Breaking into the finance industry can be tough, but the right strategies can make it achievable. If you’re wondering how to start a career in finance, let’s explore how to do so in 2025’s competitive market—even without experience. Aspiring professionals may often feel overwhelmed by the lack of relevant experience—especially when competing against highly qualified candidates with extensive resumes.

7 Key Steps to Launch Your Finance Career

In 2010, I was caught in a frustrating cycle: no job because of lack of experience and no experience due to lack of a job. It was incredibly demoralizing. But fear not—there are ways to help you break free from this cycle.

Consider the following seven essential steps on how to start a career in finance—even if you’re beginning with ZERO experience.

Step One: Tailor Your Resume

Do you lack finance experience for your resume? Focus then on emphasizing your transferable skills. Highlight your abilities, such as:

  • Problem-solving
  • Analytical thinking
  • Communication

These can be cultivated through past jobs, internships, or academic projects.

If you’ve managed data, budgets, or numerical tasks, spotlight these experiences. Use such action verbs as “analyzed,” “managed,” and “researched” to convey a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

For more detailed guidance on building your resume, check out this resource from 365 Financial Analyst.

Step Two: Network

After updating your resume, start making connections. Networking is crucial in finance—even if you don’t know anyone yet.

Start building your network on LinkedIn by:

  • Following finance companies or recruiters, joining related groups, and engaging with posts
  • Requesting informational interviews to learn about career paths and gain advice
  • Attending webinars or online events to meet industry professionals

Networking may not always lead to a job offer immediately, but it can open doors and expand one’s knowledge of the field.

Step Three: Apply for Finance Internships or Part-Time Roles

Securing an internship—even if unpaid—is an excellent way to gain practical experience. When considering how to start a career in finance, explore internships through company websites and job boards like LinkedIn Jobs or your school’s career services.

While internships may not always be fully paid, they provide valuable industry exposure and help you build connections for future opportunities. Even entry-level finance jobs can be stepping stones to more significant roles.

Step Four: Utilize Personal Finance Management as Practical Experience

Managing investments, savings, or budgets demonstrates existing finance skills, which are frequently underestimated. Explain your approaches to stock analysis, budget formulation, or debt management.

By sharing your personal financial tactics, you show employers your grasp of applicable financial concepts, even without professional experience in the field.

Step Five: Craft a Blog or Share Stock Pitches

Are you struggling to secure a role or internship response? Start an investment blog to demonstrate initiative and emphasize your passion for finance. Many analysts began their careers with college blogs that became interview talking points.

You don’t need expert status—just begin writing!

Focus on articulating your investment strategy, sharing stock pitches, or providing market analysis. When exploring how to start a career in finance, aim for five to ten comprehensive articles that reflect a serious and thoughtful investment approach; perfection isn’t necessary.

Alternatively, if blogging isn’t appealing, publish your stock pitches on platforms like Seeking Alpha or Value Investors Club. These well-known financial communities can elevate your credibility through reader engagement and votes.

Regularly presenting clear and compelling ideas can showcase your initiative and distinguish you in interviews. It also provides a great conversation starter for networking. As you build experience, ensuring your applications shine is crucial.

Step Six: Tailor Your Application for Each Job

Emphasize the importance of customizing your resume and cover letter for every position. Generic applications rarely succeed.

Review the job description closely and align your skills and experiences with the employer’s needs. In your application, prominently highlight key requirements like analytical skills or financial modeling. This dedicated approach significantly enhances your prospects in a competitive job market.

Step Seven: Certifications

While not transformative, certifications can underscore your finance interest in how to get into finance. Though no single certificate guarantees employment, it enhances your resume. Among them, CFA Level 1 stands out.

The Chartered Financial Analyst designation is esteemed in finance. Although Level 1 requires direct experience, passing it indicates a serious commitment to a finance career and a robust grasp of investment principles. This challenging exam spans financial reporting to portfolio management and is recognized worldwide.

Your Pathway to a Finance Career

These seven essential steps will guide you into the finance industry, even without experience. Understanding how to start a career in finance is key to navigating this competitive field. Remember, success takes time and perseverance—every step you take moves you closer to your goal. The field is competitive, yet you can differentiate yourself with determination, the right tools, and a proactive mindset.

If you’re committed to a career in finance, the time to start is now. To prepare for a successful finance career, consider joining the 365 Financial Analyst platform.

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