8 Ways To Start a Career in Finance Without a Finance Degree

Looking to begin a career in finance? Maybe you're thinking you have to have a degree in the field to get started, but is that true? Are there any ways you can start a finance career with an unrelated degree, or with no degree at all?

While many careers in finance require a degree, there are many that don't. You can break into the finance career in many ways, such as by pursuing certifications, building a strong professional network, and completing an internship.

Is It Possible To Get Into Finance Without a Degree?

The short answer to this question is yes: you can start a financial career without a degree. That said, you may have to work harder to achieve your goals and convince employers that you're the right fit for the job.

The majority of finance careers, even the entry-level ones, do require at least an associate or bachelor's degree. Many employers prefer candidates who hold a degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field, though some may accept those with unrelated degrees.

If you have an unrelated degree or no degree at all, you may have to look harder for employers that will be willing to give you a chance. The good news is, there are many different levels of finance jobs, and there are various methods you can use to increase your chances of not only scoring an interview, but landing the position.

How To Get Into Finance Without a Degree

Below, we'll discuss eight tips you can follow to help you get started in a finance career even if you don't have a college degree.

1. Get an Entry-Level Job

There are plenty of entry-level finance jobs that can help you get your foot in the door. For example, you could start out working as a bank teller; in many cases, all that is required for this position is a high school diploma or GED. Once you have worked in an entry-level position for a while, you'll have a better chance of moving up into other finance positions.

2. Get Certified

Pursuing industry certifications can increase your hireability by showing employers that you have essential skills and are serious about pursuing a finance career. The specific certifications you pursue may depend upon the type of career you want to pursue. Some finance certifications you can obtain without a degree include:

• Certified Personal Financial Consultant
• Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor
• Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow
• Investment Performance Management Certificate
• Enrolled Agent Certificate

3. Network

Having a strong professional network in finance can make it easier for you to land jobs. Not only can you draw on your connections within the industry to provide references and letters of recommendation, you may find out about work opportunities from your network that you might not have otherwise had access to.

4. Do a Financial Boot Camp

Some financial organizations offer short-term, intensive boot camps in finance. These typically take place over a few days and can be fairly expensive, but they provide you with the essential skills you need to have to start a career in finance.

5. Get an Internship

Some companies offer internship programs for those looking to learn the ropes and get their foot in the door. Working an internship can provide several benefits: you learn valuable skills, meet people you can add to your network, and gain experience that looks good on a resume and comes in handy when it's time to start your career.

6. Use a Trading Simulator

Some financial websites offer trading simulators that allow you to keep track of market trends and investment opportunities. You can use these simulators to create mock portfolios for your resume. In turn, these portfolios will show off your skills to potential employers, which can help you stand out even without a degree.

7. Gain Relevant Skills

There are many ways to build your financial skill set: resources such as books, articles, and courses can be found online or at your local library. You may be able to take industry-level licensing courses to give your credentials an extra boost. Learn all you can about finances, statitics, analysis, taxes, and other financial topics to ensure you have the knowledge you need to start your new career.

8. Stay Up-to-Date on Trends and Keep Learning

Having a good understanding of financial trends and market changes will prove invaluable as you move into a finance career. Commit yourself to lifelong learning, as trends and techniques can change over time. If you can prove to potential employers that you're in it for the long haul and willing to invest time and effort in your career, you're more likely to find success even without a degree.

The Best Finance Jobs To Get Your Foot in the Door

Wondering what types of finance jobs you can break into without a degree in the field? Check out the entry-level jobs listed below.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts study current and past financial trends within a company or organization, providing suggestions for how to improve profitability. Their job largely involves keeping track of market trends and suggesting beneficial investing opportunities for their company.

Investment Banking Analyst

Investment banking analysts usually specialize within an industry, providing highly specific guidance regarding investment opportunities. They work with various types of large companies and corporations to help these organizations increase their overall investment value.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors provide individualized financial advice to clients, usually individuals or families. They analyze their clients' financial positions and provide recommendations on how to improve their financial status and reach their goals.

Tax Associate

Tax associates are masters of financial law at the state, federal, and local levels. They may work for both businesses and individual clients, helping them ensure they are following all tax laws. They also commonly prepare and file taxes on behalf of their clients and maintain organized records.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers keep track of an individual's or organization's finances, ensuring all records are well organized and error-free. They must have good organizational and technological skills since they are commonly tasked with imputing financial information into spreadsheets and using various computer programs.