Is a Career in Corporate Finance for You? (2024)

FAQs

How to answer why are you interested in corporate finance? ›

The short, simple answer is: Yes, finance is still a good career path, but it will probably not be as good relative to other careers as it has been over the past few decades. If you are at a top university or business school, have the qualifications, and start early, that's fine.

To succeed in this industry, one must have discipline, intelligence, and possess a thick-skinned psyche. There are many different positions in the financial services industry, and it often takes years for individuals to find and settle into a position that is a good fit for them.

A career in corporate finance offers the opportunity to be at the centre of how a business operates; it is the way in which companies finance creation, growth and the acquisition or disposal of business.

Some generic themes to draw on for your answer to “Why Investment Banking” could include: Fast-paced environment. Exposure to high profile transactions. Surround myself with intelligent and motivated people.

The best way to handle this question is to think about what your current career trajectory is and how this role in this company fits in to help you achieve your ultimate goals. To enhance your answer, provide general ideas about the skills you want to develop and things you want to accomplish.

You don't need an MBA to work in finance, but the field is highly competitive, especially at the entry-level. Internships offer experience, exposure, and a tryout for a full-time gig.

Working in corporate finance can be rewarding, challenging, and lucrative. You get to deal with complex financial problems, analyze data, and advise on strategic decisions. But it can also be stressful, demanding, and exhausting. You may face long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations.

1. Investment Banker. Roles in investing banking are highly sought after. For investment bankers, it's often a higher competition to land a role in one of the largest firms.

Individuals with analytical minds and strong attention to detail make good candidates for in-demand careers in finance. This field offers many roles beyond trading on the stock exchange floor, though many positions still include financial forecasting and investments for businesses and clients.

What is the highest paid finance job? ›

It's a bit counterintuitive to enter finance and then optimize for work / life balance, but there are some very comfortable finance jobs out there. It is entirely possible to earn >$300k and work <50 hours by your early 30s if you pick your spots right.

Corporate Finance Courses

“Relatively competitive” means that it's easier than investment banking or equity research (for example), but also harder than most non-finance roles at large companies.

A few of the perks of working in corporate finance are that you get the chance to develop good teamwork skills, since finance professionals generally work in teams. You also get to travel and meet people, and the pay is pretty good. A financial analyst can make $44,000 to $72,000 a year.

Corporate Finance Salary in California. $68,600 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $117,400 is the 75th percentile.

"I've always been captivated by numbers and the precision that surrounds them. Accounting allows me to work in a realm where every detail matters, and I find that incredibly fulfilling. As an accountant, I can organize complex financial data and aid companies in making well-informed decisions."

I was attracted to this position because it allows me to work with various clients and industries. The company has an excellent reputation for supporting small businesses, and I'm passionate about your work with youth. I'm excited to use my skill set to help businesses of every size create sustainable growth.

Example answer:

One of the big factors that attracted me to this role is the company itself, I have loved your recent innovations and the development of 'X'. Historically, the company has proven time and time again to be a market leader and that would be a great environment for me to develop in.

Talk about the organisation's culture and values, outlining how they align with your personal and professional goals. If you connect your passion for the company's mission to the job requirements, it can demonstrate a genuine interest in the role. Related: Interview Question: 'What Do You Know About Our Company? '