Alyson Iuchs ⋅ Edwards , CA Photogenic, Inc ⋅ 5 years experience

When military members make the transition to civilian jobs there are many unique skills and qualities they have learned that can be transferred to new career fields. Many fields including finance are looking for these qualities such as professionalism, leadership and problem-solving abilities. Since there are several career paths one could take, highlighted below are three potential opportunities.

For more tips on how to transition to a new career field check out this list post:http://www.citigroup.com/citi/citizen/community/citisalutes/assets/data/GI_Jobs_October2014.pdf

1. Personal Financial Advisor
Being a personal financial advisor gives you the opportunity to work for an established company or to build your own business. In this role, you provide financial information and strategy for individuals and families planning for their future. There is room to specialize for certain stages in life such as college or retirement. The financial advisor field is growing rapidly at a rate of 30 percent compared to the national average of seven percent and it is one of the highest paid finance jobs with the median salary at $89,160 in 2015.

To learn more about organizations that can help you get into the finance field read this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-pick/veteran-employment-tips-_b_1721357.html

2. Financial Analyst
This career is in high demand not only in traditional financial centers but in other parts of the country as well. Financial analysts are in demand in the nonprofit sector as well as public and private universities. As a financial analyst, you will provide guidance to enterprises in investment decisions because many small and midsize enterprises are using strategic investments to support benefits such as retirement. More than 30,000 new analyst roles are expected to be added from 2014 to 2024. The median salary for this career was $80,310 in 2015.

3. Budget Analyst
To be a successful budget analyst, you will work with all levels of an organization in the nonprofit, government and corporate environments. A budget analyst monitors spending over time and is able to visualize and communicate this complicated financial data through a variety of reports. While this career field is one of the slowest growing, discovering significant savings opportunities in billing and contracts can increase a budget analyst’s growth opportunities. A budget analyst’s median salary was $71,590 making it comparable to other financial roles.

To find out more information on other financial career opportunities take a look at this online resource: http://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/career-paths-for-students-with-an-mba-in-finance/

With a Master of Business Administration, you have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of career opportunities and work environments.

For information on accounting software suppliers check out this online resource: http://online.adu.edu/blog/mha/articles/top-suppliers-of-health-care-cost-accounting-software/

Robert J LeDuc ⋅ Chandler , AZ Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC ⋅ 18 years experience

Hi Frank,

Been financial services my entire career post Navy...18 years. Some of it in retail banking, most of it in the mortgage industry with 8 years as a small business owner. Now working as a Financial Advisor. Would be happy to give you any insight about transitioning.

Robert

Jason Ebel ⋅ Spring , TX Morgan Stanley Smith Barney ⋅ 1 years experience

Frank,

I served 7 years in the Army and just recently transitioned into the Financial Industry. Feel free to reach out to someone that just went through that change within the last year.

Graeme McEvoy ⋅ Summit , NJ Morgan Stanley ⋅ 16 years experience

I have been in Banking Operations for 16 years following a 10 year career in the British Navy. Happy to offer perspective on careers in Banking infrastrucutre, and also on routes into the inductry that have worked for some with similar backgrounds, and routes that have proven more of a challenge.

Graeme

Frank Aburto ⋅ Jersey City , NJ U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 6 years served

Frank,

Just finished my MBA and will start working for an investment bank this summer. I can chat with you about the different fields I looked at within financial services and why I picked the route I did.

Frank

Tony Dale ⋅ Indianapolis , IN Safeco Insurance ⋅ 8 years experience

Hey Frank,
I work in the field of Property and Casualty Insurance, primarily in Claims, but have some insight into other fields within the Insurance industry. If this is something that interests you, I'm happy to help.

Tony

James Stewart ⋅ New York , NY ⋅ 5 years experience

Hey Frank,

Would be happy to talk to you and provide any advice I can. Just as a disclaimer, I have not been back to business school, but have worked in the finance industry in various degrees for 6 years in I-banking and private equity so happy to provide any help I can with the recuriting process and opinion on the different types of jobs you may want to pursue. Would be happy to discuss further if you would like to talk. Let me know.

James