Transitioning to finance: Seeking Guidance on Career Change

Hello, everyone! I hope this post finds you well.

I’m reaching out to gather some insights into shifting my career from tech to finance. To provide a bit of context, I am currently working as a senior frontend developer and have accumulated nearly five years of experience in the field. While I appreciate the stability and good salary of my current position, I often find the work monotonous. I am craving a role that offers more challenge, excitement, and the opportunity to fully engage in my work.

Recently, I reached a salary ceiling within my current role that is typical for the UK, apart from moving to a FAANG company—which doesn’t particularly attract me. As a result, I’ve been feeling somewhat stagnant in my professional journey.

finance has always piqued my interest, and I believe my development skills could be beneficial as I transition into this new domain. Moreover, I’ve noticed that the potential salary in finance can be quite competitive, which is certainly appealing.

Currently, I’m in the process of selling my house and plan to travel for six months afterward. Once I return, I am considering pursuing a master’s degree in financial engineering at a university in Europe. With around £35,000 left after my travels, I’m weighing my options and would love to get your perspectives on a few questions:

1. Is a Master’s in Financial Engineering Worth It?

2. Considering the investment, do you think this degree is valuable for a career in finance?

3. Career Opportunities:

4. What career paths could be available to someone with a background in finance and programming?

5. Software and Finance Synergy:

6. I am drawn to roles that blend software development with finance, such as high-frequency trading (HFT). What are your thoughts on this direction?

7. University Reputation:

8. How significant is the name of the university when it comes to landing roles in finance?

My academic credentials include a first-class Bachelor’s degree from a lesser-known UK university. While I recognize the prestige associated with top-tier programs, I am mindful of my budget and would prefer to keep my expenses under £15,000—ideally free!

1. Essential Skills:
2. With about six months of free time during my travels, I want to utilize this period effectively. I have started an online course in financial engineering through Coursera and am also brushing up on my C++. Given this