I’m a first-gen professional in finance, and honestly? It feels like I’m trying to crack a code everyone else already knows. From how to talk to execs to understanding unwritten norms like never send a deck without a title slide, I’ve had to learn everything by trial and error. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I still feel like I’m playing catch-up. What’s one unspoken rule of the finance world you wish someone had told you sooner?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Even if you don't have anyone in your life who could give you advice about the industry, you are capable of finding your own way. It's what everyone has to do, even nepo babies have to show themselves capable at some point. One thing I could have picked up on sooner was having an awareness that it's okay to feel confused at times. There's a lot to learn and it can take time, and you can't knock yourself for not knowing everything on day one.

like

Great response 👍

The unspoken truth is that the majority of people feel like that. Whether they’ve had all their family and friends in finance or are the first person ever to do it. Most people are more concerned with themselves and figuring it out than you.

like

Yes, it is. Seems like everyone but you has it all figured out.

like

Everyone starts that way no matter how you start. Pay attention to leaders and try to mimic how they see data/make decisions.

like

I worked in financial services for over 10 years and was quite senior. Every time I asked “the dumb question” it was crickets. Don’t be afraid to ask the 101 question. Like “how does x,y,z product work” or like “why do we do this step in the process”. Chances are nobody even realizes that’s the question that needs to be answered before anything else can happen.

like

How do you think it would be different if your dad worked in Finance. You think he'd sit you on his lap one day and tell you how to format a Powerpoint, and that his precious gift of knowledge would withstand all changes of industry norms over time?

My dad was kind of in Finance, but a very different field from me, and he was the last of the generation to end his career without having to learn how to use a computer - he still had a secretary print out all his e-mails, and he would draft replies long-hand for her to type out. His knowledge on any practical area was of no use whatsoever, and although he could give some thoughts on office politics, I could get similarly sound advice about general human nature from my granddad who was a bus driver.

We all learn by doing the job, and by screwing up. There is no handbook, and no unbreakable code of how to do things - you are doing things a certain way right now, because that's how your manager likes it, or how your firm does it. The next manager, or the next firm, will be utterly horrified and some of the practices that you are currently learning as "the way things are done".

like

Feel like everyone learnt the same way. When I asked my manager how he knows what he knows he always says read lot & years of experience

like

You can learn from everyone, even the incompetent ones. Someone asked me where i learned what i know about managing people, and my response was that i've had enough terrible managers that all i have to do is the opposite of what they did when the same situation arises.

like

its rough at first it took me a few years to get it down. You can do it. I am a first gen in the financial industry as well and i believe in you even if i dont know you personally.

like

Related Posts

I’ve been having a super hard time concepting lately, especially knowing that the “concept” will mostly serve as a sticker to slap on the cover of a CVA and the top of a website. I feel like every pharma concept I’ve ever seen or created becomes so cheesy once it appears in tactics. Does anyone have any examples of HCP creative (non-DSA) that is both impactful and translates well into pharma tactics?

like

Hi peeps,
On the day of joining (at Vois), when do we usually get the joining confirmation form to submit?
Today is my joining and I don't see any invite or communication from vois.
What happens on the first day? Please help.

like
like

Have you ever tried to bring about a change/stood up for something at home/office etc. Did it succeed/fail? How was the experience?

like

I have a game I love to play at the airport. I find someone who has the most vague resemblance to someone famous and then insist they are that person.

Like "Oh my God, you're Tom Hanks! I love so many of your movies and I think you are great and so funny in interviews. How are you feeling? I heard you had covid?"

Guy who very very vaguely resembles Tom Hanks insists he isn't. Then I keep insisting he is.

This is a fun way to pass time during layovers.

like

Why are airport neck pillows so flimsy? $15 and it didn't even survive coming out of the packaging.

likefunny

"There's no whining in baseball!", said very seriously and earnestly ..... to the office dog.

likefunny

I am a Reliability Maintenance 3P contractor for Amazon. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering on June 2022. I’ve been working with Amazon for a year, but there’s a lack of prospective EE positions within the company. The job postings I see are either less or barely above my current salary. I’m not sure if staying longer is beneficial for my future career as an Electrical engineer. I plan on getting my FE license within the next 6 months. Any suggestions will be appreciated

like

So I’m planning on leaving my position before school starts, but the application and interview process has been slow. At this point I’m afraid I won’t find a job until late July. Should I let my school now and let them post my job as an anticipated position? I’d hate for them to have to find someone last minute, but I also want to keep that school as a fall back just in case. Unfortunately, it’s a terrible position and there has not been a lot of interest in it in the past.

Good ways to meet women in DC? I’m a 27/M if it matters.

What's the pay range for Senior Consultant in Governance Risk Compliance team at EY India(Mumbai)

like

Hi Sharks

How is work culture and work life balance, projects with BDO India under digital transformations team?

Please provide your inputs. I been victim of false comments and wrong info for my current organisation and suffering

Your inputs are valuable thanks in advance

like

“Those who vote decide nothing. Those who count the vote decide everything.” ― Joseph Stalin

like
like

Hi 🐠

I have got opportunity from Estonia ,monthly gross is 3000 euros is it good option to move Estonia,is it a safer country how's the life there I want your suggestions

like

Hello,

I’ll be done with my masters in Medical Biotechnology in December and have done my bachelors in pharmaceutical sciences.

I am thinking of looking for jobs but I am kind of confused. I don’t know what roles or positions to look up for. Any help will be appreciated.

Location: Canada

Sharks, is there any project release policy for Cognizant ? Kindly let me know from where i can get the policy ? I want to switch the project . Reason - No scope of learn new technology in the new project . Tata Consultancy Accenture India Wipro wipro IBM

like
like

Hot take: I like our decentralized staffing model because I can work in any industry and it creates less of a “class divide” between offices

like

Additional Posts in Jobs in Finance

Anyone know the salary range for Supervisor Customer Service at Fiserv? They just reached out and I have a phone screen in 2 hours.

like

Has anyone recently done a HR interview at UBS?
I’ve completed the first interview with the hiring manager and a colleague, and have been fortunate to get to the next stage but im unsure how to prepare. I’ve done the usual compentencies, strengths and weaknesses and company research. But I don’t want to fail at the last hurdle as I really like this company and it would be a dream to work there any support or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

like

Hey all! I have an interview with
Deloitte in Regulatory Risk and more precisely in their Investment Management Services team. I would like to know if anyone
knows what the job entails exactly. I keep hearing about people "fooled" into taking a job in risk advisory thinking it'll really be advisory while they only end up doing IT and Audit support (which I do not want to do).
Is it the case here?
Thanks!

like

Is there anyone that works as a Mainframe Data Analyst at Bank of America ? I see an opening and would like to learn more about the day-to-day and projects. TYIA.

like

I'm in finance/tech FPA, looking to go back to the defense industry for a 25% increase in TC. But wanted to see if I should leverage the new salary with current company to see if they'll match.

Background: got a promotion at current company that didn't come with sufficient increase . After stating my case I was told it would be evaluated next October, which is what prompted the initial job search.

Current TC 103K [88/15], offer 125k base [+discretionary bonus].

like

Thoughts on Citi's Leveraged Portfolio Group at the Analyst level? I'm curious if anyone has additional details on the group for an Analyst spot. What does the group focus on in terms of work, what are hours like, decent exit Ops, interview process etc? I'm currently an Analyst in an industry specific Corporate Banking group at a competitor of Citi so I have experience underwriting HY transactions and portfolio management.

like

Does anyone work at at Merrill Lynch as a Life services relationship consultant? Any info on the pay?

like

Hi all! I got rejected from JPMorgan for their Global Finance and Business Management program (through my resume, couldn’t make it to interview). However, I’d reached out to recruiters and am meeting with one in a couple of days! Do I have a shot at turning this around? Or will it not matter once she learns I was rejected. Thanks!

like
like

Anyone in banking compliance JPMorgan Chase world can give me a referral? My female boss is very bad at me and sometimes laugh at my accent. I hope some of you can offer a helping hand to me. 🥺 Bank of America UBS Citi Morgan Stanley HSBC Deutsche Bank

I’m looking to get into the banking world. I have 3 yoe in FinTech as an analyst and a manager. I’m interested in becoming an analyst at JP Morgan or Raymond James. Can anyone share what the WLB would be as an analyst? Or any suggestions on other companies I’m not thinking of? Located in Tampa, FL.

like

Recently relocated to USA. Looking for a job in Private equity Accounting in California as Fund Accountant Manager. Any leads and also, how much salary should I expect?

Anyone working in N26 in Germany?? Need reviews on them please

like

Currently have Series 24, 7, 63,65

Currently work in a very unique Wealth Management ops role.

Getting paid 85k base with 40k in bonus plus about 35k~ in OT.

Money isn’t everything but in my late 20s it feels like the only thing important right now.

WLB is next to zero as 60hr weeks are the minimum as of late. Management feels like they are trying to push a few of us out. Was told not to expect much come year end for comp. Any suggestions on finding a new role/pay expectations?

like

I have an offer in PE VP role in Citco and JPM and I am at cross road on which is one to company to choose. Their pay is very similar but JPM is offering an attractive signing on bonus. I need a honest advise on which is better between these two firms.

like

I am looking into a Product Manager role at M&T Bank. Does anyone know the salary range or can tell me about the work/life balance?

like

If i haven’t signed anything with my firm regarding repaying them for receiving my series 7 license with them I’m assuming i owe nothing if i leave? Is there a way to find out without my manager knowing I’m looking at other firms?

like

Hey everyone,
I just applied for
Citi bank for an AML compliance analyst position. It’s a hybrid position in Tampa FL. Any feedback on the company, salary, Company values, benefits please and thank you. Citi

like

Hi there, I am in process of interviewing with the Goldman Sachs India, for a VP Positions. Any idea about the annual salaries for such positions? It is a global position in Investment domain.

likehelpful

Do you keep interviewing after offer signed and background check cleared?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal