finance provides the opportunity to build relationships with clients, helping them figure out what they want to achieve and then supporting them in reaching those goals.
“I have learned to identify the cognitive biases people have and then work with the client to understand that bias,” said Kate Freeman, CFA, a Financial Advisor at UBS.
“That really requires the client having trust with you to share that emotion. That's the fun part of the job.”
#3 Diverse career opportunities
Finance opens doors to a variety of career paths both within the financial world and in wider business.
Rudy Soobaroyen, CFA, for example, trained as an accountant and is now an Analyst for the Australian government.
His grounding in finance plays a key role in his job formulating policies.
“With regards to policy work, everything moves extremely fast. We need to understand, first of all, about the economy and understanding how financial markets work,” he said.
Similarly, Mehvish Waliany, CFA, Chief Operating Officer at Alkaram Studio, a fashion retail brand, says her two decades of financial sector experience helps her with her everyday decision making.
“Wherever I need to connect a decision which affects the business, I'm able to very clearly connect it in terms of its financial implications,” she said.
Within a job in finance, there’s also the chance to move from one area of interest to another.
Arielle Jacobs-Bittoni, CFA, Founder and Wealth Advisor, began her career as a financial economic litigation consultant, and in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, transitioned into the mortgage industry, ultimately becoming a senior structurer where she was involved in creating mortgage-backed securities.
“The financial crisis of 2008 caused me to pivot into the municipal space, where I was an institutional salesperson. After becoming a mother and having some time to reflect on my journey, I decided to transition into wealth management, where I am today,” she said.
#4 Career progression
The finance industry is well-known for offering opportunities for career advancement and progression.
“I rose from being an Associate, now I am the Principal of Investments at my current firm [Wangara Green Ventures],” said Isaac Asomani, CFA.
If you dream of becoming your own boss, that’s also a viable option.
It’s the route Jacobs-Bittoni took. An entrepreneur, she runs Good Balance Financial Planning, an investment advisory firm serving professional women and couples in the Los Angeles area.
#5 Earning potential
Finance professionals typically enjoy highly competitive salaries as well as substantial bonuses. Certain specializations such as investment banking and private equity are particularly known for paying well.
And according to Forbes, the financial industry ranked among the top 3 highest paying industries for 2024 in the United States.
As people gain more experience and move up the ranks, compensation packages tend to increase too.
Other benefits such as retirement packages and stock options are also commonplace in a job in finance.
#6 Global opportunities
The financial world is inherently international so there are plenty of opportunities to work abroad.
Many finance professionals work for multinational corporations where there’s the chance to transfer overseas.
Equally, finance skills are highly transferable. Expertise in financial analysis, investment management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance is valuable worldwide, making it easier to apply your skills in different countries and industries.
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