Career Decision: Seeking Guidance
Hi everyone,
I’m currently a sophomore at a Cal State university majoring in engineering. While I’ve been enjoying my studies and am performing well, my ultimate aspiration is to transition into the finance sector, specifically investment banking.
I’ve realized that I have a greater passion for finance than engineering, and I’m trying to determine the best route to make that shift. I’ve heard a few options: returning to community college to transfer or pursuing an MBA down the line.
While I still appreciate my engineering background, landing a finance role after graduation would be ideal. I’m actively networking and working on personal projects to prepare for internships as soon as possible. Do you think my engineering degree will be valuable for breaking into finance right out of college? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
One response
Hey there!
It’s great to hear that you’re thinking deeply about your career path and considering your options. An engineering degree can actually be quite valuable in finance, particularly in areas like investment banking, quantitative analysis, and financial technology (fintech). Many firms appreciate the analytical and problem-solving skills that engineering students develop.
Here are a few thoughts to consider:
Leverage Your Engineering Skills: While your ultimate goal is to get into finance, your engineering background can set you apart, especially in roles that require strong analytical and quantitative skills. Highlight projects or coursework where you’ve demonstrated these abilities.
Networking: You mentioned you’re trying to network—definitely keep that up! Reach out to alumni from your program who have transitioned into finance roles. They can provide valuable insights and possibly help you land internships or entry-level positions.
Internships: Aim to secure internships during your time in college. Even if they are not directly in finance, roles that require analytical thinking or data analysis skills can still be valuable. They can help you build relevant experience for your finance aspirations.
Courses and Certifications: Consider taking finance-related courses or pursuing certifications, such as CFA or financial modeling courses, which can bolster your resume and show your commitment to transitioning into finance.
MBA Option: If you decide to go the MBA route later, that can also be a solid way to pivot into finance. Many MBA programs actively recruit students from diverse backgrounds, including engineering.
Explore Summer Programs: Look into summer pre-mba or finance programs, often offered by firms or universities. These can provide you with exposure and connections in the finance industry.
In summary, don’t feel you need to abandon engineering entirely. You can blend your passion for engineering with your interest in finance, and there are plenty of ways to make that transition. Good luck, and keep pushing toward those goals!