How to Get Into Finance — Even With No Experience

Thinking about a finance job but worried you don’t have the right experience? You’re not alone. Many people assume that a career in finance is off-limits without a background stacked with internships and finance degrees, but that’s not entirely true. There are plenty of doors into the finance sector that don’t require you to start on Wall Street.

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How to Start a Career in Finance: Educational Foundations

In finance, as in many fields, the right education can be your golden ticket to success. While it’s true that a degree in finance or economics looks impressive, it’s more about understanding the principles that underpin financial systems. This foundational knowledge can help you analyze markets, understand financial reports, and make informed decisions, which are crucial skills in any finance role.

How to get into finance for those without a finance degree: 

• Bridging Courses: These courses are designed to bring you up to speed on essential finance topics, perfect for filling any gaps in your knowledge.
• Online Certifications: Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer courses in everything from basic accounting to advanced financial analysis, often developed by leading institutions.
• Finance-Related Workshops: Local workshops or seminars can provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities, which are valuable for practical learning and making industry connections.

Entry-Level Positions to Consider

Starting in finance doesn’t mean you need to be the next big stockbroker. There are several entry-level positions that can set you on the right path:

• Bank Teller: A great entry point into the banking industry, tellers get hands-on experience in financial operations and customer interaction.
• Accounts Assistant: Supporting the accounting team, this role involves tasks like data entry and report preparation, which introduce you to the financial workflows.
• Financial Analyst Intern: Internships provide a springboard into a financial analyst career by offering practical experience and industry insights.
• Risk Management Associate: This role is essential in protecting an organization’s financial health by assessing and controlling risks.
• Compliance Officer: Entry-level positions in compliance provide a thorough understanding of financial regulations and how they apply to business operations. 

Launching your own business provides the chance to take charge and create something uniquely yours. It can be a daunting yet rewarding endeavor, especially if you’re wondering how to start a finance company. This initial step requires a deep understanding of financial regulations, market conditions, and a solid business plan to navigate the complexities of the financial sector.

Internships and Volunteer Work

Landing an internship in finance starts with your university’s career services but doesn’t end there. Attend finance-related career fairs, join finance clubs, and network through LinkedIn to discover opportunities. Don’t shy away from reaching out to companies you’re interested in—even if they aren’t advertising positions, showing initiative can make a big impression.

Volunteering also provides experience and networking opportunities. Non-profits and small businesses often need financial advice but can’t afford big consulting firms. Offering your budding financial skills can help them grow and give you real-world experience that looks great on a resume and proves you have practical skills to back up your theoretical knowledge.

Networking Strategies

How to start a career in finance with no experience? Your personal and academic networks can help. Start by joining your university’s finance or investment club where you can meet like-minded peers and industry professionals who guest speak. Attending finance seminars and lectures can also expand your professional circle. 

Informational interviews are another powerful networking tool. Reach out to professionals in roles you aspire to and ask if they can spare a few minutes for a coffee chat. These interactions are invaluable for gaining insights into the industry and can often lead to job leads or mentorship opportunities. 

Leveraging Technology and Social Media

Start with LinkedIn: create a detailed profile, join relevant finance groups, and participate in discussions. This isn’t just about posting—it’s about engaging thoughtfully with content, sharing articles you find insightful, and occasionally publishing your own take on industry trends. This shows potential employers that you’re keen and knowledgeable.

Leverage social media to keep tabs on influential figures and organizations within the finance industry. Platforms like Twitter offer immediate access to market trends and expert insights. Participate actively by posing questions or sharing your opinions, enhancing your presence in the sector. 

Skill Building

How to break into finance? A robust set of skills is the answer. You’ll need:

• Analytical thinking
• Mathematical proficiency
• Attention to detail
• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Technical software skills

Developing these skills starts with practical experience. For analytical thinking and problem-solving, try working through real-world case studies. For software skills, many online platforms offer free trials or tutorials on financial modeling and data analysis tools like Excel and Tableau. The more you use these skills in real scenarios, whether in class, through internships, or personal projects, the more proficient you’ll become.

Crafting Your Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter are the first impressions you make on potential employers. Here’s how to get a job in finance:

• Craft a concise one-page resume, particularly when you have limited experience.
• Customize your cover letter for each application.
• Emphasize applicable coursework and projects when you have minimal professional experience.
• Employ action verbs to articulate your accomplishments clearly.
• Thoroughly proofread to eliminate any spelling or grammatical mistakes.

The Bottom Line

By focusing on education, leveraging internships, and building a strong network, you can lay a solid foundation for your career. How to get a job in finance with no experience? It may seem daunting, but it’s entirely feasible with the right approach. Your finance career is within reach. Stay persistent, dedicated, and open to opportunities.

Author Biography

Сontent writer Nicole Hardy is celebrated for her detailed and thoughtful journalism within the realms of education and the arts, with a special emphasis on performing arts education. Over the course of her decade-long career, Hardy has earned a reputation as a trusted expert in her field. Her writing is marked by thorough analysis and a captivating style of storytelling. She earned her Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arts, with a focus on arts and culture journalism.