The financial services industry is very broad and can lead to careers in banking, private wealth, venture capital, and more. Many entry level roles are at the analyst level. Professionals in this industry may work with people to reach their financial goals. They also often develop and maintain a client base, assist private clients in managing wealth, or consult with organizations to help analyze and solve their fiscal problems.
Industry Insights
Check out relevant Vault industry guides, such as:
- Vault Career Guide to Investment Banking
- Vault Career Guide to Commercial Banking
- Vault Guide to Hedge Fund Jobs
- Vault Guide to Financial Technology Jobs
- Vault Guide to Economics Jobs
Sample Employers in LionSHARE
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Barclays
- Capital One
- Citi
- Evercore
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan Chase
- Morgan Stanley
- PJT Partners
Focus Areas in Financial Services
Here is a sample list of applied areas in this industry:
Investment Banking
Investment Banking is the business of raising capital for individuals, corporations, and governments by underwriting or acting as the client’s agent in the issuance of securities. Investment bankers also advise clients on financing and merger alternatives. When working with clients, an investment banker offers his or her expert advice on pricing securities, files registration documents with government agencies, and communicates periodically with investors. Investment bankers are known for working long and late hours. This area is good for those who succeed in competitive, fast-paced work environments.
Commercial Banking and Credit
Commercial banks make loans for the full spectrum of borrowers, from private individuals to major corporations, as well as to municipal, regional, and national agencies. This segment of the industry offers a wide variety of career opportunities, including positions in management, sales, customer service, and technical support.
Investment/Wealth Management
Wealth management is a high-level professional service that combines financial and investment advice, accounting and tax services, retirement planning, and legal or estate planning. Wealth management professionals may work with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, investment accounts, private equity, or hedge funds.
Asset Management
Asset management professionals invest and manage money on behalf of clients through pension funds, insurance companies, or individuals. The goal is to grow the client’s portfolio over time based on their investment objectives and risk tolerance. This work involves in-depth market research, risk analysis, and portfolio construction.
Private Equity
Private equity firms invest in private companies, often acquiring them outright with the goal of improving performance and eventually selling them for a profit. Professionals in this field are involved in sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and working closely with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.
Technology
Wealth management is a high-level professional service that combines financial and investment advice, accounting and tax services, retirement planning, and legal or estate planning. Wealth management professionals may work with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, investment accounts, private equity, or hedge funds.
Venture Capital
Venture capitalists invest in early-stage startups with high growth potential. This sector is innovation-driven and involves assessing business models, market opportunities, and founding teams. VC professionals also mentor and support startups through scaling and fundraising phases.
Columbia University Resources
- Filter articles by industry on our In the Know page or see the section below to learn about Recruitment Timelines.
- Find opportunities in this field by participating in the On-Campus Recruiting program in both Fall and Spring semesters.
- Visit our calendar of events to view upcoming employer events, and LionSHARE to search for scheduled on-campus interviews.
- Join a finance-related, pre-professional student group on campus such as Columbia Financial Investment Group or Columbia Women’s Business Society. For a full list, see Lionlink.
- Check out the Employers We Work With page, which provides a curated sample of featured employers that engage with us to recruit at Columbia.
- See how you can get ready for a second-round interview in Tips on Super Day Interviews.
Job and Internship Search Resources
A note that many large financial institutions do not post on job boards. It’s useful to look directly on an individual institution’s website.
