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What are some careers in business or finance that aren't talked about as much but are fulfilling both emotionally and financially?
I don't have a specific carer in mind right now as I am still learning about new opportunities. I want to do something that makes me happy, without having to sacrifice the ability to pay the bills. Right now I am considering financial planning, but I don't know if that's right for me. I am a college transfer student that has my associate degree in business administration, but the school I am transferring to will consider me to be a second year student because of the amount of transferable credits. I feel like I am running out of time to decide.
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5 answers
Updated
Chiquria’s Answer
Thank you for opening up about your journey—it's a feeling many share, and it's fantastic that you're actively looking for paths that match your values and financial goals. Choosing the right direction can feel overwhelming, but remember: you're on track, and the experience you're gaining now is building a strong base for a rewarding career.
Here are some lesser-known but fulfilling careers in business and finance that offer both emotional satisfaction and financial stability:
🌱 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
What they do: Provide financial support to underserved communities through small business loans, affordable housing, and community projects.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re helping close financial gaps and fostering growth in local economies.
Financial outlook: Competitive pay, especially as you gain experience or lead projects.
🎓 Financial Education & Counseling
What they do: Teach individuals (especially youth, lower-income families, or new immigrants) about personal finance and budgeting.
Why it’s fulfilling: Directly empowers people and can have a lasting impact.
Financial outlook: Nonprofit salaries can be modest, but specialized roles and speaking opportunities can increase income.
🌍 ESG and Sustainable Finance Analyst
What they do: Assist organizations in aligning investments with environmental and social goals.
Why it’s fulfilling: Merges finance with activism and long-term global impact.
Financial outlook: High growth area with increasing demand in both corporate and nonprofit sectors.
🏢 Corporate Strategy Analyst (at mission-driven companies)
What they do: Guide company decisions and new initiatives based on data and trends.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re influencing the direction of companies with missions you support.
Financial outlook: Strong median salaries; growth can lead to leadership roles.
📊 Management & Program Analyst in Government
What they do: Enhance internal processes, budgets, and program efficiency within agencies like the U.S. Treasury or SBA.
Why it’s fulfilling: Enables change on a national scale and offers work-life balance.
Financial outlook: Stable salaries with benefits and pension packages.
🧑🏫 Academic Advising or Business Education
What they do: Guide high school or college students through business and entrepreneurship.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re shaping the next generation, especially those who may be first-gen students like yourself.
Financial outlook: Modest to mid-level salaries; additional income possible through coaching or consulting.
A Note About Financial Planning
It can be a rewarding career—but it depends on the environment. If you enjoy working one-on-one to help people plan for their futures and don’t mind a mix of sales and advising early on, it might be a great fit. Some advisors work for firms, while others become independent once they're established.
Next Steps You Can Take:
Informational Interviews: Start talking with people in various fields—even a 20-minute call can change your perspective.
Shadowing or Internships: Apply for summer internships or ask to shadow professionals through school career centers.
Skills Assessment Tools:
My Next Move
CareerExplorer
O*NET Online
Consider Career Centers or Mentorship: Most universities offer free career counseling—take advantage of mock interviews, resume reviews, and career fairs even before you transfer.
What you're experiencing—uncertainty, searching for purpose, assessing security—is completely normal. The great news is you’re not late. You’re self-aware early. Taking the time now to align your values and skills will benefit you greatly in the long run.
Here are some lesser-known but fulfilling careers in business and finance that offer both emotional satisfaction and financial stability:
🌱 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
What they do: Provide financial support to underserved communities through small business loans, affordable housing, and community projects.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re helping close financial gaps and fostering growth in local economies.
Financial outlook: Competitive pay, especially as you gain experience or lead projects.
🎓 Financial Education & Counseling
What they do: Teach individuals (especially youth, lower-income families, or new immigrants) about personal finance and budgeting.
Why it’s fulfilling: Directly empowers people and can have a lasting impact.
Financial outlook: Nonprofit salaries can be modest, but specialized roles and speaking opportunities can increase income.
🌍 ESG and Sustainable Finance Analyst
What they do: Assist organizations in aligning investments with environmental and social goals.
Why it’s fulfilling: Merges finance with activism and long-term global impact.
Financial outlook: High growth area with increasing demand in both corporate and nonprofit sectors.
🏢 Corporate Strategy Analyst (at mission-driven companies)
What they do: Guide company decisions and new initiatives based on data and trends.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re influencing the direction of companies with missions you support.
Financial outlook: Strong median salaries; growth can lead to leadership roles.
📊 Management & Program Analyst in Government
What they do: Enhance internal processes, budgets, and program efficiency within agencies like the U.S. Treasury or SBA.
Why it’s fulfilling: Enables change on a national scale and offers work-life balance.
Financial outlook: Stable salaries with benefits and pension packages.
🧑🏫 Academic Advising or Business Education
What they do: Guide high school or college students through business and entrepreneurship.
Why it’s fulfilling: You’re shaping the next generation, especially those who may be first-gen students like yourself.
Financial outlook: Modest to mid-level salaries; additional income possible through coaching or consulting.
A Note About Financial Planning
It can be a rewarding career—but it depends on the environment. If you enjoy working one-on-one to help people plan for their futures and don’t mind a mix of sales and advising early on, it might be a great fit. Some advisors work for firms, while others become independent once they're established.
Next Steps You Can Take:
Informational Interviews: Start talking with people in various fields—even a 20-minute call can change your perspective.
Shadowing or Internships: Apply for summer internships or ask to shadow professionals through school career centers.
Skills Assessment Tools:
My Next Move
CareerExplorer
O*NET Online
Consider Career Centers or Mentorship: Most universities offer free career counseling—take advantage of mock interviews, resume reviews, and career fairs even before you transfer.
What you're experiencing—uncertainty, searching for purpose, assessing security—is completely normal. The great news is you’re not late. You’re self-aware early. Taking the time now to align your values and skills will benefit you greatly in the long run.
Updated
Colin’s Answer
Hi Nathalie,
I understand how overwhelming it can be to make decisions about your future, especially regarding careers or college. It might feel like you're choosing a path you'll be on forever, but that's not the case.
Careers are not one-way streets. People change paths all the time. I've done it myself, moving from accountant to consultant, then to operations, strategy, and analytics. When I first chose to study accounting, I never imagined my career would take so many turns. So, remember, what you decide now doesn't have to define your whole life or career. Every experience teaches you something valuable about what you enjoy, what you're good at, and where you want to go.
Think of this decision as a first step, not a final one. You can always change your mind later. It's important to consider financial motivations, but also remember:
- Do something you enjoy, as you'll excel at it.
- Always be open to learning. Those who stop learning stop growing.
I hope this reassures you that you have plenty of time to figure things out.
Colin
I understand how overwhelming it can be to make decisions about your future, especially regarding careers or college. It might feel like you're choosing a path you'll be on forever, but that's not the case.
Careers are not one-way streets. People change paths all the time. I've done it myself, moving from accountant to consultant, then to operations, strategy, and analytics. When I first chose to study accounting, I never imagined my career would take so many turns. So, remember, what you decide now doesn't have to define your whole life or career. Every experience teaches you something valuable about what you enjoy, what you're good at, and where you want to go.
Think of this decision as a first step, not a final one. You can always change your mind later. It's important to consider financial motivations, but also remember:
- Do something you enjoy, as you'll excel at it.
- Always be open to learning. Those who stop learning stop growing.
I hope this reassures you that you have plenty of time to figure things out.
Colin
Updated
Katie’s Answer
It's perfectly okay not to have a specific career in mind. It's also normal to keep figuring it out even as you work and grow in your job!
When I was in college, I didn't know what I wanted to do either. I studied Business, but I wasn't sure what job that would lead to. I focused on what I enjoyed, like talking to people, meeting new folks, and helping others. I picked jobs based on what I liked and what I was good at.
But remember, it takes time! After college, I worked at a Corporate Bank, doing project work without much customer interaction. After a year, I realized it wasn't for me. So, I switched to a Customer Support role, starting at a basic level to see if I liked it. I found out it made me happy. Now, I'm a Customer Success Manager, spending my days meeting customers and colleagues.
So, don't feel pressured to pick a career right away. It's okay to take temporary jobs and try new things to see what you like. You might surprise yourself with what you enjoy once you're in the role! You won't know until you try.
Research companies that inspire you and that you'd like to work for. What jobs are they advertising? What personality traits are they asking for?
Understand and write down what you are good at. Look for jobs roles or careers where that trait is a must.
Consider if you are a people person or if you prefer to work alone. You might be brilliant at working within a project, which there are roles for everywhere.
When I was in college, I didn't know what I wanted to do either. I studied Business, but I wasn't sure what job that would lead to. I focused on what I enjoyed, like talking to people, meeting new folks, and helping others. I picked jobs based on what I liked and what I was good at.
But remember, it takes time! After college, I worked at a Corporate Bank, doing project work without much customer interaction. After a year, I realized it wasn't for me. So, I switched to a Customer Support role, starting at a basic level to see if I liked it. I found out it made me happy. Now, I'm a Customer Success Manager, spending my days meeting customers and colleagues.
So, don't feel pressured to pick a career right away. It's okay to take temporary jobs and try new things to see what you like. You might surprise yourself with what you enjoy once you're in the role! You won't know until you try.
Katie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Roman’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
I love that you are approaching your career decision with purpose and passion in mind. The reality is that work is often hard, but when you feel like your job is contributing to something that matters and is making an impact in the lives of others, that can help motivate you through the daily grind.
I did financial planning for many years and loved it. It's certainly not for everyone, but if you enjoy numbers, creating formulas in spreadsheets, and tying the numbers to an organization's mission and strategies, it can be really fun. It's amazing how numbers and financial models can be used to tell a story and help leaders make sound decisions.
In terms of purpose-driven organizations, as suggested by others, maybe start with a cause that excites you, such as the environment, education, justice, poverty-relief, etc. and do a search on which organizations are working in those areas.
To be fair, you may have to settle for less compensation when working for some of these organizations, but if you are a good saver and financially responsible (i.e., always living below your means) then you can almost always make it work.
Best of luck to you!
Roman
I love that you are approaching your career decision with purpose and passion in mind. The reality is that work is often hard, but when you feel like your job is contributing to something that matters and is making an impact in the lives of others, that can help motivate you through the daily grind.
I did financial planning for many years and loved it. It's certainly not for everyone, but if you enjoy numbers, creating formulas in spreadsheets, and tying the numbers to an organization's mission and strategies, it can be really fun. It's amazing how numbers and financial models can be used to tell a story and help leaders make sound decisions.
In terms of purpose-driven organizations, as suggested by others, maybe start with a cause that excites you, such as the environment, education, justice, poverty-relief, etc. and do a search on which organizations are working in those areas.
To be fair, you may have to settle for less compensation when working for some of these organizations, but if you are a good saver and financially responsible (i.e., always living below your means) then you can almost always make it work.
Best of luck to you!
Roman
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
As others have said, you have plenty of time to figure out your career path so don't worry too much but it is great that you are already thinking ahead.
I wanted to highlight a Finance/Business career option that I dont see often see mentioned which are opportunities in the public sector. Supporting the finance/budget function in government can often be more fulfilling than private sector since it allows you to make a meaningful impact by ensuring resources are used effectively to support essential public services rather than just bottom line profit. The work is mission-driven, offers job stability, and provides the satisfaction of seeing your efforts directly benefit the communities with which you work. There is also a lot of demand now, especially in local and state government, for talent so there should be open jobs and opportunities out there.
I will mention that generally public sector jobs do not pay as highly as the private sector but the pay is still competitive if you find the right government organization or opportunity. I started my career working in government finance and it was a great place to build skills and learn early in my career before I transitioned to a role in consulting supporting government and higher education clients. Many government agencies have career days so if it sounds interesting to you, I would consider attending one of those to learn more.
Best of luck on your career journey!
Trevor
As others have said, you have plenty of time to figure out your career path so don't worry too much but it is great that you are already thinking ahead.
I wanted to highlight a Finance/Business career option that I dont see often see mentioned which are opportunities in the public sector. Supporting the finance/budget function in government can often be more fulfilling than private sector since it allows you to make a meaningful impact by ensuring resources are used effectively to support essential public services rather than just bottom line profit. The work is mission-driven, offers job stability, and provides the satisfaction of seeing your efforts directly benefit the communities with which you work. There is also a lot of demand now, especially in local and state government, for talent so there should be open jobs and opportunities out there.
I will mention that generally public sector jobs do not pay as highly as the private sector but the pay is still competitive if you find the right government organization or opportunity. I started my career working in government finance and it was a great place to build skills and learn early in my career before I transitioned to a role in consulting supporting government and higher education clients. Many government agencies have career days so if it sounds interesting to you, I would consider attending one of those to learn more.
Best of luck on your career journey!
Trevor