Have you ever thought to yourself that the career you’re in now is not the career you want to be in? You’re not alone on that front.
Many of us find ourselves stuck in a job that doesn’t spark our passion. How we ended up there, no one knows. Or maybe some people know because they didn’t have a choice at the time. But if you did have a choice, what would you do?
For some people, their calling lies in the artistic world. For others, maybe a job allows them to be the free spirit they want to be. For others, it could be a career in finance.
Let’s learn how to start a career in the finance industry:
Career opportunities in finance
The financial frontier has a lot of rewards in store for those who are passionate about it. The financial world keeps you constantly stimulated. It challenges you, keeps you on your toes, and teaches you to hone your skills. It teaches you to be flexible, adaptable, and professional. If you love the adrenaline rush of it all, then a career in finance could be the choice for you.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or trying to pick a major for college, a career in finance is something anyone can do if they want to. A love for numbers and all things finance is not the only skill you will need to be successful in this field, though.
Finance education
Technically, a degree is not exactly a necessity. But it certainly helps to put you at the forefront of other candidates. You get bonus points if you already have a degree in finance compared to a degree in any other field.
Finance education is something your hiring manager will be looking out for when they’re narrowing down their candidates. A candidate with a bachelor’s degree will always stand out more.
Enrolling in the relevant courses will prepare you for your new finance career. College courses and the relevant continuing courses are available for those interested. If you can find something relevant to your field and think you can benefit front, it might be worth enrolling in the courses to expand your portfolio.
Finance internship
If there is an opportunity for you to become a financial intern, that is something you should snatch. Internships are the best way to learn the ropes and get glimpses into what your career could be like with a financial company. This is where you finally decide if a career in finance is your choice.
Even if you have work experience already, an internship is not something that is beneath you. Especially when you are looking for a career change. Any kind of learning opportunity is always a great opportunity.
By ingratiating yourself in the company, you get to build networks and make connections. When you’re finally ready to begin your financial career, you’re already a few steps ahead of the candidate who didn’t do an internship. Get it?
Entry level finance jobs
This pill is hard to swallow, especially for those who decided to make a career switch. When you were working in a pretty good position before at your old job, starting from the bottom and working your way up again, it can feel that you’re taking several steps back instead of moving forward, but that is not the case.
Remember that you’re making a change into a whole new industry. A career in finance could be very different from what you were doing before. Everyone needs to learn the basics before they become masters of their craft. Consider taking on contract finance jobs to help you gain career experience in the short term.
Finance mentor
A mentor will be your guiding light as you navigate your way through the financial world for the first time. A mentor comes with experience, and they can share the wisdom and insight they have gained over their many years of work. A mentor will be one of your greatest assets as a beginner in this field.
Not only does a mentor help guide you through your career, but they can also connect you with the relevant people in the field who can help you along too. A mentor will also help you establish important goals to ensure your finance career is a surefire success.
Career fairs
If you’re looking for various options in one location, a career fair is where you need to be. This is where you get to ask questions to the companies that capture your interest and get a feel for what they are like. Bring a stack of resumes to hand out to the companies you get a good vibe from.