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【Why Finance Is the Strongest Career Choice?】Survive the Age of Layoffs—Consult to Alpha Now!
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Hello! This is TJ, the CEO of Alpha Advisors.
Today, I’d like to talk in detail about why “finance” will become the career path of choice in the coming era—and how to win in it. Recently, mass layoffs have made headlines around the world: 6,000 at Microsoft, 14,000 at Amazon, and another 1,500 at PwC. In Japan, Nissan has announced a reduction of around 20,000 positions, Panasonic is cutting 10,000, and Sumitomo Chemical is letting go of 4,000 employees.
At Alpha Advisors, we’re seeing a surge in consultation requests from professionals working at major manufacturers, electronics firms, IT companies, pharmaceutical corporations, and logistics operators. More and more people are saying, “I can’t see a future in my industry,” or “I never thought I would be affected.” The reality is clear: the wave of layoffs has already begun.
And yet, there’s one industry that remains remarkably resilient and strong—finance.
When people hear "finance," they often think of global investment banks, particularly the Investment Banking Division (IBD). Many associate it with high salaries but also with extreme work hours. However, finance is far more than just IBD.
For example:
・Asset management firms that manage funds for pension plans and institutional investors
・Venture capital firms that support entrepreneurs and innovation
・Private equity funds that acquire and transform businesses
・CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) who lead corporate financial strategies
These are all highly rewarding, high-growth career paths, and many of them are accessible even to those with no prior experience in finance. With the right strategy and preparation, it is entirely possible to make a successful transition—regardless of your background.
At Alpha Advisors, we guide 200 to 300 individuals each year to admission at top-tier graduate and MBA programs around the world, including Harvard, Stanford, Chicago Booth, Wharton, Columbia, LBS, Oxford, and Cambridge. And that’s not all. After graduation, our clients regularly secure positions at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, Amazon, and other leading companies worldwide. We hold a top-tier track record in supporting clients into the most competitive careers globally—finance, consulting, global trading companies, and Big Tech.
In this article, we’ll share all of our proven insights and cutting-edge strategies for winning in the financial industry of the future. In the coming era, the true weapon to transform your life will be financial thinking and a strategic career roadmap. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, talk to us at Alpha Advisors. We’ll help you unlock your full potential, faster than you ever thought possible.
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1. Why Now Is the Era of “Finance First”
Across the globe, industries are facing a surge in layoffs, downsizing, and restructuring. Automotive, electronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, logistics, consulting—you name it. Even sectors once seen as “stable” or “growth engines” are undergoing massive cuts. In contrast, finance stands out as the one industry maintaining strong momentum. The stock market remains resilient, and we’re seeing an uptick in corporate restructuring and investments driven by capital markets. Rather than being hindered by interest rate shifts and digital transformation, finance is leveraging these forces as tailwinds.
These structural shifts aren’t temporary. The rapid advancement of AI, rising geopolitical risks, global ESG mandates, and long-term interest rate volatility are fundamentally altering the way business is done. In this new environment, what industry you choose can define the trajectory of your life. That’s why more and more professionals are seriously considering a move into finance. In terms of job security, earning potential, and long-term growth, finance is quickly becoming the definitive career path of our era.
2. 【Real-World Examples】Mass Layoffs and Corporate Exits
Some of the largest and most established corporations are now being forced to restructure due to their inability to adapt to deep structural shifts. Below are real-world examples of large-scale layoffs and downsizing that have been publicly announced or implemented in recent years.
◯ Automotive Industry
・Nissan: Announced plans to cut approximately 20,000 jobs
・Honda: Voluntary early retirement offered to hundreds at domestic plants
・Mazda: Temporary suspension of production due to demand adjustments
◯ Electronics & Hardware
・Panasonic: Announced 10,000 job cuts
・Toshiba: Approximately 4,000 positions to be eliminated
・Konica Minolta: Around 2,400 jobs cut
・Ricoh: About 2,000 jobs reduced
◯ Pharmaceuticals
・Takeda: Domestic plant restructuring underway
・Kyowa Kirin, Mitsubishi Tanabe: Advancing structural reform plans
◯ IT Sector (GAFAM)
・Microsoft: 6,000 layoffs
・Amazon: 14,000 layoffs
・Google: 7,000 layoffs
◯ Consulting & Accounting (Big 4)
・PwC: 1,800 jobs cut, followed by another 1,500 layoffs
・Deloitte: Ongoing restructuring in the consulting division
◯ Other Notable Cases
・Sumitomo Chemical: 4,000 layoffs
・Ito-Yokado (Retail): 1,000 jobs cut, 33 store closures ongoing
・UPS (Logistics): 20,000 job cuts, 73 facilities to be shut down
Common drivers behind these large-scale layoffs include:
・AI and Automation: Displacement of white-collar and manufacturing roles
・Geopolitical Risk: Supply chain instability from trade tensions, especially between the U.S. and China
・Rising Interest Rates and Inflation: Increased financial pressure leading companies to cut costs
・Environmental Regulation: Firms unable to meet carbon-neutral investment demands are restructuring
Industries and companies once considered “too big to fail” or “safe bets” are no longer immune. In contrast, the finance industry is actively turning this wave of restructuring and talent mobility into a growth engine.
3. Why Finance Remains Strong Even in Turbulent Times
While many industries are struggling, finance continues to demonstrate resilience. Why is finance performing well when others are faltering? The answer lies in a combination of favorable macroeconomic factors and the unique structural strengths of the financial sector.
First, global capital markets remain active, with a surge in M&A (mergers and acquisitions), corporate restructuring, and MBOs (management buyouts), especially among public companies. The more unstable the economy becomes, the more companies seek to optimize their capital and restructure—creating massive opportunities for investment banks and private equity firms.
Moreover, since 2024, the rising interest rate environment has significantly boosted earnings for banks, insurance companies, and credit businesses that rely on interest spreads. At the same time, variable rate volatility has heightened demand for finance-savvy professionals who can assess and manage risk effectively. In addition, finance is one of the industries that can maximize the benefits of AI and digital transformation (DX). Whether it’s algorithmic trading in asset management, credit scoring, or risk modeling, AI clearly adds value—and human talent is evolving toward strategic, analytical, and high-impact decision-making roles.
Lastly, we are seeing a dramatic increase in asset management demand from both retail and institutional investors. Against a backdrop of aging populations, inflation, and pension insecurity, the world is moving from "saving" to "investing." As a result, asset management, financial advisory, and wealth management services are more in demand than ever. In short, finance is one of the few industries that turns change into opportunity, and this is why it continues to grow even amidst global instability.
4. Diverse Career Paths and Roles in Finance
The appeal of finance lies not only in its stability, but also in the fact that it offers an exceptional range of options where specialization and compensation are closely linked. Below are the primary career paths in the industry.
4-1. Key Roles in the Front Office
・Investment Banking
Professionals in this field support companies with M&A, IPOs, and debt issuance. Through strategic advisory, negotiation, and financial modeling, they help maximize corporate value. Compensation is extremely high—many earn over $200,000 annually even in their 20s.
・Asset Management / Hedge Funds
Manage capital for pension funds, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors. Asset managers focus on long-term returns, while hedge funds pursue short-term, absolute gains. Core functions include research, portfolio management, and trading.
・Private Equity (PE Funds)
Invest in privately held companies, support their growth, and exit via sale or IPO. Requires a strong operational mindset and ability to drive strategic transformation. Compensation and career progression are top-tier.
・Venture Capital (VC)
Invest in and support startups with high-growth potential. Ideal for those passionate about innovation and future technologies. Strong networking and relationship-building skills are key.
・Activist Funds
Acquire shares in public companies to influence management and drive governance reforms. Demands strong skills in financial analysis, negotiation, and public engagement.
・CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Leads corporate financial strategy, including capital structure, M&A, and investor relations. Considered one of the most “financial” roles inside a company, and a popular destination for those transitioning from finance.
4-2. Core Functions in the Middle and Back Office
Supporting the front office are essential middle and back office functions, which offer strong job security and are ideal for those seeking expertise-driven careers.
・Risk Management & Compliance (Middle Office)
Monitors and manages financial risks, ensures regulatory compliance, and strengthens internal controls. Requires expertise in market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.
・Finance, Accounting, and Treasury (Back Office)
Handles transaction processing, reporting, tax filings, and fund management. Credentials like USCPA or financial accounting certifications are valuable here.
・IT, Systems, and Cybersecurity
Engineers supporting digital transformation in finance. Responsibilities include maintaining trading systems, databases, and robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
・HR, General Affairs, and Legal
Essential functions that support hiring, labor management, and legal compliance. Ensures the operational stability of financial institutions.
Whether your goal is high earnings in the front office or stability and specialization in the middle or back office, finance offers career tracks for every ambition. Many of these roles are open even to those without prior experience, making now the perfect time to consider a transition into the financial world.
5. Current Hiring and Career Trends in Finance
While many industries are scaling back, the finance sector remains actively hiring with strong momentum. Front office divisions such as investment banking, asset management, private equity, and venture capital are particularly aggressive in recruiting both new graduates and experienced professionals who can turn market volatility into opportunity.
What’s especially notable is the surge in successful transitions from non-financial and unrelated industries. Professionals from global trading companies or manufacturing firms are landing roles at PE funds. Individuals from education or HR backgrounds are joining VC firms. Even those in accounting or finance roles at general corporations are moving into investment banking or asset management. These shifts are no longer exceptions—they’re becoming the norm.
What’s driving this? It’s the growing realization that financial thinking and skills are becoming essential across all industries. From M&A and capital raising to restructuring, ESG investing, and data analytics—these are no longer niche topics. They're core capabilities required for corporate growth worldwide.
In other words, this is no longer a time where “lack of experience” is a barrier to entering finance. In fact, those who proactively build financial skills to future-proof their careers are now being welcomed into the field more than ever.
6. How to Win in a Finance Career: Strategy and Preparation
If you're wondering, “How can I get into finance?” or “How can I thrive in finance?”—the answer is clear: You need to systematically build the right skills and knowledge, and act with a strategic plan.
【Core Skills and Knowledge You Need】
・Finance & Accounting: Mastering the three financial statements, valuation, and corporate finance fundamentals
・English Proficiency: Essential for roles in global finance, PE, and VC—prepare through TOEFL, IELTS, or business English training
・Logical Thinking & Case Strategy: Required especially for investment banking and consulting-style roles—develop hypothesis-based, structured thinking
・Technology Literacy: Proficiency in Python, Excel VBA, SQL, Power BI, and other tools for analysis and reproducible insights
【Recommended Learning & Certifications】
・MBA (Top U.S. and U.K. programs): Essential for careers in investment banking, PE, and executive finance roles like CFO
・CFA: A powerful credential for those targeting asset management or investment research
・USCPA: Highly respected for finance professionals with backgrounds in accounting, FP&A, or audit
・Python / Financial Engineering Fundamentals: Critical for data-driven roles in quantitative finance or fintech
It's extremely difficult to master all of this through self-study alone. That’s why working with experts in finance-focused career transitions and graduate admissions can make all the difference. At Alpha Advisors, we have a proven track record across all major finance career paths—investment banking, PE funds, asset management, and top MBA admissions.
・Transitioning from zero experience to roles at Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Carlyle
・Securing admission to Stanford MBA from a non-metropolitan public university, then joining a PE fund
・Career switching into global investment banking in one’s 30s
…These are just a few examples of what’s possible.
No matter your current location, background, or experience, with the right strategy and support, anyone can win in finance. We invite you to start with a free consultation—we’ll help you design your optimal career path from a professional’s perspective.
7. Conclusion
As we've explored throughout this article, the very structure of global industries is undergoing a major transformation, and finance stands out as the only sector that continues to grow with clarity and momentum.
・Industries once considered “stable”—automotive, electronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, logistics—are now facing sweeping layoffs and restructuring
・Meanwhile, finance professionals are in high demand across M&A, asset management, corporate restructuring, startup investment, and succession planning
・Finance is no longer a field reserved only for elite graduates or industry insiders—with the right strategy, anyone can break in
What’s needed today is not just a resume—it’s “financial thinking”: the ability to understand and act on capital, valuation, risk, and strategic opportunity. Those who master these skills will be the ones truly indispensable to organizations and society alike.
If you’re thinking:
“I’m unsure about my current job,”
“I want to build future-proof skills,”
“I’d love to work in finance or at a global company someday”
—then now is the time to act. At Alpha Advisors, we’ll help you design a personalized career strategy and roadmap into the financial industry based on your unique goals and experience. Free consultations are always welcome, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Alpha is Your Ultimate Career Partner!
Over the past 17 years, Alpha Advisors has supported candidates in applying to top global MBA and EMBA programs such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT Sloan, Wharton, and Chicago Booth. We go further by providing career support after graduation, helping our clients land positions at leading global firms such as Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, BCG, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, P&G, MUFG, Mizuho, and Toyota—supporting over 50,000 professionals in total.
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, we offer Alpha’s Signature One-on-One Coaching and Intensive Programs, giving you full support for overseas study and career transitions. Using our unique methodology and 17 years of proven strategies, we’ll back you through every stage—self-assessment, essays, TOEFL or EA test prep, scholarships, interviews, and more. You can message us any time to ask questions or discuss your career concerns. Start today with our Career Strategy Advisory Program (only ¥48,000—discounts available!), and book a 1-on-1 strategy session directly with Alpha CEO TJ (formerly Sumitomo Corp → Chicago Booth MBA → Goldman Sachs IBD). Let’s map out your next career breakthrough together!
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