Skills for landing a finance job in 2025?

Question

I'm about to finish my finance degree (end of the month to be exact), and I'm trying to figure out what skills I really need to focus on to get my first job (preferably at the beginning of next year). There are so many things people talk about – Excel, financial modeling, soft skills – but I'm not sure what's actually important right now. What are the top skills that employers are looking for in 2025, and how can I start building them?

Answer 1

Hey there,

despite all the buzz about AI and automation, the core finance skills in 2025 are basically the same as before.

Excel and financial modeling are still the foundation. You’ll be building models, analyzing companies, and crunching numbers just like people did a decade ago.

The same applies to market awareness and communication. Employers want people who understand business trends and can explain them clearly. Whether you’re pitching a stock or presenting a report, storytelling matters.

The biggest shif is most likely that tech skills like Python and automation are getting more relevant, especially in asset management, quant roles, and fintech.

At the end of the day, a solid CV, good problem-solving skills, and strong business judgment will always be what gets you hired. The tools may evolve, but the fundamentals don’t change.

I wish you much success for your career start!

Answer 2

Congrats on finishing your degree! That’s a huge milestone. When it comes to landing a finance job in 2025, it’s true there’s a lot of skills tossed around, and it can feel overwhelming. But if you focus on a few key areas, you’ll be in a great position.

First, strong Excel and financial modeling skills remain foundational. Employers want you to be comfortable building and manipulating financial models, using formulas, pivot tables, and maybe some VBA or automation tools. Being able to work efficiently in Excel is still a must-have.

Second, data analysis and visualization skills are increasingly important. Knowing how to work with data—whether it’s Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or even basics of SQL or Python—helps you uncover insights and tell stories with numbers. Finance roles are becoming more tech-driven, so the ability to handle and analyze data sets is a big plus.

Third, technical knowledge of finance concepts: Make sure you really understand valuation methods, financial statements, corporate finance, and accounting basics. It’s one thing to know these from school, but being able to apply them in practical scenarios is key.

Fourth, communication skills—both written and verbal—are hugely important. You’ll need to explain complex financial ideas clearly to people who might not be finance experts. Storytelling with numbers is a real skill.

Fifth, problem-solving and critical thinking are something employers prize. Being able to approach new problems logically, break them down, and come up with solutions will help you stand out.

Lastly, adaptability and willingness to learn are often mentioned by hiring managers. The finance world changes fast, with new regulations, tech, and market dynamics. Showing that you’re curious, open-minded, and eager to grow is valuable.

To build these skills:

Take online courses or tutorials in Excel, financial modeling, and data tools.
Try to get internships or projects that let you apply finance concepts in real scenarios.
Practice explaining financial topics aloud or in writing to friends or mentors.
Solve case studies or brain teasers to boost your problem-solving.
Stay updated on financial news and trends.
Join finance or investment clubs, or virtual communities where you can learn and network.

If you focus on these core areas, you’ll be well-equipped for entry-level finance roles in 2025—and have a strong foundation to build on. Good luck—you’re about to start an exciting journey!