Navigating the Transition from Sales to Core Finance
This is a classic dilemma for most MBA (Finance) graduates. Financial products are best marketed by individuals who have a fair understanding of finance and financial products, and who can comprehend and explain the numerous queries posed by prospective clients, who are typically finance professionals. There is significant potential for finance professionals to excel as marketing professionals for financial products. However, many finance professionals, especially MBA-Finance graduates, perceive entering a marketing role as a weakness.
In your case, you are eager to pursue core finance as your profession and are actively working towards obtaining your CFA qualification. Embracing a marketing role will provide you with a unique experience that may not come your way again. It can offer valuable insights into the psychological aspects of dealing with people, help you establish connections with professionals, keep you engaged, and provide you with an income. Nonetheless, there is a risk that you will need to convincingly justify your decision to transition to a marketing role when aiming for a core finance position. However, upon completing your CFA, your qualification will significantly facilitate a smooth transition back to core finance. Additionally, you might discover a passion for the marketing domain and aspire to advance within it.
You must decide what holds more importance for you: focusing on clearing your CFA while embracing an available job opportunity, or waiting for a core finance position while continuing your studies. Alternatively, if you possess some capital, you could leverage your analytical skills to invest in the stock markets. This would serve as a rigorous test of your knowledge and confidence in your analytical abilities, enable you to gain valuable core experience, and potentially yield decent returns.
Best wishes,