If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about a career in finance, you’re not alone. The world of finance can be both exciting and rewarding, but where do you start? Let’s get into it ⬇️

Why Finance Matters

At its core, finance drives decision-making in every business. From the small startup to a multinational corporation, every decision boils down to numbers. Those numbers tell a story, revealing the value of opportunities and helping businesses maximize their potential. Working in finance means you’ll be at the heart of these crucial decisions, interacting with diverse clients and experiencing a variety of situations.

Understanding the Finance Industry & Navigating a World of Numbers

When thinking about finance, it’s all about the future. There are two modes in particular:

💼 Corporate Finance: Corporate finance is really about helping a company grow and increase shareholder value. It focuses on both short-term and long-term financial planning, so it’s about managing the day-to-day cash flow while also keeping an eye on the big picture and future goals.

💵 Personal Finance: Personal finance is all about managing your finances effectively. It includes creating a budget, building savings, making smart investment choices, and planning for retirement to ensure long-term financial security.

To thrive in finance, you’ll need a mix of skills and qualifications. Multitasking and being deadline-driven are key, along with a basic comfort with math. But don’t worry – you don’t have to be a math whiz. As long as you have an interest in business and problem-solving, you’re halfway there. Think of it as translating life’s challenges into formulas that help uncover value.

Getting Smart

So, what roads lead you to a career in finance? Let’s start with the main courses in school you should look into:

• A solid foundation in corporate finance is key, as it helps to understand cash flow and how it drives strategic decisions.
• Courses in intermediate accounting and strategic business management can also help in your day-to-day responsibilities.

Starting from the Ground Up

Ready to take that knowledge to the next level? Internships and entry-level positions can unlock the door to the world of finance. These opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.

Networking is equally important; relationships are everything in finance. Joining networking groups tailored for beginners can enhance your career exploration.

Remember, the connections you build now can open doors in the future.

A Few Final Words of Wisdom from the Franklin Nova Team

• Be prepared to start at the bottom; early roles often involve grunt work, but don’t underestimate the value of this experience.
• Be a self-learner, stay curious, and take on additional opportunities whenever you can. You’ll get noticed if you can take work off of your bosses plate to lighten their workload.
• Ask questions, do your own research, and engage in conversations that deepen your understanding.
• Don’t knock the smaller firms just because the larger corporations get all the attention. Some of the most valuable hands-on experience can be found at a smaller conference room table.

Ready to start your next chapter mode ⏭️ in the world of finance? We would love to chat with you on your goals and how we can make them happen.