10 Ways to Land a Finance Career Without a Finance Degree
Think you need a finance degree to work in the finance industry? Think again. Many professionals successfully transition into rewarding finance careers with backgrounds in engineering, arts, science, law, or liberal arts.
The key is showcasing relevant skills, building domain knowledge, and using the right strategic steps to stand out in a competitive market. Here's how to do it:
1. Learn the Language of Finance
Start by building your knowledge base:
Study the basics: time value of money, financial statements, ROI, risk, etc.
Follow reputable finance websites, books, YouTube channels, and podcasts.
Take free or low-cost finance courses on platforms like Coursera or edX.
Tip: Learn basic Excel and financial modeling—it’s expected in almost every finance role.
2. Get Certified
Certifications can bridge the gap between your current background and what recruiters look for:
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – great for investment, research, and portfolio roles
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – ideal for audit, tax, and accounting
FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) – strong for corporate finance, FP&A
NISM or CFP (for India-based professionals) – useful for advisory or wealth management
3. Highlight Transferable Skills
You likely already have useful skills like:
Analytical thinking
Communication and presentation
Research and data interpretation
Problem-solving and decision-making
Tailor your resume to showcase how these align with finance roles.
4. Choose Entry Points That Welcome Diverse Backgrounds
Certain roles are more open to non-finance candidates:
Financial Analyst
Business Analyst
Credit Analyst
Treasury Assistant
Operations or Risk Analyst
Audit Associate (with CPA or accounting knowledge)
5. Start With a Finance-Adjacent Role
Get your foot in the door by working in roles related to finance, such as:
Business operations
Data analytics
Consulting
Compliance
Sales (for financial products)
Once inside, transitioning internally is much easier.
6. Network Strategically
Use platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), or alumni networks to connect with professionals already working in finance.
Attend industry webinars, meetups, and CFA Society events
Request informational interviews
Join LinkedIn finance groups and share thoughtful content
7. Build a Finance Portfolio
Prove your interest and skills by creating a personal finance blog, YouTube channel, Substack, or stock analysis thread.
Even better: publish a sample research report or build a financial model using public data.
8. Leverage Internships or Contract Roles
Internships aren't just for students. Many companies offer:
Graduate internships
Returnship programs
Short-term finance consulting gigs
These are great ways to gain experience without a formal degree.
9. Upskill With Online Courses
Top courses to consider:
Wharton’s Business Foundations
Harvard’s Financial Accounting
NYIF’s Financial Modeling & Valuation
Google’s Data Analytics Certificate (for finance-adjacent skills)
10. Target Companies That Value Diverse Backgrounds
Startups, fintech companies, ESG funds, and analytics-driven firms often prioritize skills and drive over degrees.
Look for employers who say: “We hire for potential, not pedigree.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I work in finance without a finance degree?
A: Yes. With the right certifications, skills, and strategy, many people break into finance from unrelated academic backgrounds.
Q2. What’s the easiest finance role to enter without prior experience?
A: Entry-level financial analyst, business analyst, or junior credit roles are more accessible for career switchers.
Q3. Is CFA useful without a finance degree?
A: Absolutely. The CFA is globally respected and can validate your finance knowledge to employers, regardless of your academic background.
Q4. Do employers care about online finance courses?
A: Yes—especially when paired with projects or certifications. They show initiative and real-world understanding.
Q5. Can I become an investment banker without a finance degree?
A: It's tougher, but possible—especially through networking, MBAs, or lateral hiring. Starting in corporate finance or consulting may be a more direct path.
Published on: July 03, 2025
Published by: Pankaj
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