Thinking About a Pivot Into Finance

Hey everyone,

As the title says, I’m thinking about switching into finance and wanted to get some advice from folks who’ve made a similar move or are already working in the industry.

A bit about me: I’m 25, based in NYC, and three years out of undergrad. I studied Biochemistry at UNC Chapel Hill, and since then I’ve been working in research—one year in children’s and rare diseases, and the last two in cancer research.

The work has been meaningful, but I’ve been feeling a pull to make a change. Math has always been what I’m best at (definitely one of my bigger college regrets—not majoring in it), and I know finance would bring me closer to working with numbers. And to be totally honest, long-term earning potential is a big part of the motivation too.

In an ideal world, I’d land a quant role somewhere, but I feel like that ship may have sailed. I’ve thought about going the MBA route to make the switch, but before diving into that, I figured I’d ask around first. Notably a recent candidate for a position at my Biotech turned down a scientist role, to work as an analyst at Stifel, and my resume is similar if not better.

So, here are some of the questions I’ve been wrestling with:

• What are the chances of actually landing an entry-level finance role (IB, PE, AM, etc.) by just applying cold, without a traditional background?
  • Would applying broadly to several thousand be a waste of time, or is it worth trying before exploring other paths?
• Is an MBA the most realistic route into finance for someone making a full career switch?
• Would doing an Econ degree online work?
• Could a master’s in data science or something similar open up doors to more quant-oriented roles?
• Has anyone here made a move like this before?

I’d really appreciate hearing your story or any advice you’ve got.