Working in finance is something many people want, and this is why you need to set yourself apart from the rest. Here are some great tips that will help you stay ahead of your competition.
From the research we have done, we have found out that employers in the financial industry are looking for employees that have mastered “soft skills”. What are soft skills? This means the ability to communicate well and translate industry jargon – which is something that a financial services course is going to help with.
Get networking
This is an important thing because you don’t have t be told the more contacts you have in the finance industry, the easier it is to get a job. Most specialist jobs are not going to be advertised using traditional methods, i.e., newspapers like in the old days. This makes it a little more challenging for you to find your dream job. A good way of locating such jobs is through networking. Networking is going to help you get your dream job, and also get you your first job in a field or industry you love. A good way to start networking is by attending industry-related events, checking social media, and joining industry organizations. LinkedIn has become one of the top places where people connect with organizations for jobs in payments and financial services.
Getting professional qualifications
Employers today are looking for graduates not only with high grades but also those with more to show for themselves. Having a degree is no longer enough – even if you get first-class honors. You need to get professional qualifications. When you get professional qualifications alongside your degree is going to make you more attractive to employers. There are some higher-level finance jobs that require professional qualifications or accreditations recognized in the finance industry.
The Financial Services degree has modules based on Chartered Management Institute Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership and Chartered Insurance Institute Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. When you complete the elements above, you are going to have the chance of taking exams to complete the professional qualifications.
Work experience
Work experience in this industry could be the difference between you and the rest. It is important to try your best to get work experience even if it is for a short time. when you have work experience, you get the chance of getting the feel and understanding the finance industry. It is also going to help you when looking for a job because the employer is going to see that you are ready to get started with work.
Gaining soft skills
As previously mentioned, soft skills are very important if you want to have a great career in the finance industry. Such skills are very important and you might not necessarily get them from studying or even your degree. High-level finance jobs will prefer those with great communication skills and leadership skills. You can gain such skills by taking a part-time job where you have to interact and face customers. The skills can also be gained from everyday life. Either way, you need to keep working on these skills because they are invaluable, and might even improve other areas of your life. Always look for opportunities that you can use in developing and enhancing your speaking and presentation skills. A good example is speaking up in class. You will gain a lot by taking the time to improve your soft skills.
