Finance and business jobs are projected to grow about 8% through 2032, adding hundreds of thousands of new roles. That’s exciting for anyone who’s into numbers or money, but it also means more competition. Most people don’t think about starting until college, yet those who do something sooner — like earning a license or certification — gain a serious head start.
High school is the perfect time to start building real skills. There are beginner-friendly licenses and short online courses that let you dip into the finance world early. These don’t just look good on a résumé; they build confidence, discipline, and practical know-how you can’t always get from school.
Here’s how to start your career before college and discover the licenses that can open real doors in finance.
Why Starting Early Matters
Getting a head start in finance isn’t just about ambition — it’s about momentum. The earlier you begin learning how money moves, the faster you’ll understand the habits that make or break a career in finance. Most people wait for college classes to teach them about investing, budgeting, or markets. But by then, others already have licenses, experience, or internships lined up.
Starting early gives you a practical edge. You’ll develop discipline through studying for exams, and that same focus carries into everything else — from academics to job interviews. It also helps you figure out what kind of finance path fits you best: maybe investing, accounting, insurance, or financial planning.
Today, online prep courses and free training tools make it easy to begin. All you need is curiosity and consistency. Once you take that first small step, you’re already part of the industry’s future.
Entry-Level Licenses That Build Real Skills
Some finance licenses may sound intimidating, but several are beginner-friendly and open to anyone over 18. They introduce real-world concepts — from how markets work to how money is managed — while building skills that employers value. Here are a few that can help you start your journey.
FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
The SIE exam is the first real gateway into the financial world. It covers the basics: stocks, bonds, investment products, and the rules that keep markets fair. You don’t need to work at a firm or have prior experience to take it — just an interest in learning how finance operates. Passing the exam shows initiative, and it can make you stand out when applying for internships or entry-level jobs later. Before committing to the real thing, students can get familiar with the format and question style when they try FINRA Practice Tests, which simulate the exam experience.
State Insurance Licenses
For those who enjoy helping people plan their futures, insurance licenses can be a smart starting point. Most states allow 18-year-olds to earn licenses for life, health, property, or casualty insurance. Once certified, you can assist licensed agents, learn sales basics, and understand how financial protection products work. It’s an early introduction to both finance and communication — two skills that carry into nearly every career path.
Excel and Financial Modeling Certifications
Finance runs on numbers, and numbers often run through Excel. Getting certified as a Microsoft Excel Expert or pursuing a Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) credential can set you apart. These programs teach how to manage data, build forecasts, and create reports — skills that bankers and analysts use daily. Many of these certifications are self-paced, letting students learn at their own rhythm.
Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation Certifications
If you prefer working with the details behind the scenes, bookkeeping and tax training can be a great fit. QuickBooks certification or volunteering with the IRS’s VITA program gives you hands-on experience organizing records, balancing accounts, and even helping people with their taxes. You’ll start seeing how small financial actions connect to larger systems — a powerful perspective for any future career in finance.
How High School Students Can Prepare
You don’t need a finance degree to start building financial know-how. What matters most is developing habits that keep you consistent and curious. A simple first step is to explore electives like business, economics, or accounting if your school offers them. These classes teach basic terms and concepts that’ll come up later when you start studying for licenses or certifications.
Outside the classroom, look for finance or investment clubs. Many high schools have DECA, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), or mock investment programs that simulate real market decisions. Joining one helps you practice teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership — all essential skills in finance.
Online study platforms also make prep easier than ever. You can take short finance courses, watch tutorials, or complete practice exams at your own pace. Even dedicating 30 minutes a day builds serious progress over time. And if you’re unsure where to begin, talk to teachers, family members, or mentors who work in finance. They can share advice, help you choose the right license, and even connect you with local opportunities.
The goal isn’t to rush — it’s to stay curious and keep moving forward. Each small action, from studying a new topic to earning a certification, puts you closer to a professional head start before college even begins.
Career Paths These Licenses Can Lead To
Earning an early finance license doesn’t mean you’ll be managing portfolios right away — but it does open doors that most students won’t see until years later. These certifications can lead to entry-level or part-time positions where you’ll gain firsthand experience with clients, numbers, and real financial tools.
For example, passing the SIE can make you a stronger candidate for assistant roles at investment firms or local financial offices. Insurance licensing can lead to positions as a trainee or support representative, helping agents set up policies and understand client needs. Bookkeeping or QuickBooks certification might help you land a job with a small business or accounting firm, where you’ll handle records and reports.
Even a simple Excel or modeling certificate has value — it shows you can organize data, analyze trends, and communicate results clearly. These early experiences do more than fill a résumé. They help you discover what part of finance you actually enjoy and prepare you for bigger opportunities after college. Starting early doesn’t replace higher education; it enhances it, giving you real-world context before the textbooks ever arrive.
Looking Ahead: Building Your Foundation Now
Starting your career in finance before college isn’t about skipping steps — it’s about getting a head start. Every license, certification, or small project you take on adds to your confidence and clarity about where you want to go. It turns theory into action.
Even if you’re still in high school, you can explore real financial tools, pass beginner exams, and gain experiences that most students won’t get until their sophomore or junior year of college. Those early wins make a difference — in job interviews, internships, and even how you approach your classes later.
So don’t wait. The sooner you start learning and earning credentials, the sooner you’ll understand how money really works — and how you can build a future around it.
