Written by: Eden Fekadu, MS in Finance ’24
Are you considering the shift from a non-finance background into the dynamic world of finance? The prospect of this transition may appear daunting but, rest assured, it’s a journey many have successfully undertaken. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a professional looking to switch career paths, you’re not alone in this exciting endeavor. As I continued to explore and dive deeper into the realm of finance, I’ve compiled a list of three resources that have been instrumental in my personal transition.
Resource 1: Investopedia
Investopedia is a comprehensive guide to all things finance. It’s the perfect starting point for those venturing into finance from other backgrounds. Here you’ll discover a vast library of articles, tutorials, and explanations of financial concepts. Investopedia excels at simplifying complex financial topics, making it an ideal resource for beginners and those with some prior finance knowledge. Explore topics ranging from foundational financial principles to advanced investment strategies, all at your own pace.
Resource 2: Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC)
If you’re eager to get hands-on experience with financial data and analysis, the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) course is a fantastic choice. BMC is a self-paced e-learning course that provides a visual introduction to financial markets and over 100 Bloomberg Terminal functions. The best part? If you’re a student, you can register for this course for free using your University at Buffalo email ID.
BMC is divided into three sections:
- Core Concepts: Covering economic indicators, currencies, fixed income, equities, and more.
- Getting Started on the Terminal: Teaching you how to navigate and utilize the Bloomberg Terminal.
- Portfolio Management: Diving into portfolio management concepts and techniques.
The course offers 160 interactive questions to test and reinforce your knowledge. Successfully fulfilling the Core Concepts modules in BMC will earn you a certificate of completion from Bloomberg. This certificate enhances your resume and demonstrates your commitment to understanding financial markets.
Resource 3: Financial News and Publications
Staying informed about the latest developments and trends in the finance industry is pivotal as you make this transition. Reliable financial news sources like Bloomberg, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal are your go-to platforms for understanding market dynamics, economic trends, and the global events shaping finance. With daily updates, in-depth analysis, and expert commentary, you’ll stay in the know about the ever-evolving finance landscape.
The path from a non-finance background to a finance career undoubtedly presents its challenges, but when equipped with the right resources, it transforms into a manageable and exciting adventure. While the three resources mentioned above are not the only ones, they will play a pivotal role in your knowledge base. Each step you take brings you closer to your educational and career goals, and always keep in mind that we’re here to provide support throughout this transformative journey. Best of luck on your exciting new path!
Bio: Eden was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her outstanding performance in high school opened the doors to a remarkable opportunity—a merit-based scholarship granted by the Indian government to pursue a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering. During her undergraduate years, Eden’s academic journey took an unexpected yet enriching turn. While studying aeronautical engineering, she found herself drawn to the financial markets, particularly the dynamic and ever-evolving forex market. Her curiosity was piqued by the statistical and mathematical techniques that underpinned this industry. Her interest grew rapidly, and she found herself spending over 10 hours a day exploring this newfound passion on her computer. Her intense fascination convinced her to pursue it both academically and professionally. Thus, Eden decided to pursue a master’s degree in finance at UB to strengthen her skills and expand her professional network in the finance industry.
Beyond her academic commitments, Eden finds immense joy in sports, particularly football, basketball, and ground tennis. Soccer, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping her identity during high school. It not only made her more social and cooperative but also instilled a strong work ethic. It also served as a valuable stress-relief mechanism and significantly enhanced her ability to concentrate. Throughout her undergraduate journey, Eden embraced her love for sports by actively participating as a midfielder on her university’s football team. Despite language barriers, sports became a universal language, enabling her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. This experience not only led to the formation of enduring friendships but also provided her with invaluable insights into different cultures. Undoubtedly, her involvement in sports ranks among the most cherished and memorable experiences in her life.