Paying Your Dues Entry-level positions are highly competitive.

A bachelor s degree in any disciplin e is acceptable, so long as the potential analyst s course of study demonstrates a n ability to understand and work with numbers. Those with computer science, phys ical science, or biological science backgrounds may find the field more welcomin g than do liberal arts majors. Business majors don t necessarily have an advantage ; each company trains the incoming class of financial analysts before they begin the job. To become a financial analyst you need to have a strong sense of purpo se-it is not a job for those who are uncertain that their future lies in the fin ancial world. Candidates must be able to meet and interact with clients, handle a heavy work load, prioritize and complete work under strict deadlines, work as part of a team, and work with computer spreadsheet and valuation programs. Many find the travel stimulating initially, but after your third week in Jopbsug, Tenn essee, at the ball-bearing plant, it gets old. Associated Careers Those who progress along corporate financial-analyst tracks can expect to eventu ally find different jobs in the financial community, perhaps as investment banke rs, investment advisors, or financial consultants. Those who enjoy the more inte rpersonal side of finance move into management consultant positions, where they can use their people skills as well as their financial skills. Over 45 percent h ead to business school within five years and another ten percent go to law schoo l. A few become in-house financial advisors or officers in the industries they c overed as financial analysts.