1. Financial Analyst
- Median Annual Salary: $85,660
- Job Description: Financial analysts research and analyze financial data to make investment recommendations and provide guidance to clients. They may also develop financial models and projections.
2. Investment Banker
- Median Annual Salary: $101,670
- Job Description: Investment bankers help companies raise capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
3. Portfolio Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $111,790
- Job Description: Portfolio managers manage investment portfolios for clients, including individuals, institutions, and endowments. They make investment decisions based on their research and analysis of financial markets.
4. Financial Planner
- Median Annual Salary: $94,180
- Job Description: Financial planners help clients plan for their financial future by providing advice on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters. They may also sell insurance products and other financial services.
5. Commercial Banker
- Median Annual Salary: $87,850
- Job Description: Commercial bankers work with businesses to provide loans and other financial services. They may also help businesses manage their cash flow and other financial needs.
6. Risk Analyst
- Median Annual Salary: $103,270
- Job Description: Risk analysts identify and assess risks to financial institutions and other organizations. They may develop risk management strategies and recommend ways to mitigate risks.
7. Credit Analyst
- Median Annual Salary: $87,140
- Job Description: Credit analysts assess the creditworthiness of borrowers to determine whether they are a good risk for a loan. They may also monitor borrowers’ credit performance and recommend changes to loan terms if necessary.
Why Entry Level Finance Jobs Matter
Entry level finance jobs offer a number of benefits, including:
- High salaries: Finance is one of the highest-paying industries, and entry level finance jobs offer salaries that are significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
- Opportunities for advancement: Finance is a competitive industry, but there are many opportunities for advancement for those who are willing to work hard and learn.
- Exposure to the financial markets: Entry level finance jobs provide exposure to the financial markets and the opportunity to learn about different financial products and services.
- Skill development: Entry level finance jobs offer the opportunity to develop a variety of skills, including analytical skills, financial modeling skills, and communication skills.
How to Get Started in a High Paying Entry Level Finance Job
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired for a high paying entry level finance job, including:
- Get a good education: A strong educational foundation is essential for success in the finance industry. Major in finance, accounting, or economics at a top university.
- Gain experience: Internships and work experience are invaluable for entry level finance jobs. Look for opportunities to intern at investment banks, commercial banks, or other financial institutions.
- Network: Networking is essential for finding a job in the finance industry. Attend industry events and meet with alumni from your university who work in finance.
- Develop your skills: In addition to a strong educational foundation and experience, you will need to develop a variety of skills to be successful in a high paying entry level finance job. These skills include analytical skills, financial modeling skills, and communication skills.
The Benefits of Working in Finance
There are many benefits to working in finance, including:
- High salaries: Finance is one of the highest-paying industries, and the salaries for entry level finance jobs are significantly higher than the average for all occupations.
- Opportunities for advancement: Finance is a competitive industry, but there are many opportunities for advancement for those who are willing to work hard and learn.
- Job security: Finance is a stable industry, and there is always a demand for qualified professionals.
- Intellectual challenge: Finance is a challenging industry, but it also offers the opportunity to learn and grow your skills.
The Pros and Cons of Working in Finance
There are both pros and cons to working in finance, including:
Pros:
- High salaries
- Opportunities for advancement
- Job security
- Intellectual challenge
Cons:
- Long hours
- Can be stressful
- Competitive environment
Table 1: Median Annual Salaries for Entry Level Finance Jobs
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | $85,660 |
| Investment Banker | $101,670 |
| Portfolio Manager | $111,790 |
| Financial Planner | $94,180 |
| Commercial Banker | $87,850 |
| Risk Analyst | $103,270 |
| Credit Analyst | $87,140 |
Table 2: Job Description for Entry Level Finance Jobs
| Job Title | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Research and analyze financial data to make investment recommendations. |
| Investment Banker | Help companies raise capital and advise on mergers and acquisitions. |
| Portfolio Manager | Manage investment portfolios for clients. |
| Financial Planner | Help clients plan for their financial future. |
| Commercial Banker | Work with businesses to provide loans and other financial services. |
| Risk Analyst | Identify and assess risks to financial institutions. |
| Credit Analyst | Assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. |
Table 3: Educational Requirements for Entry Level Finance Jobs
| Job Title | Educational Requirements |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics |
| Investment Banker | MBA from a top business school |
| Portfolio Manager | MBA from a top business school |
| Financial Planner | Bachelor’s degree in financial planning or a related field |
| Commercial Banker | Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field |
| Risk Analyst | Bachelor’s degree in finance, mathematics, or a related field |
| Credit Analyst | Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field |
Table 4: Skills for Entry Level Finance Jobs
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical skills | The ability to analyze data and identify trends. |
| Financial modeling skills | The ability to use financial models to forecast future performance. |
| Communication skills | The ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. |
| Excel skills | The ability to use Excel to perform data analysis and financial modeling. |
| SQL skills | The ability to use SQL to extract data from databases. |
| Python skills | The ability to use Python to automate tasks and perform data analysis. |
