Remote Work Post-Graduation
Hi everyone! I wanted to share my unique journey and seek some advice. I’m set to complete my finance degree from WGU next year, but I’m coming at this from an interesting angle.
Currently, I work full-time as a paramedic and spend several months a year on wildfire deployments. This job pays well, and I’m using this time to save for a house, my wedding, and to pay off debt. I plan to continue with these deployments for at least another 2-3 years before diving into a traditional 9-to-5 role.
After I finish my degree, I’m eager to enter the finance world in some capacity. During my deployments, I have a fair amount of downtime, which I’m considering leveraging for remote consulting work.
Eventually, I aspire to advance within corporate finance. Post-graduation, my plan includes pursuing financial advisor certifications, exploring available opportunities, and potentially starting an MBA program.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: What options are open to me in finance after graduation? Would it be better to wait until I’ve completed my deployments, degree, and certifications before jumping in?
Thank you for your insights!
One response
Congratulations on your journey toward completing your finance degree and balancing your impressive work as a paramedic! It sounds like you have a solid plan in place and are setting yourself up for future success.
Working remotely during your deployments is a great opportunity, and consulting could definitely be a viable option. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
Leverage Your Skillset: Given your unique background in finance and emergency management, consider consulting opportunities that could benefit from your dual expertise. This could include financial analysis for emergency services, risk assessment for disaster management, or even financial planning for paramedics and first responders.
Networking: Start building your professional network in the finance field now, even before you graduate. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals, joining relevant groups, and staying updated on industry trends. You might also explore local or virtual finance meetups and webinars.
Internships or Part-Time Projects: If your schedule allows, consider internships or part-time finance projects during your downtime. This would provide you with practical experience and help you transition into the finance industry smoothly after graduation.
Certifications: Pursuing certifications like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or other relevant designations can enhance your credentials. Look into what certifications align with your long-term goals and whether you can start studying for them during your deployments.
MBA Considerations: While it’s great to have the long-term goal of an MBA, consider whether you could start making strides toward it during your deployments. Some programs offer part-time options or online courses that could be manageable alongside your work.
Stay Flexible: While it’s great to have a plan, remain open to opportunities that may arise unexpectedly. Sometimes, positions or projects that aren’t exactly aligned with your goals can provide valuable experience and connections.
Ultimately, balancing your current commitments with your aspirations in finance might require some patience, but staying proactive and engaged in the field will set you up for success when you’re ready to transition fully. Best of luck with everything, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions!