2 answers
Marely
Student
Plant City, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How different is being a regular business CFO from a hospital CFO?
I am a senior in high school, and I know my ultimate goal is to become a CFO. However, being the CFO of a hospital or similar business appeals to me a lot more than something like an insurance company for example. How is working even as an analyst or finance job in a medical business unique? Thanks!
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2 answers
Apurva Gupta
Program Manager
2
Answers
Dublin, California
Updated
Apurva’s Answer
Hi Marley - Good question. Your goal of being a CFO is very admirable and don't ever lose that vision for yourself. Being a CFO in any industry typically requires one to have experience in that particular industry. For your specific question, I would not drill down into the industry yet. Rather if you are interested in the finance pathway, then focus on a degree in that area. Once you've obtained your university degree in the finance area of your interest, then you can look at which specific industry interests you most.
After you've obtained your degree, you can focus on industry of interest. An area/industry that you are passionate about will translate into loving what you do when the days are tough.
Lastly, my advice would be to breakdown your goal into manageable pieces. If you like the healthcare industry, then set yourself a goal for a pathway in that area. Easiest way to breakdown life's goals is by working backwards, i.e. 10 year vision --> 5 year goals --> 3 year goals --> 1-2 year goals. Goals should always be SMART (Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; Timebound).
Good luck!
After you've obtained your degree, you can focus on industry of interest. An area/industry that you are passionate about will translate into loving what you do when the days are tough.
Lastly, my advice would be to breakdown your goal into manageable pieces. If you like the healthcare industry, then set yourself a goal for a pathway in that area. Easiest way to breakdown life's goals is by working backwards, i.e. 10 year vision --> 5 year goals --> 3 year goals --> 1-2 year goals. Goals should always be SMART (Specific; Measurable; Achievable; Relevant; Timebound).
Good luck!
Harry Clapeck
Manufacturing
56
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Harry’s Answer
HI Marely.
Great question. However, my answer might surprise you.
Being the CFO of most companies in similar fields, IE, the service industry, generally holds similar challenges and frustrations. You will still have issues with finding qualified personnel, how to get your product visible to the public, addressing government regulations and restrictions, proper pay to attract good employees when other companies are also paying top dollar, what employee benefits do you offer?, How do you keep the company profitable?, Are your key employees following your direction?
See, these questions and challenges are not unique to one industry; they are generic issues.
I suggest you don't worry as much with, what company is better, but what do you like and want to do? What piques your interest? What gets you excited? Working in an industry that you enjoy, makes going to work enjoyable and fulfilling. That is the challenge.
Good luck Marely.
Harry
Great question. However, my answer might surprise you.
Being the CFO of most companies in similar fields, IE, the service industry, generally holds similar challenges and frustrations. You will still have issues with finding qualified personnel, how to get your product visible to the public, addressing government regulations and restrictions, proper pay to attract good employees when other companies are also paying top dollar, what employee benefits do you offer?, How do you keep the company profitable?, Are your key employees following your direction?
See, these questions and challenges are not unique to one industry; they are generic issues.
I suggest you don't worry as much with, what company is better, but what do you like and want to do? What piques your interest? What gets you excited? Working in an industry that you enjoy, makes going to work enjoyable and fulfilling. That is the challenge.
Good luck Marely.
Harry