Career change into finance?

[Hates_]

Just wanted to see what some of you PHers thought and if you had any ideas.

For the past 5 years I've been working as a web developer after leaving college. Computers have always been one of my greatest loves after recieving my first one when I was only six years old, so I've grown up using them and they are second nature to me. I didn't go to uni as I was lucky enough to land some great positions through and after the dot com boom but over the past 3/4 years I have had a growing interest in business and finance. I now read as many books and magazines related to b&f as I can and now I am starting to really consider my career future and have a really great urge to move into the finance sector. I do not really want to do development work any more and wish to get more involved in analysis more then anything else. I have already enrolled for an open university diploma in Economics for next year which I hope to take onto a full degree then onto an MBA.

I guess what I'm asking is if any of you PHers have any advice? If I should stick with what I've got now and only look to move when I have the relevent qualifications, or if I should be out there now looking for junior positions? Perhaps I'm completly off my head and should run a mile. I dunno. Any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated

[Sparks]

Go for it while you can.

I became a computer nerd in about 1983, and wanted it as an interest, not a job. Did engineering at Uni, but still ended up working in IT. 12 years down the line, I really have to drag myself into work, and with a family now, it is all but impossible for me to change.

I think that finance is very a competitive career, so try and get a junior position asap, and get help from them in studying. You could still get an income from the web stuff to suppliment your income

I'm sure some financial type will be along shortly to tell me I'm spouting sh1te!

Good luck

Sparks

[swilly]

Do something that produces the product as opposed to supporting those that produce the product, that is my only advice.

[Hates_]

swilly said: Do something that produces the product as opposed to supporting those that produce the product, that is my only advice.

True, reminds me about someone who once said that "if you think investment bankers make a lot of money, how much do you think the people they invest for make?"

Part of me is thinking I would actually like to be involved in starting another company related to financial services. That way I can marry my love of both business and finance together. Just got to have that spark of an idea about what to do!

[dave_s13]

Get in there and do it while you can m8, I'm starting Uni in September after sitting in front of a fking PC for the last 8 years, they suck your soul dry these things ya know.

I'm off to be a Podiatrist (chiropody), absolutley nowt to do with your chosen path but make sure you research what you'll end up doing at the end of all the hard work, make sure its all going to be worthwhile.

I did this by getting in touch with practicing Podiatrists and going along to sit in on their clinics, the best part was that after 15+ years of being in their profession neither were pissed off/bored/dissillusioned and both advised me that what I was doing was a very good thing.

Last thing you want is to do through the world of pain that is higher education only to be back where you started sat in front of your PC contemplating becoming a Business studies teacher or summat.

Your going the right way about it anyway, get as much info as possible and, more importantly, try and get a clear idea of what you want to be doing at the end of it. Thats the hard bit......good luck.

ps...Bloody computers also rob your ability to spell so please escuse any mistakes



>> Edited by dave_s13 on Tuesday 17th June 16:27

[tvrbob]

Done this and got back out again. Did systems engineering in mid '90's and developed a business model for a profit centre service business, before long I became their production accountant. Didn't really suit me though. To much 'same thing each month' so I moved into operations management. Good experience though and has been useful in my present role. I did ATT as a basic qualification because finance departments are open to outside auditing of personnel, more so now after ENRON etc.

[M@H]

There's blood on the streets of London you know.. the layoffs from the major dealing floors, analysts, brokers etc has been huge in the last 12 months.

Working as an IT supplier to the Finance Sector I wouldn't be thinking about joining the Finance sector right now myself...

all IMO of course

Matt.

[N17 TVR]

M@H said: There's blood on the streets of London you know.. the layoffs from the major dealing floors, analysts, brokers etc has been huge in the last 12 months.

Working as an IT supplier to the Finance Sector I wouldn't be thinking about joining the Finance sector right now myself...

all IMO of course

Matt.

Totally agree with you, try approaching insurance companies for income protection / redundancy insurance when you work in the financial sector, it's the highest risk sector on their books.

Something like 13,000 jobs have gone in the City in the last 12 months ????