Working in the finance industry can be incredibly rewarding, and there’s always a high demand for experienced and competent professionals. The industry is home to a range of opportunities depending on your experience, qualifications and ambitions, and although it’s competitive, you can progress quickly if you have the right mindset.
In recent years, the finance industry has changed a lot thanks to the introduction of financial technology, better known as FinTech. This, along with the challenges posed by economic uncertainty, make the financial industry incredibly interesting to work in.
Finance industry careers include any job that entails working for a financial corporation or involves finances at an organisation. You might classify a customer service agent for a bank and an accountant at a restaurant chain, for instance, as having careers in finance. The financial sector may accommodate higher-paying positions, and many organisations offer the resources and training required to secure growth possibilities. Getting started in finance can be challenging, but you can follow these steps.
Finding the Right Education
In any career, your education will be a huge factor in the opportunities you can expect to encounter. The better your education in the subject, the more chances you’ll have of finding a well-paying job. The same is true in finance, and you need to think about your options before you commit. If you want to work in accountancy, for example, you’ll want to look at accountancy degrees. For a career in business finance, executive finance courses online might be a better option.
You don’t necessarily need a university-level education to work in finance, but earning a bachelor’s degree can help you stand out and start on the right path. This is especially important if you’d like a specialised role within the finance industry, as you’ll need to show that you have the right knowledge and skills to succeed.
Gaining an Internship
While an education from a course or university is important, you’ll still need experience within the industry to learn more about how everything works. Internships are an excellent way to start your career, letting you learn as you work and broadening your knowledge of the industry. It can be beneficial to work at several different companies to give yourself a better idea of how different companies work within the same sector.
Not only will an internship give you valuable experience, it will also help you develop your network and contacts within finance. By working closely with coworkers already in the industry, you’ll be able to create professional connections that may help you in your future career. Don’t forget to show examples of the work you did during your internships when in your job interview.
Show Interest in Your Field
In any career, having knowledge and experience is important, but having a genuine interest and passion for what you do can really help you stand out. When it comes to hiring, managers are looking for someone that will apply themselves in every way and go above and beyond to deliver results. If you want to be successful, showing an interest in your field is important. You can do this by completing personal projects, attending industry events and staying up to date with the latest trends.
Showing an interest in your field has the added effect of increasing your knowledge and helping you stand out from any other candidates during the hiring process. You’ll have a better understanding of finance and the specific area you’re interested in working in. This will also help you form professional connections and hopefully lead to a more successful and fulfilling career.
