Starting your career in finance after graduation
Wondering how to start a career in finance? CFA Institute equips you with the knowledge and skills employers are looking for. Together with CFA Institute, you can open the door to a career in finance, corporate banking, or investment management.
Is finance a good career path? Let’s find out!
So you’re a graduate looking into finance career paths. This direction can offer stability, solid compensation packages, and the opportunity to make positive social and economic change. You might provide services to help individuals save for their future. Or help companies successfully invest and grow. In an industry constantly evolving – serving clients whose interests change too – you’ll never stop learning and developing your skill set.
What does a career in finance look like?
With opportunities awaiting in nearly every organization and industry, a finance career path can lead you in unexpected but fulfilling directions – especially when it aligns with your interests and passions. Learn more about the range of financial careers available to you, what each role does, and the skills you need to succeed.
Learn more about investment industry career paths.
Research Analyst
Investment Strategist
How recent graduates have begun their career journeys
Students like you have gone through entered the world of finance from all different majors, schools, and backgrounds. Hear their stories and consider how to bring your own unique experiences and background to your early career decisions.
Explore roles
Curious to know where studying with CFA Institute might lead? Take our interactive Job Role Discovery Quiz and explore potential financial careers relevant to your skills and interests.
Career insight
We talked to several industry experts about graduate careers. Read their advice on how to start your finance career – and what you should do to reach your career goals.
2024 global study
Graduates are naming finance as the industry they feel most confident in for their career prospects. Discover this and more in the 2024 Graduate Outlook Survey, a comprehensive global study conducted by CFA Institute, involving nearly 10,000 current and recent university graduates across 14 significant global markets.
Discover what your peers think of career prospects for graduates right now, as well as their perception of the social impact of the financial industry.
Student news and insights
Read student-related news, reports and insights to help inform your studies and career choices.
Why choose CFA Institute to launch your graduate career
CFA Institute sets the standard for finance professionals – and we’re globally recognized for this. We believe the future of finance needs to benefit the whole of society. As an investment leader of tomorrow, you can support this mission by starting your career in finance with a respected qualification that shows your commitment to ethics and professionalism.
Learn with CFA Institute
As a recent graduate and aspiring finance professional, you need the right knowledge and skills to thrive in a highly competitive industry. Explore our current programs and certificates and learn how CFA Institute can equip you with the expertise you need to thrive in a career in finance.
Lead the industry with purpose
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Join us in shaping a more inclusive future. The CFA Institute Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Code champions positive systemic change in the investment industry.
Environmental, Social and Governances (ESG)
Make a commitment to sustainable investing. New skills and strategies are needed to ensure tomorrow’s client needs are effectively met.
