In trading, it’s black and white. If you’re in prop, you can measure the value you bring to the firm. One of the few jobs like that out there.
All good points. The one thing I would point out is that growth in positions in finance vis a vis other sectors is not exactly booming. Unless your resume and pedigree is stellar, to persist in looking for the same sexy jobs (IBanking, PE, PM, Equity research) as everyone else may not be the best use of your time when their are other ANALYTICAL finance/econ positions that are possible to get and are great “foot in the doors” to leverage to other niches in finance. Not every CFA can be Gordon Gekko or Peter Lynch or George Sorros…sorry.
What are some “analytical” positions that you are talking about? I would consider equity research or portfolio management to be quite analytical. At high levels, many jobs, like IB or even portfolio management, are focused on sales and client relationships. However, it is quite apparent that most of these high powered finance jobs require a combination of analytical and leadership ability, which is more rare than just analytical ability or just communications skills.