{"id":1045,"date":"2022-08-11T14:36:48","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T14:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1045"},"modified":"2025-01-21T11:41:08","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T16:41:08","slug":"mergers-acquisitions-good-career-path","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/mergers-acquisitions-good-career-path","title":{"rendered":"Is Mergers and Acquisitions a Good Career Path?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A) is when companies combine to become a new company (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/merger\">merger<\/a>) or one company purchases another (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/acquisition\">acquisition<\/a>). For example, mergers and acquisitions were at play when Facebook acquired <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/theforage_\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>, when Kraft and Heinz teamed up to become KraftHeinz, or even when Logan Roy considered selling his company <a href=\"https:\/\/succession.fandom.com\/wiki\/Waystar_Royco\">WayStar Royco<\/a> in the last season of Succession (no other spoilers here!).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mergers and acquisitions is a career path that focuses on the financial aspects of dividing, selling, combining, and restructuring companies. People who work in M&amp;A help company stakeholders understand how a merger or acquisition would financially affect their company. In this guide, you\u2019ll learn more about what working in M&amp;A is like and whether it\u2019s the right career path for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"93\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-150x93.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"J.P.Morgan bank corporation headquarters glass building concept. JP Morgan banking company symbol on front facade 3d illustration.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-150x93.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-1024x638.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-768x478.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships-1536x957.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jpmorgan-internships.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">JPMorgan Investment Banking<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Build M&amp;A skills and explore a day-in-the-life as an investment banker at JPM with this free Forage job simulation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/virtual-internships\/prototype\/YD2kY95RQxQtXxFTS\/JPM-IB-Virtual-Experience-Program?forceFastTrackV2=true\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tM&amp;A targeting, company analysis, discounted cash flow, business valuation\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/virtual-internships\/prototype\/YD2kY95RQxQtXxFTS\/JPM-IB-Virtual-Experience-Program?forceFastTrackV2=true\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-m-and-a\">What Is Mergers and Acquisitions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mergers and acquisitions is a subset of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/investment-banking\">investment banking<\/a> that deals with the buying and selling of companies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Merger: <\/strong>when two companies come together to form a new company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Acquisition: <\/strong>when one company buys another company.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An M&amp;A professional\u2019s goal is to provide company stakeholders with enough financial data and research to understand how a merger or acquisition would impact their company. Essentially, M&amp;A professionals help business owners figure out if a merger or acquisition is a good and profitable idea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What companies you\u2019re researching depends on whether you\u2019re on the buy side or sell side. The buy side is when your client is looking to buy another company; the sell side is when your client is looking to sell their company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re on the buy or sell side, working in M&amp;A means you\u2019re supporting your client in their journey to make a sizable financial change in their company. In the mergers and acquisitions career path, you\u2019ll generally have four main job functions: sourcing deals, analysis, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/business-valuation\">business valuation<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/due-diligence\">due diligence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sourcing Deals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When sourcing deals, an M&amp;A professional looks for potential buyers for their client (who\u2019s selling their company) or potential companies for their client to acquire (who\u2019s looking to buy a company). They want to find target companies that fit their clients\u2019 criteria and finances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Analysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>M&amp;A professionals, especially entry-level professionals in analyst positions, focus on analyzing how a merger or acquisition would affect a company&#8217;s finances. This job function includes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/revenue\">revenue<\/a> and expense analysis, financial forecasting, and modeling to show their client potential deal outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Valuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Valuation means determining the fair value of a company, i.e., how much a company is worth. When valuing a business, M&amp;A professionals don\u2019t just look at the current company finances but also its assets, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/liabilities\">liabilities<\/a>, staff, and even the state of the economy. M&amp;A professionals will often use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/dcf-valuation\">discounted cash flow valuation<\/a> to understand if a potential merger or acquisition is worth it in the long run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Due Diligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For both the buy and sell side, an M&amp;A professional must do due diligence on the involved companies\u2019 finances, the seller or the buyer, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/company-culture\">companies\u2019 culture<\/a> and structure. Due diligence ensures that everything\u2019s in order and that the deal is between two legitimate parties. You&#8217;ll do in-depth research on the company and ask tough questions to ensure there are no risks or surprises. For example, you wouldn&#8217;t want to go through an acquisition, then realize <em>after<\/em> the deal that the company you acquired is at imminent risk of going bankrupt!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-m-and-a-make-money\">Do Professionals in M&amp;A Make a Lot of Money?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/careers-in-finance\">finance careers<\/a>, mergers and acquisitions jobs pay top dollar. While base salaries are typically close to or over six figures, there\u2019s also room for hefty bonuses when deals close. Mergers and acquisitions professionals are often intermediaries in these deals, which means the company will pay the firm a percentage of the deal once it\u2019s closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Base Pay<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Additional Pay<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Total Pay<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Early Career (&lt;1 Year Experience)<\/strong><\/td><td>$79,000 &#8211; $147,000<\/td><td>$37,000 &#8211; $69,000<\/td><td>$116,000 &#8211; $216,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Average for All Experience Levels<\/strong><\/td><td>$115,000 &#8211; $210,000<\/td><td>59,000 &#8211; $111,000<\/td><td>$174,000 &#8211; $320,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Experienced (&gt;15 Years Experience)<\/strong><\/td><td>$137,000 &#8211;&nbsp; $247,000<\/td><td>$71,000 &#8211;&nbsp; $132,000<\/td><td>$207,000 &#8211; $379,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Estimates sourced from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glassdoor.com\/Salaries\/mergers-and-acquisitions-salary-SRCH_KO0,24.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glassdoor<\/a> and rounded to the nearest hundred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros-and-cons\">Why M&amp;A? Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The mergers and acquisitions career path can be enticing for people looking for a highly paid role where they&#8217;re working on large business deals. However, it&#8217;s not always the easiest career path. Not only does M&amp;A require advanced financial skills, but also long hours and high-pressure work environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>M&amp;A can be an attractive career path, not only because it\u2019s lucrative but also because you play a role in significant financial decisions. M&amp;A professionals are often intermediaries in decisions involving big industry players, which means you might have a hand in deals that go into the billions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card\">\n\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__inner\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-150x100.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Working at Bank of America\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/working-at-bank-of-america.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"forage-core-course-card__name\">Bank of America Investment Banking<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__description\">Determine the best M&amp;A target for the company and provide a strategic financial recommendation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--desktop\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/virtual-internships\/prototype\/Hi8MJQE5T3MeTRWQR\/Investment-Banking-Virtual-Experience-Program\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__time\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Avg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t5 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"forage-core-course-card__skills\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"label\">Skills you&#8217;ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tM&amp;A screening, cross-team collaboration, equity capital market, debt capital market\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"forage-core-course-card__button forage-core-course-card__button--mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/virtual-internships\/prototype\/Hi8MJQE5T3MeTRWQR\/Investment-Banking-Virtual-Experience-Program\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet like many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/careers-in-finance\">finance careers<\/a>, M&amp;A comes with a difficult work environment. This career requires many long days \u2014 think 90-hour workweeks \u2013 with intense pressure and demanding deadlines. As a result, M&amp;A professionals may have a harder time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/work-life-balance\">achieving a good work-life balance<\/a> or finding time for their personal lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"m-and-a-career-path\">Mergers and Acquisitions Career Path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>M&amp;A professionals often work in one of three places: in-house M&amp;A teams, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/companies\/investment-banking-companies\">investment banking firms<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/private-equity\">private equity<\/a> firms. While the deals you\u2019re working on will differ depending on where you work, the responsibilities and tasks for an M&amp;A professional at each step of the career ladder are generally the same across companies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">M&amp;A Analyst<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An M&amp;A analyst is the typical entry-level position for an M&amp;A professional. You do not need an advanced degree to land this position, but a bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant field \u2014 like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/economics-definition-and-overview\">economics<\/a>, finance, or accounting \u2014 is desirable. M&amp;A analysts generally focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/what-is-research\">research<\/a> and analysis for potential deals. You won&#8217;t work directly on strategy, but rather provide the information leaders need to problem-solve, support their arguments, and make big decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">M&amp;A Associate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next on the ladder, an M&amp;A associate will oversee an analyst and their research. At this level, an associate will have greater access to the client. You act as an intermediary between the analysts and higher management and\/or the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Senior M&amp;A Professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An M&amp;A manager, director, or vice president is often part of the leadership team and can report to the CEO, CFO, or COO of a company. A senior professional has a larger role in sourcing deals and recommending target companies to clients. M&amp;A associates and analysts then research the companies a senior M&amp;A professional identifies as targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Essentially, as you climb up the M&amp;A ladder, you&#8217;ll get farther from the detailed research work and more into working with the client directly and strategic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/decision-making-skills\">decision-making<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-get-into-m-and-a\">How to Get Into Mergers and Acquisitions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mergers and acquisitions can be a hard career path to get into because it requires advanced financial skills. However, once you&#8217;ve gotten your foot in the door as an analyst, the M&amp;A career path can be more straightforward, with clear opportunities to advance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people get their start in mergers and acquisitions by obtaining a bachelor\u2019s degree in a relevant field like accounting, finance, mathematics, or economics. There&#8217;s no one best major for the mergers and acquisitions career path; instead, the best major is one that teaches you the financial skills you need to succeed in the role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a master\u2019s degree is not required to enter the field, many associates and higher-level M&amp;A professionals have Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Certifications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certifications like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/chartered-financial-analyst\">Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/certified-public-accountant\">Certified Public Accountant (CPA)<\/a> can help you advance your M&amp;A career. But, again, they\u2019re not required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the U.S., entry-level investment banking professionals are required to pass exams from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). These exams certify them as professionals who can carry out specific financial competencies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early professionals who want to be in the M&amp;A field can expect to take two exams: the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and the Series 79. The SIE is a general exam for all financial services professionals. The Series 79 is designed explicitly for investment banking certifications and assesses major job function competencies like data analysis, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/what-is-underwriting\">underwriting<\/a>, and understanding of mergers and acquisitions processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>&gt;&gt;MORE: <\/strong>Learn 86 real-world investment banking skills that recruiters are looking for with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/career-path\/investment-banking\">Forage\u2019s investment banking career path program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>M&amp;A professionals need <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/hard-vs-soft-skills\">a mix of hard and soft skills<\/a> to thrive in their roles. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/hard-skills\">Hard skills<\/a> are the more technical skills and ones you\u2019ll need to pass the FINRA exams, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/analytical-skills\">Data analysis<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forecasting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial modeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portfolio management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial calculations like DCF, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/cagr\">compound annual growth rate (CAGR)<\/a>, equity values, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/wacc\">weighted average cost of capital (WACC)<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/npv\">net present value (NPV)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/accounting\">Accounting<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet M&amp;A isn\u2019t just about the numbers; you\u2019ll need strong <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/what-are-soft-skills-definition-and-examples\">soft skills<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/collaboration-skills\">collaboration<\/a>, communication, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/attention-to-detail\">attention to detail<\/a> to work well with clients and ensure you\u2019re doing the interpersonal work to get the right deal closed. You&#8217;ll also need strategic thinking and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/skills\/problem-solving-skills\">problem-solving skills<\/a> to make the right decisions about what companies are the best targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While some companies do have in-house M&amp;A teams, you don\u2019t need to work in an M&amp;A specific-job to work on mergers and acquisitions deals. M&amp;A work is a large part of investment banking and some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/careers\/private-equity\">private equity<\/a> roles as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For David Touwsma, partner at venture capital firm EFO Ventures, M&amp;A experience didn\u2019t come from an M&amp;A firm but rather through entrepreneurial ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI worked for a few software companies that ranged in size and then, fairly quickly, in my 20s took the entrepreneurial leap into building a retail chain,\u201d Touwsma recalls. \u201cWhile in retail we acquired two locations and it only served to reinforce my passion for M&amp;A. After that, I launched a few different brands in the residential and commercial services arena. We grew to over 50 locations around the southeast mainly through M&amp;A.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Touwsma\u2019s story is a testament to the fact that if you\u2019re interested in working in M&amp;A, you don\u2019t need to worry about working solely for or with other mergers and acquisitions professionals. Rather, working on M&amp;A deals and understanding the process is the best way to gain experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLook for opportunities to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/blog\/basics\/job-shadowing\">shadow someone<\/a> in this field,\u201d Touwsma advises. \u201cEntrepreneurs are generally focused on product development and customer growth, and it is usually through M&amp;A work. Attorneys are also engaged in these transactions so seek advice from them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in the legal side of the mergers and acquisitions career path? Latham and Watkins\u2019 law <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/virtual-internships\/prototype\/jDTDRBDa5XfECcEk9\/LathamWatkins-Mergers-Acquisitions-Virtual-Experience-Program\">Mergers and Acquisitions program<\/a> walks you through a high-stakes M&amp;A transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-career-in-finance-is-right-for-me-quiz\">Which Career in Finance Is Right for Me? Quiz<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Is mergers and acquisitions the right career in finance for you? Take our quiz to figure out which career in finance could be right for you based on your interests and preferences. It\u2019s completely free \u2013 you\u2019ll just need to sign up to get your results.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_42' ><div id='gf_42' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data'  id='gform_42'  action='\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1045#gf_42' data-formid='42' novalidate>\n        <div id='gf_progressbar_wrapper_42' class='gf_progressbar_wrapper' data-start-at-zero='1'>\n        \t<p class=\"gf_progressbar_title\">Step <span class='gf_step_current_page'>1<\/span> of <span class='gf_step_page_count'>2<\/span><span class='gf_step_page_name'><\/span>\n        \t<\/p>\n            <div class='gf_progressbar gf_progressbar_blue' aria-hidden='true'>\n                <div class='gf_progressbar_percentage percentbar_blue percentbar_0' style='width:0%;'><span>0%<\/span><\/div>\n            <\/div><\/div>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_page_42_1' class='gform_page ' data-js='page-field-id-0' >\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class='gform_page_fields'><div id='gform_fields_42' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_42_11\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_42_11'>Phone<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_11' id='input_42_11' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_42_11'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><fieldset id=\"field_42_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Pick the TV show or movie you&#039;d be most likely to watch.<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_1'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_1_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_1' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_1_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_1_0' id='label_42_1_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. Moneyball<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_1_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_1' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_1_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_1_1' id='label_42_1_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. The Big Short<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_1_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_1' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_1_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_1_2' id='label_42_1_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. Ozark<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_1_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_1' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_1_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_1_3' id='label_42_1_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. Succession<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_1_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_1' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_1_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_1_4' id='label_42_1_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. The Accountant<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Which career accomplishment would you be most proud of?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_3'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_3_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_3_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_3_0' id='label_42_3_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. helping a family create a budget to pay off significant debt over several years<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_3_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_3_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_3_1' id='label_42_3_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. playing a key role in a corporation&#8217;s acquisition of another company<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_3_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_3_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_3_2' id='label_42_3_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. completing complex calculations to develop a flood insurance policy<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_3_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_3_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_3_3' id='label_42_3_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. implementing cybersecurity policies to protect a financial institution from fraud<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_3_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_3' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_3_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_3_4' id='label_42_3_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. designing a financial strategy to save a hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Which career aspect is most important to you?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_4'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_4_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_4' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_4_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_4_0' id='label_42_4_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. challenging work<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_4_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_4' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_4_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_4_1' id='label_42_4_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. flexibility<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_4_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_4' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_4_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_4_2' id='label_42_4_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. helping individuals, not corporations<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_4_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_4' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_4_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_4_3' id='label_42_4_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. earning potential<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_4_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_4' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_4_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_4_4' id='label_42_4_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. job security<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Which problem would you be most interested in working on?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_5'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_5_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_5' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_5_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_5_0' id='label_42_5_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. quantifying financial risks for a business<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_5_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_5' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_5_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_5_1' id='label_42_5_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. identifying the best investment strategy based on market data<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_5_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_5' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_5_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_5_2' id='label_42_5_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. writing code to add features to a budgeting app<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_5_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_5' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_5_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_5_3' id='label_42_5_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. developing individualized financial plans to help people manage their assets<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_5_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_5' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_5_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_5_4' id='label_42_5_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. forecasting a company&#8217;s future financial performance<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class='gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label'>\n                         <input type='button' id='gform_next_button_42_10' class='gform_next_button gform-theme-button button' onclick='gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);' data-submission-type='next' value='Next'  \/> \n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id='gform_page_42_2' class='gform_page' data-js='page-field-id-10' style='display:none;'>\n                    <div class='gform_page_fields'>\n                        <div id='gform_fields_42_2' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><fieldset id=\"field_42_6\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Which work environment and responsibility appeals to you the most?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_6'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_6_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_6_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_6_0' id='label_42_6_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. lots of face-to-face client meetings and well-paid, high-stakes work<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_6_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_6_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_6_1' id='label_42_6_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. quiet time to focus on mathematical computations with few distractions<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_6_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_6_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_6_2' id='label_42_6_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. collaborating in a team to build new website features for a brokerage firm<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_6_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_6_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_6_3' id='label_42_6_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. devising a financial plan to present to the company&#8217;s chief executives<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_6_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_6' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_6_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_6_4' id='label_42_6_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. working with people from all walks of life<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_7\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Imagine you&#039;re on a team developing a simulator game where the player is the CEO of a major corporation during a financial crisis. Which responsibility would you be most excited to take on?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_7'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_7_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_7' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_7_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_7_0' id='label_42_7_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. performing calculations that help the player gauge the potential consequences of their choices<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_7_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_7' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_7_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_7_1' id='label_42_7_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. programming the game interface<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_7_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_7' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_7_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_7_2' id='label_42_7_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. determining how the game will keep track of the fictional company&#8217;s financial assets<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_7_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_7' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_7_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_7_3' id='label_42_7_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. simulating how the market crash will impact different industries<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_7_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_7' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_7_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_7_4' id='label_42_7_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. writing suggestions to guide how the player should proceed in different situations<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Choose a downside of work that would bother you the least.<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_8'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_8_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_8' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_8_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_8_0' id='label_42_8_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. having little work-life balance and needing to respond to client questions at all hours<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_8_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_8' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_8_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_8_1' id='label_42_8_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. having a large portion of your income tied to financial markets out of your control<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_8_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_8' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_8_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_8_2' id='label_42_8_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. starting in an entry-level role that requires performing tedious calculations<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_8_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_8' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_8_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_8_3' id='label_42_8_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. challenging and mentally demanding work responsibilities<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_8_4'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_8' type='radio' value='c'  id='choice_42_8_4' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_8_4' id='label_42_8_4' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>e. slow progress on a project due to compliance and security requirements<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><fieldset id=\"field_42_9\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio gfield--width-full forage-calculated-question field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label' >Which book would you be most likely to read?<\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_radio'><div class='gfield_radio' id='input_42_9'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_9_0'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9' type='radio' value='b'  id='choice_42_9_0' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_9_0' id='label_42_9_0' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>a. a book about how behavioral economics influences personal finance decisions<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_9_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9' type='radio' value='a'  id='choice_42_9_1' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_9_1' id='label_42_9_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>b. a book about the tax code and regulation of corporations<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_9_2'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9' type='radio' value='d'  id='choice_42_9_2' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_9_2' id='label_42_9_2' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>c. a book about investment strategies and building wealth long-term<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class='gchoice gchoice_42_9_3'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_9' type='radio' value='e'  id='choice_42_9_3' onchange='gformToggleRadioOther( this )'    \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_42_9_3' id='label_42_9_3' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>d. a book about how insurance claims adjusters determine who is liable for catastrophes<\/label>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div 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For example, mergers and acquisitions were at play when Facebook acquired Instagram, when Kraft and Heinz teamed up to become KraftHeinz, or even when Logan Roy considered selling his company WayStar Royco in the last &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/careers\/mergers-acquisitions-good-career-path\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Is Mergers and Acquisitions a Good Career Path?<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1046,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"forage_sticky_bar_enabled":true,"forage_sticky_bar_content":"Increase your chances of landing a job you love.","forage_sticky_bar_button_text":"Sign 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