Are you thinking about starting a finance career path in 2025? If I were in your position now, I’d take a very different route than I did. When I finished my master’s in financial economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, I thought I had it all figured out. But stepping into the real world quickly showed me how wide the gap is between what you learn in class and what builds a career.

The finance industry has transformed—rapidly. The tools are more advanced, competition is tougher, and employers expect far more than just a degree. Whether you’re just getting started or considering a switch to finance, these five strategies could save you time and stress and help you move forward with real momentum.

1. Focus on Building Real-World Skills

If I could go back and change one decision, I’d stop obsessing over my GPA and focus more on building real-world skills. During university, I spent countless hours chasing top grades, convinced that academic excellence was the key to landing a great job in finance. I didn’t realize then that your GPA quickly fades in importance after graduation. What really matters is whether you can do the job.

  • Can you build a financial model in Excel?
  • Are you able to analyze a company’s performance and explain the story behind the numbers?

These questions truly define your value in the workplace and are essential if you’re pursuing a finance career path. If I were starting out in 2025, I’d still take my coursework seriously—but I’d dedicate much more time to mastering practical tools like Excel, Power BI, and maybe even Python or SQL.

A strong GPA might get you in the door for an interview, but your fundamental skills get you hired and keep you relevant. In the long run, your ability to deliver results—not your transcript—sets you apart.

2. Start Networking from Day One

Back in university, I thought networking was something you did after you had built up your skills or landed your first job. But I’ve come to realize that kind of thinking only holds you back. You don’t need a polished CV/resume or a fancy job title to start building meaningful connections. What you need is curiosity, a bit of confidence, and a clear message that shows you’re serious about learning.

If I were starting today, I’d prioritize connecting with professionals on LinkedIn who are in roles I’m interested in. I’d send a brief, thoughtful message like:

Hi, I’m just getting started in finance, and I’d love to hear how you got into your role. Would you be open to a quick chat?

No asking for jobs, no awkward pitches—just a genuine interest in someone’s story.

Most people are more than willing to help—especially when you’re respectful and honest about your intentions. If you’re exploring a finance career path, these early conversations often open doors to internships, referrals, and relationships that can support your growth for years.

3. Build a Project Portfolio Early

The third step I’d take differently is building a project portfolio as early as possible. During my university years, I focused heavily on theory—solving finance problems on exams, writing papers, and analyzing textbook cases. But I didn’t do enough creating actual projects that applied what I was learning.

If I were starting today, I’d pull together a few practical, well-executed projects that demonstrate I can apply finance concepts in the real world. These wouldn’t have to be overly complex. A discounted cash flow valuation in Excel, a personal budget tracker, a Power BI dashboard with insights from financial data, or even a mock portfolio performance review would all show that I understand the tools and the thinking behind the financial analysis.

Showcase quality work.

The key isn’t to build ten projects—it’s to create and make a few good ones visible. Share them on LinkedIn, include them in your resume, and showcase them on a personal website or GitHub if you have one. If you’re aiming for a finance career path, showing that you’ve already done the kind of work they’re hiring for takes you from being just another applicant to someone they can trust to contribute from day one.

4. Learn with a Purpose, Not at Random

The fourth change I’d make is to approach online learning with a clear plan rather than bounce from one random video to the next. When I first got into online courses, I fell into a common trap: I’d sample a bit of everything—finance basics here, a little Excel there—but rarely finished anything. Without structure, there was no real sense of progress.

If I were starting in 2025, I’d define a specific goal—like becoming a financial analyst—and build a focused learning path around it. That roadmap might include courses like Excel for finance, financial statement analysis, corporate finance and valuation, and financial modeling. After that, I’d look at interview prep or certifications, such as the CFA.

Structure learning with relevance.

This kind of structure gives each course a purpose. I followed this method after my master’s degree when I committed to CFA training. It gave me direction, credibility, and depth to learn. The CFA isn’t always the ideal next step for everyone pursuing a finance career path. It’s a serious investment of time and best suited for investment management, equity research, or corporate finance roles. Other certifications—or even hands-on project work—might better fit those going into fintech, data analysis, or accounting.

The key takeaway? Online learning can be compelling—but only when aligned with your goals. Without this focus, it’s just information without direction.

5. Prioritize Experience Over Prestige

The fifth modification I’d make is to let go of the fixation on landing a job at a big-name company. As a student, I believed success meant working at a top-tier investment bank or a global consulting firm. And while those roles can be significant for some, they’re far from the only path to success.

I’ve learned that smaller companies, startups, and boutique firms often offer something just as valuable—especially early in your career. If you’re on a finance career path, you’re not just running reports but building them. You’re not passively sitting in meetings but actively presenting in them. In these environments, you learn, grow, and gain practical, hands-on experience that accelerates your development.

Favor growth over brand.

Starting at a smaller, more agile company can often make you stand out later—especially when applying to larger firms. If I were starting in 2025, I’d care less about the brand name and more about the learning opportunities and scope of responsibility. Because in the long run, your growth and the value you bring matter far more than the logo on your business card.

Your Finance Career Path: Adapting with Intention

So, these are the five key changes I’d make if I were starting my finance career path in 2025—not because everything I did before was wrong, but because the landscape has evolved. Today, it’s less about chasing perfection and more about being intentional, adaptable, and prepared for what the real world demands. The sooner you align your actions with where the world is headed, the faster you’ll grow—and the more impact you’ll make.

If you’re ready to take that next step with purpose, the 365 Financial Analyst platform is an excellent place to start—offering structured learning, real-world projects, and the guidance you need to build a career that stands out. It’s everything I wish I had when I started out.

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