MSF Career roles & paths

The MSF prepares you for a wide range of careers across finance. This guide introduces some of the roles our graduates pursue, with a brief overview of each and the skills that set strong candidates apart. Use it to explore your options, find the paths that fit you, and focus your search.

Role Name Description Key Skills Example Titles
Financial Analyst Helps businesses make informed decisions by analyzing financial performance, building forecasts, creating budgets, and evaluating strategic investments. Partners with business leaders to understand financial trends and support financial planning.
  • Financial Modeling
  • Data Analysis
  • Forecasting
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
 FP&A Analyst, Corporate Finance Analyst, Budget Analyst, Treasury Associate, or Strategic Finance Associate.
Investment Analyst Evaluates companies, industries and financial markets to identify investment opportunities and support portfolio development. Conducts research, and provides recommendations to generate returns while managing risk.
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Valuation
  • Market Research
  • Quantitative Analysis
 Portfolio Analyst, Asset Management Analyst, Wealth Management Analyst, or Private Equity Associate.
Research Analyst (Equity/ Credit) Assesses the financial health, performance, and outlook of companies or debt issuers to make investment recommendations. Helps investors understand potential risks and opportunities in stocks, bonds and other securities.
  • Financial Analysis
  • Valuation
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Data Interpretation
 Equity Research Analyst, Credit Research Analyst, Investment Research Associate, or Securities Analyst.
Risk Analyst Identifies, measures, and monitors financial risks that could impact an organization’s performance. Uses data and analytical tools to evaluate exposures and recommend strategies to mitigate potential losses.
  • Quantitative Analysis
  • Statistics
  • Risk Modeling
  • Data Visualization
  • Attention to Detail
 Credit Risk Analyst, Market Risk Associate, Enterprise Risk Analyst, or Risk Management Associate.
Sales & Trading Analyst Supports the buying and selling of financial securities by monitoring markets, analyzing trends, and assisting clients with investment strategies. Operates in fast-paced environments where market developments influence decisions in real time.
  • Market Knowledge
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Communication
  • Relationship-Building
  • Adaptability
 Trading Analyst, Markets Analyst, Equity Trader, or Fixed Income Trader.