Getting into the financial industry could provide you with a wide variety of opportunities in your career, in terms of experience, interests, education, and skills, you can do very well there.
While it can be a competitive field, you could also take some steps to appeal to managers to secure a better position. Once you have then determined the positions in the industry that are most ideal for you, you can work out how you can best equip yourself for them, and start applying.
As a starting point in finance, you could always take a certification program from Corporate Finance Institute. It might give you an idea if finance is right for you, and if you should look into pursuing it as a full-time career!
What’s A Career In Finance?
A career in finance can be any position in a workplace that could involve working for a company in finance or has something to do with finances, for example, you could work for a bank, or credit union, you could be a personal accountant, or you could even be an accountant for a film or TV company! (they need them too!)
The finance industry can be one that supports high income roles, and plenty of organizations do provide the resources and training that are required to help you advance in your career.
What You Need For A Career In Finance?
Hiring HR personnel and managers will want to see that you are organized, analytical, dependable, and detail oriented. They will also want to ensure that their employees are able to manage relationships with others well, communicate well, and problem solve well.
Education and experience are also so important, but it can also provide assistance to have some experience in finance or a similar field. Volunteering or freelance opportunities are also helpful.
If you wish to attend college, look at your options, finance degrees and majors can be ideal, but marketing, business, and economics can help you along.
• A Bachelor's Degree
Although you do need a degree to work in finance, having extra education can really stand out to hiring managers. Remember, in any industry you are competing with other people for the role, you need to stand out.
If the job you want is specialized then you will need to get a degree in finance versus business or a field more related. Your education will also be able to make you aware of concepts and information that can be useful for your future career.
• Try An Internship
Internships can be incredibly helpful, they give you the opportunity to learn about the financial industry as you work for a company, it can give you a foresight into how your career could look going forward.
You should look into completing more internships, one is good, but multiple is better, do so in many areas of the financial industry. Internships can help you to expand what you know.
• Using Someone You Know On The Inside As A Referee
If you know someone who works at a company you are applying with, you should ask if you could use them as a reference. Most hiring managers will look at your resume and consider you if someone can vouch for you.
• Take Courses
You should take courses to help support the position that you are interested in the most.
You could also take licensing courses on many financial topics which will prepare you for a role inside the industry. These courses are typically unaffiliated with a university or college.
If you need a refresher, courses online from Udemy and so on can help, but they are not accredited. However, to truly become a qualified finance professional, enrolling in courses beyond just basic knowledge is essential. While small training programs can certainly provide a foundation of understanding, they may not be sufficient to advance your career to the next level. Instead, consider pursuing courses like the SIE, which can lead to becoming a registered representative in the securities industry upon passing the exam, or the CFA, which grants a globally recognized professional designation. You can find a test preparation website for the SIE study guide and material, CFA, or any other exam available online.
• Get A Mentor
Mentors can be a key part of starting a career in finance. Mentor roles can help guide you in your career, and will help to provide you with the skills you need to do well.
They can also help you to establish goals and help you plan to achieve your dreams. Mentors can be available via internship managers, supervisors, or even college professors.
• Try Careers Fairs
Careers fairs will give you the opportunity to speak to company representatives about their business and their opportunities. They can help you to understand what you need to get where you want to be, and what companies are looking for.
• Entry-Level Is The Way Up!
Starting entry-level is not ideal for everyone, you can earn promotions and work your way up. Start off small and challenge yourself. You can even explore job opportunities this way.
