Finance Career Path: Outside of Corporate Worlds

The field of finance offers a variety of career paths and possibilities. Every organization deals with finance. It allows professionals to pursue a career in finance in many different industries. The field offers strong potential for upward mobility and career growth. Be prepared when it comes to a finance career path. Nowadays, most finance careers require at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or accounting. They may require licensing exams depending on your goals. However, you’re able to continuously grow and develop new skills that will help you move up in a company.

A finance career path can go several different directions. It is often important to select a focus early on to ensure you have the best foundation and are working toward the correct certifications. There’s always a chance to pivot and learn more. Looking to exit corporate finance? There are several other routes you can take while remaining in the finance field. The main career paths in finance are corporate finance, personal finance, public finance, and project finance.

Corporate Finance Career Path

Corporate finance focuses on managing the finances of a business. This includes everything from forecasting economic trends, to raising capital through investment banking, to financial risk management, to developing strategies to maximize shareholder value. Common careers in corporate finance include risk managers, investment bankers, financial analysts and investor relations officers. All companies have a spread of financial activities to analyze, manage, and plan by various finance employees.

Personal Finance Career Path

This focuses on individuals and families. Personal finance can be called wealth management. Outside of investment, personal finance is part of every stage of a person’s life. If you choose a personal finance career path, you could find yourself guiding investment and banking decisions, insurance choices, and retirement and estate planning. In addition, you’ll help families figure out how to finance education, real estate, or cars.

Professionals in personal finance work as personal finance planners, insurance and real estate agents, investment representatives, and even eldercare specialists. In the personal finance field, it’s important to be empathetic and friendly, and to be able to earn people’s trust.

Public Finance Career Path

Public finance is connected to the financial dealings of public entities. This includes municipal and state governments, school districts, and government agencies. Public finance professionals are tasked with reviewing and improving existing financial systems, monitoring the collection of taxes, overseeing the distribution of government funds, and accounting for government spending.

Project Finance Career Path

Project finance is a broad term used for large, risky items that are too big for the main sponsor. The cash flow is pays off debt and expenses related to the project. Eventually, it’ll issue dividends to the sponsors. A project finance career path often requires some knowledge of infrastructure and construction. Project finance organizations offer clear career growth opportunities from the analyst level, to the managing director, to partner level.

Whether you’re just embarking on a finance career path or pivoting from your current path, SideSearch can help you. SideSearch is an anonymous job platform designed to connect professionals in finance, accounting, business development, human resources and IT with employers. Demonstrate your skills and experience and let companies contact you directly. SideSearch provides access to opportunity on your terms, putting you in control.