When it comes to building a career in the financial sector, you will soon discover it is one of the most competitive but rewarding industries you can find. It offers excellent job prospects, and not only will you enjoy the career you have chosen, but you will also be able to access the benefits of earning a lot of money and potentially reaching the dizzying heights at the top of your firm by the time you reach the age of just 30. So how do you go about getting a job in the finance sector?
The key facts
Educational institutions such as Marian University help many young up-and-coming finance candidates achieve their dream job with online degrees, and they have a lot of advice about getting work. Entry-level positions are the most competitive, so do not be afraid to take on an internship, which, although unpaid, will offer you the chance to gain valuable experience and get your face known with management. Of course, there are opportunities at a higher level, but you don’t need an MBA to get you started, although, of course, it wouldn’t hurt.
Be persistent
If at first you don’t succeed, don’t be afraid to try again. Internships crop up at various points, so whether you are between college years or are finishing a graduate program, it helps to apply for several internships as the competition is fierce. Some internships in finance are actually paid, which is even better for earning some extra cash during your summer holidays.
Many also offer extra academic credit, which is obviously beneficial. Be warned that internships can be slightly dull and repetitive, but it is a learning experience, and you are networking and gaining references. It also introduces you to the language used in the workplace and gives you real-life experience to discuss when you go to an interview.
Immerse yourself
As mentioned above, one of the great ways you can prepare yourself for a career in finance is to learn the terms used. This means that you should be reading financial journals and publications wherever possible. Immerse yourself in the world of finance as if you were already working in that field. Key acronyms like BPS, EBITDA, and MBS are going to crop up a lot, and if you don’t know what they mean, it’s time to do some more homework. Take extra classes and get reading. Of course, any study in the area is going to benefit you in the future, so if you’re struggling to find a job, consider staying in education a bit longer, grabbing intern work in the holidays, and when you’ve completed that, you will be able to bypass entry-level jobs altogether.
These are just some of the foundation points of getting into the finance sector. However, with the basics unpinned, you will have a grasp on what you need to do to break into your dream job. So, start researching the qualifications required and begin your journey to a rewarding career in the finance industry.
