There are many reasons people consider a career change, and finance offers a wide range of opportunities for those looking for something new.
Some are driven by financial stability, others by personal growth--and some just want a fresh challenge. Whatever the reason, transitioning into a finance career is more common than you might think.
In a finance career, successful candidates come from all sorts of different backgrounds. The finance industry includes many different paths. With so many finance roles available—ranging from banking and investments to corporate finance and fintech—there’s a good chance you’ll find something that aligns with your interests and goals.
Whatever might be driving you to make a career change, what matters most is being honest with yourself about why you want to make the switch. That clarity can help guide your decisions and keep you motivated during your transition.
Is finance a good fit for your skills and goals?
If you’re considering a finance career, think about the skills you already bring to the table.
Many soft skills like communication, problem solving and time management are valued in finance roles. Interpersonal skills can also go a long way, especially in client-facing positions.
Of course, technical skills matter too. Depending on the type of role you’re aiming for, you might need to strengthen your knowledge of data analysis, spreadsheets, or financial reporting. The good news is that there are many ways to build those technical skills—through online courses, certifications, or on-the-job training.
The finance field rewards people who are detail oriented, goal driven and eager to learn. If that sounds like you, a career in finance could be a great next step.
Explore different finance sectors
One of the benefits of transitioning into a finance career is the variety of roles available. Whether you're interested in working directly with clients, managing corporate budgets, running calculations in risk management or using technology to solve financial problems, there's a finance role that could be a good fit.
The financial services industry is broad, and each area comes with different responsibilities, skill requirements, and work environments. Here's a breakdown of some common paths you might explore.
Corporate finance
In corporate finance, professionals manage a company’s financial health. That could mean preparing financial reports, overseeing budgets, forecasting revenue or helping leadership make informed decisions. Corporate finance professionals often work closely with different departments to support long-term financial planning and strategy.
Some common roles in this area include financial analyst, budget analyst and finance manager. These positions require attention to detail and a strong understanding of financial statements. If you enjoy working with numbers and want to help businesses make sound financial decisions, corporate finance may be a good fit.
Banking
The banking side of the financial services sector includes working with both individuals and business clients. Common roles include loan officer, credit analyst and business development manager. These finance roles are often customer-facing, so strong communication and sales skills are important.
One of the perks of working in banking is the consistency in hours because many positions follow a set schedule and observe federal holidays. For some, that predictability is a major reason to consider this path. If you enjoy helping people reach their financial goals while working in a structured environment, banking might be worth exploring.
This is also where you’ll find opportunities in investment banking, a field focused on raising capital, mergers and large-scale financial transactions. These roles tend to be fast paced and demanding but can offer high earning potential for those with the right skills and drive.
You can also dip your toe in the waters and try something like an investment banking internship to see if you enjoy the work. If not, moving into a different area of finance is no problem.
Investment and wealth management
Asset management and wealth management are both large parts of finance.
Financial advisors and portfolio managers help clients manage their investments and make decisions that support long-term goals. For example, you could assist clients with managing their investments over decades and walk them through retirement planning.
These clients may be individuals or business owners.
Working in this area requires investment knowledge, strong communication skills, and the ability to build relationships over time. Many professionals also need certifications, such as the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or licenses like the Series 7. Having a solid understanding of portfolio management and investment strategies is key to helping clients grow their financial assets.
FinTech and data-focused finance roles
The FinTech sector focuses on using technology to deliver and improve financial services. Roles in this area include data analyst, risk analyst, financial risk manager and financial engineer. These professionals often work with financial data, financial software, and tools like Excel to organize and analyze information that supports smarter business decisions.
The financial sector has evolved a lot over the years. When I was pursuing my degrees, we used paper, pencil, and financial calculators in class. Now, my finance students use Excel and other digital tools to solve problems more efficiently. We've even started using AI to help gather and organize financial data.
But technology doesn’t replace people—it supports them. We still need finance professionals who can interpret the results, apply financial modeling techniques, manage risk and explain the outcomes to clients or company leaders. If you enjoy learning new tech and want to be part of a fast-changing field, this part of the finance sector could be a great fit.
Transferable skills for a finance career
You might be surprised by how many essential skills carry over from other industries into finance. Many people assume that finance professionals only work with numbers, but the truth is that soft skills like communication, time management and problem solving are just as important as technical knowledge.
If you're considering a finance career, think about the key skills you already use in your current role. With the right perspective, you may already have a strong foundation for this transition.
Organizational and time management skills
Organizational skills and time management are important in any job, but especially in finance. Finance professionals have to manage deadlines, track progress and stay accountable—especially when working with clients’ money. Every dollar must be tracked and used effectively to meet financial goals.
Some professionals use tools like Microsoft® Office® Trello® or other task management platforms to stay organized. Monthly reporting deadlines are a regular part of the job, so being able to prioritize tasks and stick to a schedule is essential.
Let's say Mary, who is applying for a financial planner position, used to manage a busy retail store with nearly 100 employees. To help her transition into finance, she adapted her resume and cover letter to highlight the strategies she used to stay organized—such as managing large teams, scheduling staff, and meeting tight inventory deadlines. These same organizational skills now help her make a strong case to employers in the finance sector.
Analytical skills
Finance professionals rely on analytical skills every day. From compiling reports to identifying regulatory and ethical considerations, research and analysis play a major role in helping clients meet their financial goals.
Mary used these skills regularly in her role as a retail manager. She reviewed sales reports daily and used that data to make quick adjustments that helped meet store goals. She was responsible for increasing revenue, managing costs and analyzing performance—all of which required strong problem solving and attention to detail.
By reframing her experience, Mary was able to show how she already had many of the analytical skills needed for a finance role, even though her background wasn’t in the financial industry.
Communication and client interaction
It’s a common misconception that finance careers don’t require strong communication skills.
In reality, finance professionals need to explain complex data, offer recommendations, and build trust with clients and team members. Client communication is a big part of many finance roles—especially when helping someone understand how their money is being managed.
As a retail manager, Mary led daily meetings with her team to discuss sales and goals. Many of her employees weren’t comfortable reading reports, so she developed ways to break the numbers down in a way they could relate to. She also made sure her team understood how sales strategies could impact their performance and earnings.
Those same communication skills are essential in finance. Being able to take complex ideas and make them clear for others is what helps clients feel confident in the advice they receive.
5 Steps to change your career path
Making a career change can feel like a big step! But since you already have work experience and so many skills from that work experience, it might not be as difficult as you think.
1. Gain some finance-specific education
There are degrees you can pursue to help with your transition into a finance career. These include a finance degree, accounting, economics or other finance-related degrees.
Rasmussen University offers a comprehensive Finance degree program that helps students build a strong finance background while also gaining relevant qualifications for the business world.4
Courses are designed to cover key business and finance principles to prepare students for a wide range of roles.
Many finance professionals are also required to hold certifications. Since you’ll be working as a fiduciary in many roles, it’s important to understand the laws and ethical responsibilities that come with that work. Some of the most common certifications include:
- CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®)
- CFP (Certified Financial Planner®)
- Series 6, 7, 63, 65/66
The specific certifications you need depend on the type of financial services you plan to provide. Make sure to research what’s required for your target role.
In addition to formal degrees and certifications, there are other ways to build your knowledge.
There are online courses and bootcamps—some low cost, some even free—that offer the chance to learn technical skills and apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios. These options can be a helpful part of your transition, especially if you’re balancing your learning with a full-time job or other responsibilities.
2. Gain finance experience
One of the biggest challenges people face when thinking about a finance career change is the lack of direct experience. But there are ways to get started and build a foundation, even if you're coming from a completely different field.
Volunteering is a great way to get real-world experience. Nonprofits and community organizations often have limited funding and need help managing their finances. Offering your time can help you build a portfolio while also supporting a good cause.
Freelance projects can also be a smart way to get your foot in the door. As you gain more experience, these small projects can add to your resume and show that you’ve applied your skills in the financial industry. You’ll not only be helping clients—you’ll also be building confidence in your new role.
Internships are another valuable path. Even if you’re not just starting out in your career, an internship or entry level position can help you learn on the job and make connections in the finance world. These roles offer practical advice, training, and insight into how a finance job works day to day, which can be especially helpful during a career change.
3. Build your network
Networking is key when you're trying to make a career change. In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to connect with finance professionals and build an online presence.
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are especially helpful. You can use them to connect with people already working in the finance roles you're interested in. Many of these professionals are happy to share their journey through informal conversations or informational interviews. Some even post internship openings, freelance opportunities or bootcamps directly on their profiles.
Your job is to reach out, ask questions and take notes. Experienced professionals often enjoy talking about how they got started, and that insight can help guide your own transition.
You can also grow your network by joining professional organizations, attending local industry events or becoming active in your school’s alumni groups. These connections can help you learn more about the financial industry—and may even lead to new opportunities down the line.
4. Tailor your resume and cover letter
When switching careers, your resume and cover letter are important tools to show how your skills can transfer into a finance role. You don’t need a long background in finance to stand out—just make sure to connect your previous experience to what the job requires.
Start by focusing on data and results. Instead of saying your store led the region in sales, include the actual numbers. Employers in the financial industry want to see performance metrics and evidence that you’ve solved problems or improved results.
Your cover letter is also a great place to tell your story. This is where you can explain why you’re making a career change and how your skills align with the role. Storytelling helps you stand out and gives hiring managers a reason to invite you for an interview.
Avoid relying on AI-generated resumes or cover letters. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to sort and screen applications. These tools are designed to spot generic content and may reject applications that don’t feel personalized or relevant. Instead, focus on resume optimization by using clear language, targeted keywords and real examples that show you're ready for a new challenge in finance.
5. Give a great interview
Finance professionals are often very numbers-driven, so be ready to talk about metrics and results in your interview. Focus on the financial strategies you used in past roles and explain how they led to positive outcomes like increased profitability or better performance.
Before the interview, take time to research the company. Look at recent financial news or market analysis that could affect the business. Showing that you’ve done your homework makes a strong impression and helps connect your experience to their current goals.
Check out 7 Strategies for Handling Challenging Interview Questions for some useful tips!
What part of the finance industry will you choose?
Making a career change into finance is entirely possible with the right planning. Many people already have soft skills, organization, and experience that can transfer into finance roles—they just need to reframe what they bring to the table.
Whether you’re volunteering, earning certifications, updating your resume or networking on LinkedIn, there are real steps you can take to move forward. Stay curious, keep learning and be confident in the value of your experience. With persistence and preparation, your next finance job might be closer than you think.
Now—where will it take you?
Check out What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Finance? to get some ideas.
1Trello® is a registered trademark of Trello, Inc.
2Office® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
3Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
4Rasmussen University’s Finance Bachelor's degree program academically prepares those who graduate from the program for the Level I Exam of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). It is important to check the specific education and/or work experience requirements for the CFP, Series 6, 7, 63, and 65/66 examinations.
5CFA® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute.
6Chartered Financial Analyst® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute.
7CFP® is a registered trademark of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center For Financial Planning, Inc.
8Certified Financial Planner® is a registered trademark is a registered trademark of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center For Financial Planning, Inc.
