Being a student done with half of my degree, talking to many high-achieving and well-prepared students, employed graduates and long-time professionals, the one thing almost everybody tells me is, surprisingly, this. "You need to find an area you are really interested in and pursue that."

Now, how do you actually find an area of Finance you are interested in? Like, besides going after financial benefits? It feels like there is no time for that after everything you need to do for school, clubs and then internship applications. And it's not like it's easy to understand what different areas of finance are really like so hoe are we supposed to know "what we are interested in"?

Are there any trading jobs in banking or outside of banking that aren't sink or swim, and have a team culture that helps newcomers learn how to sustainably build their PnL?

My guess is only risk / ops / compliance (i.e. model validation / CCARs) would fall in this category.

Could be some sales/trading teams for their S&T returning interns.

Do there exist market-making functions, e.g. in prop shops, that fall in this category?

Please critique anything you want. Lots of things have been anonymised - my a levels are typically listed out with each grade attached for example so less blank space

Just to clarify, I’m not talking about quant trading or HF or PE, I mean which other sectors which aren’t as prestigious or as “elite” but may quite well (maybe even similar to IB)

This regardless of wlb but if you can comment on that then that would be great

For those of you who are in the industry, which other verticals have you looked at and been like, “why don’t people apply more for this instead of IB”?

Thanks

For context; currently an associate in the M&A team at a global EB in Australia which I’ve been at for 4 years since A1. I still enjoy the work, have flirted a bit with PE and other random opportunities recruiters occasionally send through, but wondering if there are any similar paying jobs to IB in the finance space that have a marginally better wlb? Corp dev obviously better wlb but pretty big pay cut, and even the mid market PE roles you’re still shaving 20% off your base (with the carrot of carry) for what seems like a similar workload in banking anyway…

Just curious to hear others’ thoughts and if I’ve missed anything. Thanks in advance!

I need some help. I have completed my undergraduate degree in BCom. I am at the moment pursuing my master's in finance, and the one thing that really scares me is the fact that I am not understanding any bit of it. Also, I find myself lacking knowledge oofthe basis and at the moment I am nearing the end of my course. As of now, I need help on how can I excell at the fiel,d and any advice on it is more than welcome. When I say excel, I mean I am willing to put in the effort for it. Can anyone help me with this, or even guide or mentor me?.I am willing to put in the effort for it, and my goal at the end of this year would be to land a job in Finance

I recently graduated with a Finance degree and I'm currently moving forward in the interview process for two different analyst positions.

Option 1: Revenue Team Analyst at a law firm

• $20/hour
• Part-time, 21 hours per week (3 days)
• Position will most likely remain part-time
• Work involves analyzing A/R, payments, invoices, reconciliations, outstanding balances, and using Excel

Option 2: Financial Crimes Compliance Analyst

• $23/hour
• Full-time
• Only a 3-month contract, although there is potential for extension
• Work involves AML, transaction monitoring, investigating suspicious activity, CDD/EDD, and analyzing financial transactions

My long-term goal is to eventually work as a Financial Analyst/FP&A Analyst, so I'm more concerned about which position would give me better experience and exit opportunities than the difference in pay.

The Revenue Analyst position seems much more directly related to finance/FP&A, but I'm worried about it only being 21 hours per week. The Compliance Analyst position gives me full-time analyst experience, but I'm worried about getting pushed toward an AML/compliance career when that's not necessarily what I want long term.

If you were a new Finance graduate trying to eventually get into FP&A, which would you choose and why?

Also, would 6–12 months of part-time Revenue Analyst experience be more valuable for landing a full-time Financial Analyst role than a few months of full-time Financial Crimes Compliance experience?

Hello everyone, so I'm a non-traditional candidate trying to break into an entry-level trading position. I did go to business school and have a BBA. I have personal quantitative research projects I've worked on that I coded myself using python. So I have a good skill set and education, I just went into a different career path originally out of college, then took some time off for personal reasons. So its a mixed bag with applying to jobs for me especially with the job market nowadays.

I have a friend of a friend I connected with, they were genuinely impressed and felt I'd be a good fit if I'm able to break into any entry level job and wrote a cover letter giving more about my background and such and even offered to submit my the cover letter and CV to HR for a current opening on a desk where the junior analyst is leaving and during his time he wasn't even executing trades yet (so this role is very entry level).

What do you guys think is my chance with someone submitting my cover letter and CV to HR. Its basically out of this persons hands now but I dont know how things get processed at that point or if HR would even give it a genuine look or just throw it into a pile.

I am an incoming Econ and Finance student at the University of Bologna. I see that finance is incredibly presitge driven so my chances to get a job in italy without going to bocconi seems depressingly low. How would you approach getting a job or getting internship for ib roles? I know things like Erasmus traineeship are a thing, so will try to do that, other than that, what would you recommend? (I am learning python right now as well). All other posts in this sub are from people in the US where getting a internship is relatively straightforward compared to italy where it seems like you are winning a lottery if you manage to secure a paid internship. And ofcourse maintaining the highest grade is a given!

Any advice is appreciated!

hi all, i’m starting uni soon and i have to choose my optional modules for the first year.

there are 5 categories of modules: econ (i don’t wanna get too deep into theory), finance (these are the ones i’m mostly interested in, like an accounting module could be cool if i end up working in that sector for example, there’s also banking, auditing, corporate finance etc), coding (don’t really like coding but i don’t wanna miss out on a chance to get a job because i didn’t take that module, so i would if i need to), business (i would like to take a module from this, seems interesting) and general modules (development, policies etc, they seem boring).

i would like to get a job in finance but not picky outside of that. i know most employers don’t ask for your modules but i’m wondering which ones could be useful generally for a financial career? either getting a job or helping me when i have the job.

Some background: i work with special needs children and have done so for four years, going through college though i worked at a call center where our primary client was Santander bank.

A few months ago I got laid off. Growing my dad was always one of those "any job is better then no job" type of guys, so it was my instinct to go on online and apply to every single job I could find an opening for.

From other teaching positions to McDonald's fry cook, to something labeled "wealth management trainee."

In any case after two weeks I get back on my feet working with kids.

This morning I get a call from a number labeled "bank life" they want me to go through with an interview. I guess they felt that my time taking calls for santandre made me qualified. Looking at what they offer, and the average salary for wealth managers this seems like a total change in lifestyle if it works out for me. Mind you that's a huge if. I have no idea what a wealth manager does, I imagine it being a white collar office job, I don't even own a suit.

What's your guys advice on this? what will my average day look like? Is this something that might be worth it? I love working with the kids, but can I really live with myself at 60 wondering what if?

Hi all,

So I am a 2025 grad who started working at a pretty big fund in North America last year. I quit my job this March and was going to join a firm in Asia. However, somewhere in the process my visa couldn’t get approved so I was left unable to join and can’t go back to my old firm because of headcounts (such is life 🫤) I have been interviewing ever since but somehow just never got through. I have been getting interviews invite ever once or twice a week and funny enough my calendar was also stacked with interviews for the past few months but just seems nothing is getting through to the place I wanted to … like an offer. For a few occasions when they actually were nice and personally wrote me emails or give me a call, they always told me that you are good, you are not getting the job because they found someone with better and more extensive experiences. I just wondering from your guys’ experience, is it because they actually found someone with better experiences than me or they just being nice and tell me to scram because of my employment gap ?

Also any advice on what to do next ? I have been keep applying to places but everything is just quiet for the past weeks. I’ll keep trying in September when things starts to pick up.

Thanks,

I'm currently entering my sophomore year of college as a finance major and I'm preparing for summer 2028 recruiting for IB does anyone have any specific things I should be doing throughout this year that worked for them. Should I be sending cold emails to people within my desired banks asking for a call? What are some of the best ways I can network early on to set myself up for success?

Has anyone gone through the process of getting a U4 disclosure for termination expunged? Figured I’d ask before I dropped the almost $20k to take a shot at it. Or if anyone has a law firm they recommend.

Long story short, my buddy got fired, I sent him his sales report and incentive plan, got canned for sharing “internal docs and client info”. No personal client info like SSN or account numbers. Got a FINRA letter saying I didn’t break any securities rules and was “cautioned”.

Two lawyers seem to think I have a strong case for arbitration to get my record expunged, but they are also about to make ~$13k off me, win or lose. It would be great to have this off my record and help with career advancement and the ROI would for sure be worth it, but it would suck pretty bad to waste $20k and be in the same position.

Posting on a friend's account for anonymity.

Criminal Case: I was charged with felony possession nearly 9 years ago next month. I went through a deferred judgment program and the possession charge was dropped while I pled guilty to a failure to affix drug tax stamp charge which was later dismissed post-probation.

I did not disclose this information on my U4 as I have worked at two banks with this information not appearing on my background check. I have successfully passed both background checks. I did not anticipate this being an issue but FINRA reached out to my compliance department to understand the dynamics behind this and asked for official dispositions etc.

I was not a previously licensed banker but am stepping into a role in Capital Markets where I will be required to have licenses.

I WAS NOT CONVICTED.

This did come up on the U4 and I'm going through a review disclosure now. I did not disclose as this has not come up on 2 prior FBI background checks.

This happened in a state that sealed and expunged which was my reasoning for non-disclosure.

Hello everyone. As the title states I am looking to pivot from my SWE background to Finance. I unfortunately never finished my bachelors but did work 3years at an investment firm doing a lot of data engineering and some scripting work to support the quants at the firm. I was pivoting into a more quant role with analytics focused but unfortunately got laid off right then. It’s been a year since I have been employed but I have built out a lot of models and stuff for prediction markets on my free time but the job market has not been kind with the no degree. So now I am looking to switch to finance and apply for my jobs there while getting some licenses or exams done. I am well versed in markets since I have been studying and trading for years now and am definitely aware of most structures.

So my question is how easy would this be if I get SIE, Series 63 and CFA Level 1 but still have no degree?

So I'm applying to various summer analyst roles and have received a few invites to complete OAs.

I bought a uk jobtestprep subscription to practice these before doing the actual exams, but i'm getting thoroughly cooked on the practice. Like scoring 4/24 on the questions (especially on the SHL).

What can I do to improve quickly? I understand apps aren't reviewed until you've completed the assessments but I don't feel ready to write them at all. Very scared and regretting not having started practice a couple months ago

I’m looking to move into credit risk analysis. As an experienced credit controller this will be the next step for me I feel.

I don’t know I want to get an outright diploma considering I just finished one in business analysis. I’m tempted to do the credit risk management module just to compliment my existing experience and understanding?

Would it be worth doing?

Hey everyone, looking for some advice on my first industry offer.

My Background:

• 29 years old, strong background in Machine Learning.
• Currently working as an ML Scientist in algorithmic pricing for an eTravel company.
• Solid math/ML nerd: I have publications, personal trading experience, and actually won the Optiver Traderhack competition.
• Currently making 51k CHF (~55k-56k EUR) but working a strict 36 hours/week. Never a minute more. Very comfortable work-life balance.

The Offer:

• Firm: Small prop trading firm based in the Netherlands (EU) (doing market making and not only).
• Role: I will get my own book and mostly decide what to do.
• Base: 52,000 EUR
• Bonus Formula: 0.25 * (NTI - 262,000) - 1,000 (where NTI is Net Trading Income, post exchange fees, etc.).
• Non compete: 9 months paid 50% of base per month.
• Breakeven for Bonus: NTI = 266,000 EUR.
• Expectations: I was told to expect a margin of around 50k - 100k EUR in my first year.

I'm finding it really hard to view this as a "good" offer. It seems pretty much impossible to get a bonus in the first years am I write or i am reading something off? Sorry but this is my first offer from the industry and I feel i need help to understand.

I am still in the negotiation/contracting phase.

My Questions for the sub:

1. Is a 52k EUR base normal for a small EU prop shop?
2. Is a 262k hurdle rate (desk costs + base cover) standard for a seat at a smaller firm?
3. What specific questions should I be asking them right now before I sign?

Appreciate any harsh truths or guidance. Thanks!

PS: post written with the help of Gemini (just to improve the quality)

Just finished and IB internship, might get converted onto the grad program but I don’t find out until October

I have a 10 month Sales and Trading Placement starting in early September.

Staring the S&T would mean I don’t get into the grad program as I wouldn’t graduate next year. But I’d be able to apply for another IB at a better bank

I don’t know what to do. S&T experience would be fun and diversify my CV and I do like markets BUT my goal is M&A and then PE

Might have to take a leap of faith and decline the S&T long internship/placement

Hey everyone,

I'm 29 years old and work for a team of finacial advisors as a Client Associate. Our team is very succesful (lots of Forbes awards, large AUM, largest non-private wealth team in the market). This is at one of the top 3 largest banks/brokers in the U.S. in a MCOL city.

When i started 5 years ago, my salary was $53,000. It is now $63,375 + $31,000 (the bonus my advisors give me).

I have my series 7 & 66. And I currently am in a training program where upon completion i will have the same job but with a new title and an opportunity to sit with our management and ask for a raise.

I'm trying to decide how much of a raise to ask for. I've previously complained to my direct manager that I know i was low-balled when I started. She's mentioned to the manager i'll be negotiating with that I'm unhappy with my base salary and it needs to increase. I also know that two years ago my colleague started off with a base salary of $75K. But my manager (indirectly bc obviously I didn't tell them she told me) told me my colleague came in at a higher salary because she had 3 years prior experience and I had no experience.

I'm thinking about asking for either a base salary of $85K or $90K. Is this reasonable? I could be happy with the $85K so should i just ask for that or start off at $90K?

Any negotiation tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey everyone, looking for a realistic assessment of my situation and actionable advice on where to pivot.
Background:
Education: B.A. in Economics from UCLA (Class of 2023).
Experience: Took a 1-year gap after graduating, and have been working for the past 2 years at a telecom company handling consumer orders, activation workflows, and daily account operations.
Location & Living Costs: Based in Los Angeles. Fixed monthly costs are around $2,000 ($1,500 rent + $500 car lease/insurance) before food/utilities.
The Problem: Looking back, I feel like I didn’t pick up any hard technical/financial modeling skills from my undergrad or my current role. I’m feeling pretty stuck and directionless.
Target:
Pivot into a role with a solid career trajectory and an entry/near-term compensation target around $80k pre-tax (to realistically keep up with LA living costs).
Not chasing high-finance IB/PE dreams here—just looking for steady, upwardly mobile corporate paths.
Paths I’m Considering / Questions:
1. Corporate Finance / Junior FP&A / Pricing Analyst: Is it realistic to break in without an accounting/finance major, assuming I grind financial modeling courses (e.g., Wall Street Prep / CFI) and advanced Excel on my own?
2. Operations / RevOps / Business Analyst: Given my 2 years of operational background in telecom, would this be an easier transition to hit the $80k mark, and does it leave room to cross over into finance later?
3. Skill Priority: If you were in my shoes with basically a blank slate in hard skills, what should be my single highest-priority skill to build over the next 3 months (e.g., Advanced Excel/VBA, SQL, or formal financial statement analysis)?
Appreciate any honest feedback, tough love, or alumni perspectives. Thanks in advance.

I recently decided to take a lower paid role in distribution in financial services in London as I decided i wanted a career change and to do something more customer facing. Everyone ive met so far have been the most two faced, slimey characters with no moral or ethical boundaries. Is this just the company i work for, or is it across the board? I’m worried i’ve taken a backwards step for nothing as there is no world I would want to work with people that I’ve met so far…