Hi all, I just finished college and I’m working at one of the major accounting firms doing audit work. My goal is to transition into investment banking, though I know I’ll probably need to get my MBA first.
What’s really bothering me lately is something I haven’t seen discussed much. It seems like people from all political sides are getting angrier about investment firms, private equity shops, and Wall Street in general. With costs going up everywhere, I worry that finance professionals might become targets for blame or face consequences later on.
Am I overthinking this? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who had similar worries but went ahead with finance anyway. I’ve always been drawn to this field and even studied it in school, but I keep having this worry that choosing this path could cause problems for me years from now.
Welcome to adulthood - every career has haters. Lawyers, politicians, tech bros… they all get trashed but keep making money. Finance won’t disappear because rich people need others to grow their wealth. Public sentiment sucks right now, but when people’s 401ks crash, they’ll want Wall Street’s help again. Ignore Twitter and just don’t suck at your job.
Look at this completely differently. The scrutiny you’re seeing? It’s probably the industry growing up, not falling apart. When sectors get hammered publicly like this, they usually come out stronger and more rewarding to work in. Healthcare went through the same thing decades ago - now it’s got better ethics and way more respect.
Your timing might actually be perfect. Getting into finance during this mess means you can help shape where it’s going instead of just dealing with old-school garbage. The people who’ll crush it are the ones who get why everyone’s pissed and can explain why finance actually matters. Coming from audit gives you street cred that transaction jockeys don’t have.
Here’s the thing - someone’s gotta move money around no matter what people think about Wall Street. Finance isn’t disappearing, it’s just changing. Jump in now while you understand what’s happening, and you can build something that fits where things are headed instead of fighting the tide.
History repeats itself here. Finance always gets hammered during economic downturns, then people forget about it when markets bounce back. The data’s pretty clear - finance jobs come back within 2-3 years after every crisis. Your audit background is actually perfect timing since compliance roles have grown 40% since 2020. The whole industry’s shifting toward transparency and ethics, which opens doors for people who get why the public’s pissed off. Don’t run from finance - lean into areas like risk management or regulatory work where your skills tackle the exact problems everyone’s complaining about. Smart money’s on ethical finance pros becoming more valuable, not less.
You’re thinking about this the right way, but honestly, I think you’re overthinking it. Finance has taken hits before—think Great Depression, 2008 crisis—and it always bounces back because the economy needs it. This current backlash isn’t really different from what we’ve seen before.
Here’s what actually matters: how you handle your own career. The people who get burned are usually the ones doing shady stuff or working for sketchy operations. If you’re competent and work for legit firms, you’ll be fine. Your audit background is actually perfect right now since everyone’s focused on compliance and transparency.
Don’t bail on finance—figure out how to be part of fixing it. ESG investing, sustainable finance, responsible banking—these areas are exploding and they tackle exactly what people are mad about. Plus they pay well. The industry needs people like you who get why the public is pissed and can help rebuild trust through solid, ethical work.
Had the exact same anxiety starting corporate finance 5 years ago. Most people don’t actually know what we do daily - they just hear “Wall Street” and think Gordon Gekko. Reality? You’ll mostly help companies raise capital for growth or handle mergers that create jobs. The public anger targets top executives, not regular analysts and associates. Your accounting background is actually huge - people trust auditors way more than bankers. Don’t let fear drive career choices. That’s how you get regrets.
Finance creates real value! You’re helping companies grow, funding innovation, and building people’s retirement dreams. The world needs smart, ethical people like you in this space. Go for it!
every gen thinks they’re doomed by public opinion. my dad was worried about being a banker during the 80s S&L crisis, but it turned out fine. finance hate comes and goes, but money still needs to flow. just be a good person and u’ll be ok.