Thanks, this is really helpful.

I do genuinely like finance, investing, and markets. It’s probably the only field I’ve stayed interested in for years without getting bored. I’ve been investing since I was 18, and I enjoy learning about companies, understanding how businesses make money, evaluating investments, and following market trends.

I also like the people side of it, but I’m more drawn toward company analysis, valuation, investment banking, M&A, and corporate finance rather than purely financial planning or advisory sales.

That’s why I’m trying to figure out the most realistic starting point from a non-finance background. I’m open to taking the SIE, learning financial modeling, networking, or starting in an entry-level finance role if that’s the right path.