What is the most underrated job in finance?
Recently, there was a discussion on Reddit about the most overrated job in finance. Now, I’d like to ask about the most underrated one. Here are the criteria:
- Interesting work with plenty of opportunities to learn.
- Good work-life balance.
- Decent, if not great, pay (potentially higher than the hourly pay of an Investment Banker).
- Great reputation and excellent exit opportunities.
One response
The most underrated job in finance that meets the criteria mentioned is often considered to be that of a financial analyst. Financial analysts play a crucial role in providing valuable insights and analysis to help businesses make informed financial decisions. Here’s why financial analyst is the most underrated job in finance:
Interesting work with lots of things to learn: Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and making recommendations based on their findings. This role involves diving deep into financial statements, market trends, and economic indicators to provide meaningful insights. It offers a stimulating environment where one can constantly learn about new industries, companies, and financial tools.
Good work-life balance: Compared to more high-stress roles in finance like investment banking, financial analysts typically have better work-life balance. They usually work regular hours, with fewer late nights and weekends, allowing for a better quality of life outside of the office.
Decent, if not great, pay: While financial analysts may not make as much as their counterparts in investment banking, they still earn a respectable salary. The pay is often comparable to or even higher than that of entry-level investment bankers when considering the hourly rate, especially when factoring in the better work-life balance.
Great reputation and exit opportunities: Working as a financial analyst is highly regarded in the finance industry. The skills and experience gained in this role are transferable across various sectors, opening up a wide range of exit opportunities. Financial analysts often move on to roles in investment management, corporate finance, consulting, or even start their own businesses.
In conclusion, the role of a financial analyst offers a perfect balance of interesting work, good work-life balance, decent pay, and attractive exit opportunities, making it one of the most underrated jobs in finance.