The technical skills required is dependent on the part of finance – Investment Banking vs Sales/Trading vs Asset Management vs Operations vs Engineering. In terms of soft skills, the basics – communication, team work, leadership. Some others that are considered highly desirable are integrity, ability to work under pressure (and prioritize appropriately), and innovation (ability to challenge the norms and think outside of the box). Good judgement and attention to detail are also a plus.

The interview process is not a one-size fits all. Most times, there is no right answer. As an interviewer, apart from assessing the key competencies, a lot of the decision is based on do I trust you, do I think you be a good fit in the firm/division, how motivated and moldable are you – can you adapt and thrive in different environments or are you rigid? I think it’s very important whilst you focus on your technical and soft skills to not neglect your personality. In addition to that, I expect the candidate to be able to provide a well-rounded introduction and respond to questions in a clear and concise manner.

[Oluwakemisola] Personally I switched from Medical Physiology to Finance via a Master’s degree in Management. However, there are countless people in the industry without a finance related degree or a master’s degree. Please refer to “What are the steps to take to switch effectively from medicine to finance? What’s the strongest area(s) to focus on in order to get one’s foot in the door?” for more information around transitioning to Finance from a non-conventional degree.

First things first, do a lot of research – what aspect of finance appeals to you? What role are you interested in and what are the entry requirements? What is the career path and prospects? How has the industry evolved in recent years, and what will it look like in 5-10 years? As much information as you can get, especially firsthand experience, will be valuable in making an informed decision. Additionally, this information will come handy during interviews, particularly in demonstrating your interest and commitment to the industry. Secondly, think about your experience in medical school and extracurricular activities – what soft skills have you developed, and make sure you are able to demonstrate these directly or through competency questions. If the role you are interested in requires numerical or a bit of technical knowledge, you need to be able to show that you have invested time to learning, and you have a willingness to learn more on the job. Most importantly, don’t stress. Firms are looking for diversity, so your non-conventional background could be an advantage if leveraged properly.