Exploring the diverse landscape of career opportunities

In a world where change accelerates by the day, the career landscape is a dynamic tapestry weaving together traditional finance roles, emergent tech disciplines, and remote-friendly work models. By 2025, the smartest professionals are not simply chasing a single job title but building portfolio careers that blend analytics, creativity, and strategic thinking. From Wall Street to startup hubs, from insurance precincts to fintech laboratories, opportunities proliferate for those who understand market signals, key platforms, and how to translate skills across sectors. This article dives into the diverse landscape of career opportunities, offering a structured exploration of sectors, skill sets, mobility strategies, hiring dynamics, and practical roadmaps. Expect concrete examples, actionable guidance, and references to widely used platforms and resources such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, Handshake, The Muse, FlexJobs, ZipRecruiter, and AngelList. As you read, consider how to align your strengths with evolving demand, how to source roles in thriving ecosystems, and how to craft a plan that remains relevant through 2030 and beyond.

Exploring The Diverse Landscape Of Career Opportunities In Finance And Tech, 2025

The convergence of finance and technology has created a symbiotic environment where analytical rigor meets product innovation. In 2025, professionals who can interpret data, understand regulatory contexts, and communicate strategic implications across diverse audiences hold a distinct advantage. Traditional banking remains a stable anchor in many economies, yet it is increasingly complemented by agile fintech startups, insurtech platforms, and AI-driven risk management tools. This section examines why the landscape is no longer siloed and how to navigate it with a holistic plan.

To make sense of this evolving terrain, consider three guiding dynamics shaping opportunities today:

• Hybrid skill sets that blend quantitative analysis with storytelling and stakeholder management. A portfolio approach, rather than a single ladder, can maximize resilience across downturns and upswings.
• Global and remote work models that expand the horizon beyond local markets. Professionals can contribute to teams based in major hubs like New York, London, Singapore, or Dubai while maintaining flexibility for personal priorities.
• Tech-enabled finance domains (data science, machine learning in trading, risk analytics, blockchain applications) that increasingly redefine how value is created and measured.

In practice, 2025 job seekers benefit from thinking across four core domains: (1) traditional finance and corporate finance, (2) fintech product and data science, (3) risk, compliance, and regulatory technology, (4) operations and customer success in financial services. Here are representative paths that illustrate the breadth of opportunities you can pursue, whether you’re entering the field or seeking a pivot:

1. Investment Banking and Corporate Finance: advisory, valuation modeling, M&A, capital markets, and deal execution.
2. Fintech Product and Platform Engineering: product management for payment systems, digital wallets, or platform integration.
3. Financial Data Science and Analytics: risk forecasting, portfolio optimization, and performance benchmarking using advanced analytics.
4. Insurance and Risk Modeling: underwriting analytics, pricing optimization, and technology-enabled claims processing.
5. Regulatory Technology (RegTech): building solutions that help firms stay compliant with evolving rules and reporting standards.

To illustrate how these opportunities show up in real life, consider the following practical example. A mid-size bank in New York might combine data engineers, risk analysts, and product managers to launch a new AI-driven credit-scoring platform. The team integrates consumer data with alternative data signals, uses machine learning to refine risk thresholds, and then collaborates with marketing to tailor loan options. The project demonstrates how finance and technology intersect to deliver measurable outcomes—lower default rates, faster approvals, and better customer experience. For career managers, this example highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and the ability to translate technical insights into strategic decisions for executives and regulators alike.

As you navigate this landscape, you’ll likely rely on several widely used platforms to explore roles, assess company culture, and compare opportunities. LinkedIn is fundamental for networking and outreach; Glassdoor and Indeed provide company reviews and job listings, while Monster and CareerBuilder remain enduring search engines with broad reach. Handshake helps connect students and early-career professionals with employers, The Muse offers culture-oriented insights, and FlexJobs specializes in flexible and remote roles. Startups and venture-backed ventures often turn to AngelList for job postings and founder-led opportunities. Integrating these resources into a disciplined job-search routine can yield a broader set of options and reduce time-to-hire. For concrete guidance on current market conditions and hiring trends in 2025, two in-depth resources are worth consulting: the top US cities for finance in 2025 and AI-focused finance careers in Bellevue. Explore them here: Top US Cities Finance 2025 and AI Finance Careers Bellevue.

Key considerations for success include intentional networking, continuous learning, and a strategy that blends stability with experimentation. Early-career professionals should prioritize foundational certifications and hands-on project work that demonstrates impact. Mid-career professionals benefit from leadership development, cross-functional exposure, and a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes. Seasoned professionals should focus on strategic advisory roles, thought leadership, and mentoring the next generation. In all cases, staying current with market signals, regulatory developments, and technology trends is essential. This section lays the groundwork for deeper dives into skill-building, mobility, and hiring dynamics in the sections that follow.

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, Handshake, The Muse, FlexJobs, ZipRecruiter, AngelList are not merely search tools; they are ecosystems that enable ongoing learning, networking, and opportunity discovery. The combination of a strong professional profile, curated job alerts, and proactive outreach often accelerates career progression more effectively than waiting for the perfect opening to appear. For a practical view of how platforms differ in function and audience, consider reading recent employer perspectives and candidate experiences on these sites as you shape your plan for 2025 and beyond.

Section Prologue: The Interplay Between Finance And Technology

The collaboration between finance and technology is not a passing trend; it is shaping how firms compete, manage risk, and innovate products. For a career strategist, the takeaway is straightforward: cultivate a blend of quantitative acumen and strategic communication. This combination enables you to interpret data, tell compelling stories with insights, and influence decisions at the executive level. In the 2025 market, professionals who pair technical fluency with business storytelling are particularly valued in roles ranging from data-driven product management to risk analytics leadership.

In practice, you can begin building this blend with concrete steps:

• Take cross-disciplinary projects at work or through side ventures that require you to translate data into business decisions.
• Attend industry conferences or webinars focused on AI in finance, fintech regulation, or digital banking to stay current on regulatory and market developments.
• Join professional communities on LinkedIn groups, Glassdoor forums, and The Muse discussions to benchmark culture and career trajectories.
• Seek mentors who can help you connect technical outcomes to strategic value, including CFOs, heads of analytics, and product leaders.
• Experiment with portfolio projects that showcase end-to-end impact, such as a small ML model for credit scoring or a dashboard tracking liquidity risk across markets.

Examples Of Roles And Real-World Scenarios

Consider a mid-career professional in risk management who pivots toward fintech product leadership. They might lead the development of a compliant, scalable risk platform that enables a financial services company to launch new credit lines in a digital channel. The success hinges on collaboration across data scientists, software engineers, compliance officers, and sales teams. Another example is a data engineer moving into a strategic operations role, where they design data pipelines that empower strategic forecasting and scenario planning for executive leadership. In both cases, the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders becomes a core differentiator.

• Cross-functional projects that combine analytics with product strategy
• Shadowing opportunities with senior leaders to understand decision-making processes
• Hands-on experiments with data visualization tools and predictive modeling
• Participation in regulatory and governance discussions to appreciate constraints and opportunities

As you explore these possibilities, you’ll also encounter a spectrum of compensation and progression pathways. Some roles offer fast upward momentum in startups or scaleups, while others provide deeper specialization in established financial institutions. Either path can be highly rewarding if it aligns with your core strengths and long-term goals. The next sections will unpack how to build the necessary skills, how to navigate mobility across markets, and how to optimize your approach to hiring and career development.

Key Resources And Actionable Steps

• Enroll in certifications that complement your current skill set, such as financial data analytics, risk management, or product leadership.
• Regularly review job postings on LinkedIn and Glassdoor to identify in-demand qualifications and common gaps to fill.
• Keep a digital portfolio of projects that demonstrate measurable impact—think revenue uplift, risk reduction, or time-to-market improvements.
• Engage with mentors and peers via Handshake and The Muse to gather insights on company culture and growth opportunities.
• Experiment with remote or hybrid roles to gain experience across different regulatory environments and customer bases.

Case Study And Practical Takeaways

In a case study from a European insurer, a team implemented a data-driven pricing model that leveraged external data sources to adjust premiums in near real-time. The initiative required collaboration among actuaries, data scientists, IT, and field operations, with strong governance to address privacy concerns. The result was improved pricing accuracy and a 12% increase in policy profitability within a year, while maintaining regulatory compliance. The lesson for readers is clear: cross-functional collaboration, paired with disciplined analytics and governance, drives meaningful outcomes in both mature institutions and nimble startups.

To support your journey, keep these practical steps in mind:

• Map your current skills to potential roles in finance and tech, identifying at least three target positions per domain.
• Schedule informational interviews with professionals on LinkedIn to learn about daily responsibilities and growth opportunities.
• Build a learning plan that includes both technical training and soft skills development, such as storytelling and stakeholder management.
• Track your progress with quarterly goals and adjust your plan based on feedback and market signals.

Related Reading And External Resources

For readers seeking deeper context on market dynamics and career opportunities in 2025, two external references offer a broader view of current conditions and future directions: Top US Cities Finance 2025 and AI Finance Careers Bellevue. These pieces help you understand where demand concentrates and how AI-enabled finance roles are evolving in specific markets.

Throughout this journey, remember that your career strategy is a living plan. It should be revisited quarterly, with adjustments made in response to new opportunities, regulatory changes, and shifts in technology. The sections that follow offer structured approaches to skill-building, mobility, and hiring dynamics that you can adapt to your own circumstances.

Paths And Pathways: How To Build A Flexible Career Across Industries

Flexibility is increasingly embedded in successful career design. Rather than chasing a single ladder, a growing number of professionals construct a multi-thread career—spanning core financial expertise, data-driven decision-making, and product leadership. In 2025, the most resilient professionals are adept at shifting between roles that leverage similar skill sets but offer different daily tasks, environments, and impact metrics. This section presents a framework for building such a flexible path, with concrete steps and illustrative scenarios drawn from finance, insurance, tech, and startup ecosystems.

At the heart of this framework is the concept of “portfolio competencies”—a curated set of capabilities that can be recombined to address new problems. For example, mastery in quantitative analysis can feed into risk modeling, pricing analytics, or customer analytics for a fintech platform. Effective communication and collaboration convert these analyses into strategic actions that executives can champion. The following subsections break down the essential components of this approach.

Core Discipline Orbits

Successful career builders in 2025 tend to cultivate competencies across several interlocking domains. First is data literacy: the ability to read, interpret, and communicate data-driven insights with credibility. Second is financial acumen: understanding how capital, risk, liquidity, and value creation interact. Third is product and operations literacy: knowing how technology, processes, and people intersect to deliver value to customers. Fourth is regulatory awareness: understanding how laws shape risk, disclosure, and governance. Fifth is human-centered leadership: the capability to mentor, persuade, and align teams around shared goals. Each orbit reinforces the others, creating a versatile foundation for transitions between roles or industries.

• Data fluency: SQL, Python/R basics, data visualization, storytelling with numbers
• Financial analysis: forecasting, valuation methods, cost of capital, capital budgeting
• Product sense: problem-framing, roadmap alignment, user research, metrics that matter
• Regulatory literacy: compliance, risk governance, reporting standards
• People leadership: collaboration, conflict resolution, mentoring

In practice, a portfolio-competence approach enables a finance professional to transition into a fintech product leadership role, or a risk manager to spearhead enterprise-wide analytics programs. The key is to identify transferables—skills that remain valuable as the work context changes—and to demonstrate them through tangible results. A practical path might involve targeted certifications, cross-functional projects, and deliberate networking with stakeholders in adjacent disciplines.

Learning And Certification Pathways

Certification remains a powerful signal to employers that you are serious about expanding your skill set. Consider a sequence that blends finance fundamentals with data and product knowledge. For example, completing a CFA program or FRM can underpin a risk-focused trajectory, while pursuing data analytics certificates (such as Python for data science and data visualization) opens doors to predictive modeling and decision science. For product-oriented ambitions, formal training in product management, agile methodologies, and user experience can complement technical background. In many cases, employers value demonstrable outcomes more than credentials alone, so coupling coursework with a real-world project portfolio is essential.

• Finance credentials: CFA, FRM, CPA, or CPA-equivalent depending on jurisdiction
• Data and tech credentials: Python, SQL, Tableau/Power BI, machine learning basics
• Product and leadership: Product Management certifications, Agile, Scrum
• Leadership and strategy: executive education, negotiation, and stakeholder management

When selecting a certification or learning path, align with your target roles and the time you can invest. For those exploring cross-border opportunities, be mindful of regulatory regimes and language requirements that can influence mobility and visa considerations. Networking remains a critical lever: connect with professionals on LinkedIn and attend industry meetups to uncover unadvertised opportunities and gain insights into organizational cultures.

Illustrative scenarios demonstrate how flexible paths unfold in practice. A banking analyst might take a data analytics certificate, join a fintech startup as a product analyst, and then step into a product leadership role overseeing risk and pricing. A traditional insurer could build a data science track to optimize underwriting and claims processing, eventually moving into a strategic analytics leader position. Each transition benefits from a clear narrative that connects prior achievements to new responsibilities, with quantifiable outcomes to support the case.

Practical Roadmap For 18 Months

• Months 1–6: Build foundational skills; select a target domain and complete at least one certification.
• Months 7–12: Apply learnings to real projects; seek cross-functional assignments; network with mentors.
• Months 13–18: Take on leadership responsibilities in small-scale initiatives; prepare a portfolio of outcomes and impact.

To reinforce this section, consider exploring global mobility dynamics and remote-work implications, with emphasis on how you can position yourself to seize opportunities across major financial hubs and rising tech centers. The broader hiring environment in 2025 continues to reward those who demonstrate adaptability, measurable impact, and the ability to translate complex data into strategic decisions.

Global Mobility And Remote Work: Adaptation In A Borderless Job Market

Global mobility and remote work have transformed from niche options into mainstream work realities. In 2025, many firms offer hybrid arrangements and location-agnostic teams, enabling talent to serve diverse markets without relocating. Yet mobility remains contingent on regulatory clarity, tax implications, and alignment with company strategy. This section dissects how to navigate cross-border opportunities, the advantages and trade-offs of remote work, and practical steps to position yourself as a preferred candidate for globally distributed teams.

Key themes shaping mobility include regulatory alignment, language and cultural adaptability, and the ability to maintain collaboration across different time zones. For finance professionals, the ability to work with clients and stakeholders across geographies adds credibility and resilience to your profile. It also expands the range of employers—from multinational banks and insurers to regional fintechs and growth-stage startups—that you can realistically join.

One practical approach is to pursue roles with explicit international exposure or teams that support multi-market product launches. If you envision a future with cross-border leadership, begin by identifying markets where your skills are in high demand and developing a plan to build local credibility. A concrete starting point is to study market-specific hiring signals, such as the demand for quantitative risk analysts in certain jurisdictions or for insurance pricing specialists in tech-forward markets. The interplay between local regulatory expertise and global scalability is a compelling value proposition for many employers.

• Engage in cross-market projects at your current employer to demonstrate adaptability and impact.
• Learn the regulatory context of at least two markets relevant to your target roles—this could include data privacy, financial crime controls, and reporting requirements.
• Develop a time-zone aware collaboration routine; schedule regular check-ins that accommodate teams across continents.
• Explore remote-friendly sectors where your role translates well across borders, such as data analytics, compliance tech, and fintech product management.
• Network with professionals who have successfully transitioned across regions; seek mentors who can provide guidance on visa processes and market-entry strategies.

To illustrate mobility in practice, imagine a risk analyst in New York seeking opportunities with teams in Dubai or Singapore. The candidate’s success would depend on a combination of domain expertise, cross-border regulatory knowledge, and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders who operate under different market norms. A well-constructed plan includes targeted learning modules, a clear set of portfolio projects, and a strategy for building professional relationships that endure across roles and locations.

Relocation And Remote-First Realities

Relocation remains a viable path for many early-career professionals, especially when it unlocks access to high-demand markets. However, remote-first and distributed-team models have become equally viable options for senior roles and specialized functions. When evaluating opportunities, consider factors such as time-zone overlap, access to client ecosystems, and the company’s track record in supporting global teams. The right environment can accelerate your career growth while enabling you to maintain your preferred lifestyle.

• Test a short-term international assignment or a remote role before committing to relocation.
• Ask prospective employers about visa 지원, relocation packages, and cross-border payroll considerations.
• Research tax implications and social security arrangements in target locations to avoid surprises.
• Seek roles with multi-market responsibilities to maximize exposure and learning.

As mobility remains a central feature of the modern career, 2025 job seekers should actively seek opportunities that offer geographic breadth or virtual collaboration across regions. The environment rewards those who can navigate complexity with clarity, maintain consistent performance, and articulate how global experiences translate into business value.

Hiring And Job Search In 2025: Platforms, Tools, And Best Practices

Hiring in 2025 continues to be shaped by a blend of traditional channels and digital marketplaces that facilitate connections between employers and a diverse candidate pool. The most effective job seekers approach this landscape with a disciplined process: building a compelling profile, leveraging targeted search tools, and engaging in strategic outreach. In finance and tech, the competition is intense, but the right approach yields outsized returns through better matches and accelerated hiring timelines. This section outlines a practical framework for navigating the hiring ecosystem, with concrete steps, platform guidance, and real-world best practices.

The core strategy rests on three pillars: (1) profile optimization and personal branding, (2) proactive outreach and networking, and (3) systematic evaluation of opportunities using credible signals and cultural fit cues. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, CareerBuilder, Handshake, The Muse, FlexJobs, ZipRecruiter, and AngelList each play distinct roles. For example, LinkedIn is powerful for discovery and networking; Glassdoor and Indeed provide company insights and broad listings; Handshake shines for early career and student pathways; The Muse emphasizes culture; FlexJobs focuses on flexible roles; ZipRecruiter aggregates multi-channel postings; AngelList connects startups with talent. Mastery of these tools, combined with a strong narrative and quantifiable results, increases your odds of landing meaningful opportunities in 2025.

As you search, consider the following concrete tactics:

• Develop a polished LinkedIn profile with a clear value proposition, quantified achievements, and a media portfolio (presentations, dashboards, case studies).
• Use Glassdoor and Indeed to research company culture, compensation ranges, and interview experiences; compare against peers.
• Engage with recruiters and hiring managers on Handshake and AngelList to uncover unadvertised roles and startups with growth potential.
• Monitor specialist platforms like The Muse for culture-fit signals; use FlexJobs for flexible or remote opportunities that align with your life preferences.
• Set up targeted job alerts and weekly outreach plans to maintain momentum without becoming overwhelmed.

To put this into practice, let’s anchor two relevant resources that provide a sense of where opportunity is expanding, and how to approach hiring in these contexts. The first link highlights finance-centric opportunities in major metros for 2025; the second demonstrates how AI-focused finance careers are evolving in Bellevue and similar tech-forward cities. Top US Cities Finance 2025 and AI Finance Careers Bellevue.

Additionally, real-time hiring signals show that market demand can shift quickly. Employers across sectors increasingly value adaptability, collaboration, and demonstrated impact over traditional tenure. A practical approach is to target roles with explicit cross-functional teams, where your ability to bridge disciplines will be as important as the technical requirements. Networking remains essential; purposefully connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, attending industry meetups, and participating in hiring events can help you access opportunities that aren’t publicly posted.

• LinkedIn networking and profile optimization
• Company research on Glassdoor and Indeed to calibrate expectations
• Proactive engagement with recruiters on Handshake and AngelList

Finally, integrate social content and thought leadership into your application strategy. Writing concise, data-driven posts that outline your approach to solving real problems can attract attention from hiring managers who value problem-solving capabilities and a proactive mindset. In tandem, tailor your resume and cover letters to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the company’s strategic priorities and culture.

Case Studies And Practical Roadmaps For The Next Five Years

In this closing section, we turn to concrete roadmaps, illustrated with case studies and forward-looking plans designed to help you operationalize the ideas discussed above. The intent is to provide actionable steps you can implement now, with a clear sense of how to iterate as markets evolve. The cases emphasize not only what to do, but also how to measure success, adjust course, and continue learning.

The first case study considers a mid-career professional transitioning from risk management into fintech product leadership. The person starts by acquiring a data analytics certification, taking on a cross-functional project that requires collaboration with product, engineering, and marketing teams. Over several quarters, they deliver a risk dashboard with a measurable reduction in false positives and improved customer onboarding times. This combination of technical capability and cross-functional influence makes them an attractive candidate for a senior product-management role that collaborates closely with risk and compliance teams.

• Case Study A: Risk management professional pivots to fintech product leadership with measurable outcomes.
• Case Study B: Data analytics expert moves into enterprise-scale risk forecasting and governance.
• Case Study C: Insurance analytics specialist leads pricing optimization initiatives across digital channels.

These cases illustrate that deliberate learning, cross-functional engagement, and results-driven storytelling are essential to progressing in a rapidly changing job market. The recommended five-year plan centers on three pillars: skill augmentation, network expansion, and project impact. The five-year horizon allows you to diversify into adjacent fields—such as regulatory technology or product analytics—while maintaining depth in your core expertise. A practical habit is to document quarterly progress with measurable metrics and to refresh your narrative based on feedback from mentors and peers.

As you implement your roadmap, keep an eye on market signals that indicate shifts in demand. For example, regulatory changes, the emergence of new financial products, or a surge in AI-enabled decision-making across financial services can all redefine which skills are most valuable. Always connect the dots between your work and tangible business outcomes—revenue, cost savings, risk mitigation, or customer satisfaction. The strongest career trajectories in 2025 combine depth with breadth, enabling you to respond deftly to evolving opportunities and to lead with confidence when the time comes to expand or pivot.

For ongoing reference and inspiration, you can also explore additional case studies and practical insights on the platforms mentioned in this article. The goal is to empower you to chart an informed path that aligns with your values, strengths, and long-term ambitions while staying adaptable to the changing world of work.

In addition to practical steps, consider a curated list of resources and platforms that can support your job search and professional development. The following are widely used by career professionals across industries:

• LinkedIn for networking and profile optimization
• Glassdoor and Indeed for company insights and job listings
• Monster and CareerBuilder for broad job search reach
• Handshake for campus-to-career pathways
• The Muse for culture insights
• FlexJobs for flexible and remote roles
• ZipRecruiter for distributed job postings
• AngelList for startup opportunities

Finally, the hiring landscape in 2025 is increasingly shaped by how well you align your skills with business impact. Whether you remain in a traditional finance track or explore the frontier of AI-enabled finance and fintech, the ability to translate data into decisions—and decisions into value—will define your success. The practical roadmaps outlined here are designed to be adaptable to your context, enabling you to refine your plan as the market evolves and as you gain more experience.

Note: The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, like many public and private institutions, maintains an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) policy. The emphasis is on equal access and fair treatment regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex, or sexual orientation. This framework is a reminder that opportunity should be accessible, inclusive, and based on merit and potential.

FAQ

What platforms should I prioritize for a finance-tech career in 2025?

Begin with LinkedIn for networking and profile optimization; use Glassdoor and Indeed to research potential employers; supplement with Handshake for early-career opportunities, The Muse for culture insights, and AngelList for startup roles. FlexJobs can help identify flexible or remote positions. Start with one or two platforms that best fit your target roles and gradually broaden your ecosystem as you gain confidence and results.

How can I demonstrate impact when transitioning across sectors?

Focus on concrete outcomes: quantify improvements in revenue, cost savings, or risk reduction from projects you led or contributed to. Build a small portfolio with dashboards, models, or case studies that show end-to-end work. Always tie your achievements to business objectives and present them in a narrative that is accessible to non-technical stakeholders.

Is relocation essential for finance careers in 2025?

Relocation remains a possibility but is no longer a prerequisite for many roles. Global mobility and hybrid arrangements allow talent to contribute from diverse locations. If relocation is not feasible, target remote-friendly roles or positions that require periodic travel. Prioritize companies with clear policies for distributed teams and visa support where applicable.

Which certifications deliver the best return on investment?

Certifications that bridge finance, data, and product—such as CFA/FRM for risk and finance fundamentals, data analytics certificates for data-driven decision-making, and product-management credentials for leadership roles—are typically strong signals. The best ROI comes when you pair credentials with concrete project outcomes that demonstrate business impact.

1. Explore the portfolio of opportunities across finance and technology; identify at least three target roles per domain.
2. Develop a 18–24 month plan combining learning, projects, and networking; review quarterly.
3. Track outcomes with quantitative metrics; adjust your plan based on feedback and market shifts.