{"id":39579,"date":"2025-05-15T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/?p=39579"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:30:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T14:30:30","slug":"different-career-paths-in-finance-advice-from-paloma-aparicio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ie.edu\/uncover-ie\/different-career-paths-in-finance-advice-from-paloma-aparicio\/","title":{"rendered":"Different career paths in finance: Advice from Paloma Aparicio"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/span> 6<\/span> min read<\/span><\/span>\n

Here’s something you might not know: There are lots of different career paths in finance. The problem is you just might not know what they are. To help you succeed in your journey, we’ve put together a set of insights from Paloma Aparicio<\/a>, one of our top advisors for the Master in Finance<\/a> and Associate Director of our groundbreaking Talent & Careers<\/a> department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned for a look at varying career paths in finance, how we help shape your journey and why studying finance at IE Business School<\/a> is the choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What experience do the Talent & Careers team offer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paloma is a Financial Discovery Advisor who borrows from real industry experience: “I worked in London for almost two years, which adds some valuable expertise to the table,” says Paloma. “I don\u2019t come from a traditional investment banking background, but I love the markets and asset management sides.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“At Bloomberg, I started in a graduate program called Analytics and Sales. I spent a year in analytics, handling client queries via technical chat interaction, and then I moved into sales,” says Paloma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“After some time working in finance, I found myself craving a deeper, more human connection. This led me to become a coach, gradually shifting my focus toward advising others.”<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The world of finance can be hectic\u2014which Paloma knows firsthand: “I I truly enjoyed my time working in London. It\u2019s an environment that keeps you on your toes, where every day feels like a test. To thrive there, you need both a passion for learning and the resilience to keep pushing forward.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What different career paths in finance exist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When deciding between different career paths in finance, you need advice from someone who cares about your success. “I love talking to students,” says Paloma. “That\u2019s my passion. I want to help them avoid certain mistakes I might have made.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Paloma can help you define these career paths with a methodical approach: “I usually categorize career paths into three big buckets. The first area is investment banking and corporate finance, where most students aspire to begin their careers, particularly in M&A. The skills developed here are highly transferable to private equity, which many students find appealing. The second area is global markets, which includes sales & trading, brokerage services, and more. Finally, asset management and alternative investments form the third pillar, covering sectors such as mutual funds, insurance, real estate finance, private markets, hedge funds, and infrastructure.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The decision between so many areas can be daunting, but Paloma’s well-equipped to guide you through the journey.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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“My approach is quite flexible. When students enroll, we first have a face-to-face session of around 45 minutes where I walk them through what to expect from the program and the current job market. I ask questions to explore their interests, personality and how they see themselves. Also, whether they prefer technical tasks or client-facing roles. This helps us figure out which career path might suit them best.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What career opportunities exist for women in finance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opportunities for women in finance are growing fast. While Paloma says many are currently drawn to ESG, risk management and client-facing positions, sectors like private equity and trading are also seeing women take the lead. Companies are increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion, offering programs to support women. This could be mean extra help when returning from maternity leave or just starting their careers: \u201cThe landscape is evolving, and talented women who stay committed can really make their mark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For women considering a career in finance, pursuing a master\u2019s degree at IE Business School can make a huge difference.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cIt helps you understand the landscape and prepares you for what\u2019s ahead,\u201d Paloma says. “Around 80% of women in our programs aim for M&A and are actively interviewing, often landing offers from big firms before graduation. The opportunities are real, and with focus, you can succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, Paloma emphasizes it\u2019s not always easy: \u201cFinance can be demanding, and women often face more challenges. But the industry is becoming more inclusive and supportive. There are more roles opening up for women in private equity, ESG, and asset management.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can you decide on a new career path in finance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While the main pathways in finance\u2014like investment banking, private equity, and consulting\u2014remain popular, the reality is that the industry is highly competitive. \u201cAbout 70% or more students need backup plans,\u201d says Paloma. “Often, students realize that their initial goals may not fully align with the realities of the roles they aspire to. I drill down with students\u2014asking why they want certain roles. For example, if someone says they want to pursue M&A because they love financial modeling, I ask if they understand that the roles are more focused on supporting deal execution than on client interaction.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Talent & Careers team is exceptional because they can help you reimagine your career when necessary. \u201cIf your long-term goal is, say, managing a fund in ten years, it might be better to start with an internship in asset management to see if you like it, rather than initiating your career in a role that will not contribute to your pathway of choice” says Paloma. “Whether you need to find a new path or just want to explore options, we\u2019re here to support you in making informed, strategic decisions.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, to help you decide on a career path, the Master in Finance includes three different tracks which are geared to helping you specialize in a certain area. This might mean doubling down on knowledge for investment banking, or discovering a more strategic career path with entry-level jobs in more accessible positions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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