Career Transition Advice Needed – From Hospitality to Finance

Career Advice
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I’m at an important crossroads and would love some guidance from those of you already working in the industry.

For the last several years, I’ve been deeply committed to trading and technical analysis. I’ve kept a detailed trade journal, actively traded my own account, and trained under Mark Minervini for two years, learning momentum strategies, risk management, and advanced pattern recognition.

But here’s the challenge: my professional résumé is filled with restaurant and bar management roles. I don’t have a college degree. I’m 36 and ready to make a career shift into finance.

To show commitment, I’ve signed up for the SIE exam (this Friday) and also registered for CMT Level I in December. I’m serious about building a long-term career in technical analysis, trading, or FinTech.

My questions for this community:

  • What entry-level roles should I realistically apply for after passing the SIE? (Operations, trade support, analyst roles?)

  • What kind of pay ranges should I expect at the start?

  • Are there viable remote or hybrid opportunities, or is it all in-office early on?

  • Beyond the SIE, what’s the most effective way to break into the industry without a degree but with strong trading experience and a growing skill set in AI and data analysis?

I know there are others out there who have made non-traditional jumps into finance. I’d love to hear your stories, advice, or any recommendations for companies or roles where my background and drive might be a fit.

Appreciate any guidance :folded_hands:

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@Isabel_Breitenberg, your initiative is impressive. Keeping a trade journal, training with Minervini, and committing to the SIE and CMT show dedication and discipline.

Good starting points might be operations or trade support to get close to the action, client associate roles that can lead to analyst or trader seats, or FinTech and data analyst roles where your technical analysis and AI skills stand out. Compensation varies a lot by role and location, but you can expect to get your foot in the door and grow from there.

Keep highlighting your trading track record and consider building a small portfolio of projects that show how you apply data and AI to markets. Your management background matters more than you think; leading teams and handling pressure are very transferable. Networking and persistence will make a big difference; you’re already off to a strong start!

Best,
Mataia

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I am in the same boat. I am 50 and my entire career has been in social work. I am looking to pivot but have always struggled with what to do career-wise. I don’t have much experience in the finance field but feel it would be a worthwhile pursuit. Keep pushing my friend!

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