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The financial services sector offers many opportunities for success. Whether you’re interested in banking, becoming a financial advisor, or taking up another of the many paths financial services has to offer, this field is an excellent one to be in.But depending on which stage of your career you’re in, you may be a little nervous about getting into financial services. Many people want to work in this sector, and it’s normal to think that the skills required and barriers to entry are plentiful.The good news is, however, that a career in financial services is more in-reach than many think. Here are a few tips you can use to enter the industry.
Financial services may seem like a numbers game, but it’s more than that. Many in the sector agree that personality is especially important here. Though the tendency is to focus on technical skills and experience in an interview, it’s important to bring something extra to the table. So, when you go on an interview for a financial services position, make sure to let your personality shine. At the end of the day, that may hold more weight than your degree.
Similarly, your relationships within the industry can do a lot for you. Go to presentations on financial services. When you’re ready, hold your own. The people you meet there could open more doors than you think, especially if you find a mentor. This can introduce you to a wealth of information and contacts, making your entry into financial services all the easier.
At the beginning of any career, you may be required to burn the midnight oil. The financial services sector is no exception. Whether you’re building the aforementioned network from the ground up, or going the extra mile in an entry-level position, you may find yourself in the office on nights and weekends. Your attitude towards that fact may help you to take the next steps toward success.
If you can, it’s a good idea to take a financial course or get your MBA before getting into this field. However, that may not be an option for you. But that is not the end of your financial services journey.Though fields like accounting require special certifications, many don’t. So, if you have a degree in a completely unrelated field, you can still use the problem-solving and interpersonal skills you gained with it. The financial services field is vast and diverse, so don’t let the “wrong” degree hold you back.
Even if you can’t take a full course, spend some time learning about your chosen discipline online. You can also do informational interviews, explore job shadowing programs, and more. Even an internship or similar program can help to bridge a lot of knowledge gaps. You should take special care to know the terms of the industry. There is a lot of lingo used in financial services, and if you don’t know have that context, you could face a lot of hurdles.
Do not apply for every single job you’re slightly interested in. It’s important to know where you can fit into the financial services industry, and to sell yourself accordingly. It’s better to apply to a few positions that you really have a chance of excelling in than to send your resume to a lot of long-shot jobs.
Many organizations in the financial services sector rely on recruiters and headhunters to fill their positions. Therefore, if you have a relationship with a recruiter, you have a better chance of getting a foot in the proper door. Communication with the right channels is key and having someone vouching for you before you even go on an interview can make a huge difference.If you’d like some help breaking into the financial services industry, take a look at our job postings. If you choose to apply, one of our expert recruitment consultants will be in touch with appropriate opportunities.
