r/HighFinance_Careers

Hey everyone, I recently graduated in June and already had a finance consulting offer at a Big 4, a little later I got an even better offer for a finance operations role at another company.

For some background: I have internship experience in PE and was VP of Finance for a startup, so I did a lot of financial modeling for VC funding, I left and then went into consulting, I was wondering if - taking into account that I already signed the operations offer - that will kill my chances of getting back into a more niche side of the finance industry like IB, PE, Corporate Development and so on, Id like to do both the FMVA and CFA if it helps.

The work I do in Big 4 is quite interesting but starting pay is shitty tbh, and I got offered almost twice as much in the other company.

I live in Mexico for reference.

I applied for an asset management associate position and made it through the first interview, case study, and pitch. They then reached out to me asking to come into the office in person to meet the team. I’m not really sure what to expect for the interviews and would love any advice anyone has to help me prepare!

Thanks so much

Hi everyone,

I’m currently 22 and come from a Tier 3 city. I am pursuing CA and have failed six times in Inter. I just gave my September '26 CA Inter attempt, and I have hopes that this time I’ll be able to clear it.

Right now, I work in my dad’s office (he’s also a CA). I do have some knowledge about filing audit reports, but not in-depth knowledge, and I am also trying to learn more about GSTR filings and TDS returns.

I’m slightly lost right now because I don’t know what to do. I do want to do something in finance, although my goal is to move out of India. I know that this seems pretty unrealistic looking at my current background and capabilities, but right now I do have time to upgrade myself and my skills. I don’t want to keep this regret in life that I didn’t try it at all, because many things have already happened about which I still feel that I should have done that earlier.

So I’m here just looking for advice on what I should do, what skills I should master, and what changes I should bring about in myself. Would love to hear your thoughts.

*used chatgpt for better framing*

Sorry for the desperation but Hi! I’m looking for opportunities in the Investment Banking/ High Finance Field (VC/ PE/Funds). I’m not limiting myself to this; I can do market research/ due diligence/ strategy analysis, etc.

Edit: I also have total of just above 1 year work experience, part of which i did accounting for 9 months. I’m open to freelance/project based work. I’m based in Dubai.

I’m in desperate need of some professional experience or honestly, someone willing to take me under their wing.

I joined ACCA with the goal of eventually breaking into Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, or Hedge Funds on Wall Street. But looking at the market and how competitive these fields are, that goal is starting to feel increasingly unattainable. So I wanted to ask people who had similar aspirations and actually managed to make it: What did you do? What path did you take?

A little about me:

• From Pakistan
• 20 years old
• ACCA finalist
• didnt go to any university, straight from FSc Medical
• although i had BSc from Oxford Brooks University

My original plan was:

first complete ACCA

→ then 3 years of experience at an MNC/Big 4 (PWC/EY) in Pakistan along with CFA

→ Top master's/MBA

→Break into IB PE/VC/Hedge Funds as an associate

For the master's/MBA, I was thinking about targeting schools such as Wharton, HBS, Stanford, etc., ideally through a full-ride scholarship, or top UK schools such as Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, Imperial, etc.

But the more I look into it, the more unrealistic this plan seems—especially coming from Pakistan and without a strong professional network or relevant experience.

I’m not looking for someone to tell me “follow your dreams.” I’d genuinely appreciate practical advice from people who have been in a similar position.

If you started from a non-target university/country, had limited connections, or had to take an unconventional route into IB/PE/VC, what did you actually do?

What would you recommend I do right now, at 20, to maximize my chances of eventually reaching that goal?

Even advice on getting my first relevant internship/job, building a network, or finding someone willing to mentor me would be extremely valuable.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Guys. Forgive me for a rather grim post. 24M Business and Pol Science graduate from a top Asian university with slightly above average (but not 2:1) grades. Nothing to write home about. I graduated in 2025 and have not managed to snag a finance (or any) job for a year since. I have been looking for roles across Asia with a focus in Singapore (bonded to a government organisation). I am not a citizen so visa pressures apply to my plight.

I did not completely waste the year as I interned in a boutique management consulting firm in Singapore for about 5 months while taking courses in Financial Modelling, Python and SQL, and leveraging AI to build finance related tools and applications (Mainly an equity research engine). I have past internships in financial services and corporate accounting and audit. I'm not gonna pretend to be a finance expert but am competent enough to sit in interviews with preparation.

Sorry for the long context. I haven't had luck in getting interviews for over 500 applications at least, approximately 28. That is an abysmal hump I havent been able to cross. I was planning on taking the CFA but at the moment cannot afford to sit (will try coughing something up). I would really appreciate your guidance and help in what I can do to position myself better for finance roles.

I'm not gonna lie, im open to anything - boutiques, small shops, any type of role as im confident in my ability to find a way somehow. But jesus, this search has wounded my mental so bad, I dont think there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I've applied everywhere (and trust me when I say this). My networking admittedly hasn't been great so would appreciate your tested advice on how to approach it.

The visa does pose an issue as the market is bad enough for Singaporeans, let alone a foreigner. But I refuse to admit that it is the only reason for my problem. Feels like a cop out. So anyone both in SG or elsewhere, if you could advice me on what I'm missing, what I can do, and what I need to stop, I'm all ears. Grill me if you have to, I'm sure there's good enough reason for that.

Life has been grim. I can't get myself to live off my parents (who are a godsend) when others in my cohort are making life plans. I'm tired of being a bum. I'd appreciate it if yall could set me straight somehow. I aint the smartest guy, but I'm sure as shit gonna try becoming one. I'm really sorry for writing an uncharacteristically long post. Hope I've covered everything. Thanks in advance.

Hello, I’m a current second year university student trying to break into Private Wealth Management . I’m currently so confused because there’s so many different routes to take, and I was wondering what your guys thoughts were on how to break in. I keep seeing some people say start at a Private Bank, some at a Multi Family Office, RIA, IBD etc etc, I’d love some insight.

Had a job offer to go back into IB or a chiller M&A Corp dev role. Corp dev paid $200k all in and M&A at the MMIB was probably going to be $300k

The MMIB was going to be 80-90 hours a week 6 days in office so I chose the Corp dev role, which is around 40 hours a week with 2 days in office.

Feeling a bit stupid. I will say the hours are chill, and I don't hate life. But, it's hard knowing I'm never going to get rich and had the other option to inevitably make far, far more.

I feel like I'm either going to need to pivot from finance to actually get rich if I don't want to work IB hours given my skillset or just accept the corp dev salary....

I'm not flexing on anyone. I made some bad decisions in my life and just feel a little stupid. I had offers at hedge funds, private equity funds, and I chose to work at the wrong place which didn't pan out. Ended up taking a break and deciding what to do next with my life, helping out the family business, and people really don't like that. So my options which were once adundant are now much more limited. Sucks. Sorry for the rant.

My husband is looking to break into the finance industry. He is currently pursuing his level 5 certification in financial services. He is applying for entry level roles in finance companies and banks with no luck so far. Is there anyone that can help getting into this industry it’s been 2 years since he’s been trying. Please reach out as we would appreciate it greatly.