Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Strategic Finance Associates Or Analysts
Zu, a Director of Strategic Finance, recommends that undergraduate students seeking entry-level strategic finance positions gain "two to four years of experience" in investment banking, consulting, accounting, audit, or FP&A roles beforehand. This foundational experience, the interviewee says, will greatly improve a candidate's chances of becoming a "strong strategic finance associate or analyst."
Entry-Level Positions, Finance Careers, Strategic Finance, Investment Banking, Consulting
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zu Daya
Director of Strategic Finance
Tala
University of Toronto
MBA, University of Toronto
Biology & Related Sciences, Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
International Student, Honors Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Gaining experience in investment banking, consulting, accounting, or audit roles can significantly improve your chances of landing a strategic finance position.
2. Two to four years of experience in one of these related fields is common among strategic finance professionals.
3. Internships in relevant industries can be beneficial, but a foundation in banking, accounting, or consulting is highly valuable for a career in strategic finance.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
Typically for strategic finance, I recommend that people get some experience in investment banking, consulting, accounting, or audit. Even traditional FP&A roles out of undergrad can be beneficial.
That foundation will greatly help you in becoming a strong strategic finance associate or analyst. I've helped many students break into Strat Fin, and most have between two to four years of experience from the roles I just mentioned.
If this is something they want to pursue, internships in certain areas or landing a role in banking, accounting, or consulting will really set them up well.