4 answers
David
Student
Chester, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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How hard is it actually when starting out in finance after college #Fall25?
I hear a lot about how stressful it is and how many hours there are are when starting out, but what is it really like?
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4 answers
Justin Pollack
Private Equity Investment Professional
37
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Justin’s Answer
David,
Great question! When I first considered a job at an investment bank after college, I worried about the long hours. But after talking to entry-level analysts, I learned they found the work rewarding enough to handle the busy schedule. Once I started, I discovered the job was interesting and varied, which made the long hours manageable. Although I only stayed in that role for a few years before moving on, I gained valuable skills. I learned how to prioritize tasks and collaborate with senior professionals to figure out what needed immediate attention. These skills are just as important as the finance knowledge I picked up.
Great question! When I first considered a job at an investment bank after college, I worried about the long hours. But after talking to entry-level analysts, I learned they found the work rewarding enough to handle the busy schedule. Once I started, I discovered the job was interesting and varied, which made the long hours manageable. Although I only stayed in that role for a few years before moving on, I gained valuable skills. I learned how to prioritize tasks and collaborate with senior professionals to figure out what needed immediate attention. These skills are just as important as the finance knowledge I picked up.
Cassie Webb
Enterprise Account Executive (Sales)
6
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Cassie’s Answer
Depending on the role, working in finance can be stressful but also very rewarding. The people who tend to succeed most are usually those who are disciplined about how they prioritize and use their time.
For example, an investment banking analyst may work long hours, but many of those hours can be spent waiting for managers to review materials or send feedback on a presentation. During those slower periods, you can step out to meet a friend for coffee or lunch, or fit in an exercise class. You may not love the total number of hours you work, but there are often many inefficiencies in the day that you can capitalize on by planning ahead and multitasking in a healthy way.
For example, an investment banking analyst may work long hours, but many of those hours can be spent waiting for managers to review materials or send feedback on a presentation. During those slower periods, you can step out to meet a friend for coffee or lunch, or fit in an exercise class. You may not love the total number of hours you work, but there are often many inefficiencies in the day that you can capitalize on by planning ahead and multitasking in a healthy way.
eva chavira
financial professional
8
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
eva’s Answer
Working in finance straight after college can be stressful but rewarding. I started off right after college and i've been able to gain experience and tenure while still being young it feels like you are accomplished at a young age. It is challenging as you don't know much or may need further training and feel like you are not qualified (imposter syndrome) but this is easy to get over.
Priyali Kasera (she/her)
Finance
8
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
Priyali’s Answer
Hi David, starting your first year in finance can feel like a big leap, but it's an exciting journey. Everything moves fast, and it might seem like others know more, but that's just part of getting used to this new world.
In many entry-level finance roles, you'll spend time learning new tools, checking numbers, helping senior analysts, and meeting deadlines. It might feel intense at first, but everyone experiences this learning phase.
While some areas like investment banking have long hours, others such as corporate finance, accounting, risk, or financial planning offer a more balanced schedule.
What often surprises people is not the workload, but how much they grow. You start learning quickly, solving problems, and becoming a trusted team member.
Yes, it's challenging, but you'll look back and see how much confidence and skill you've gained just by showing up and trying every day.
Stay organized, ask questions, and keep learning. You'll do great and discover a lot about yourself along the way.
All the best!
In many entry-level finance roles, you'll spend time learning new tools, checking numbers, helping senior analysts, and meeting deadlines. It might feel intense at first, but everyone experiences this learning phase.
While some areas like investment banking have long hours, others such as corporate finance, accounting, risk, or financial planning offer a more balanced schedule.
What often surprises people is not the workload, but how much they grow. You start learning quickly, solving problems, and becoming a trusted team member.
Yes, it's challenging, but you'll look back and see how much confidence and skill you've gained just by showing up and trying every day.
Stay organized, ask questions, and keep learning. You'll do great and discover a lot about yourself along the way.
All the best!