Embarking on a career in finance can be both thrilling and intimidating. Navigating the competitive finance industry can be overwhelming for anyone. If you’re committed to pursuing a career in finance, having the right guidance is crucial.
Here is all you must know to jumpstart your career in finance:
First, Earn Your Degree
The first step to starting a successful career in finance is to earn a degree. You can think about MBA vs. master’s in finance as top options and choose after weighing the pros and cons of either.
While you may not always need a degree for a successful career in finance, a degree with good grades can certainly make you stand out among your competitors. These degrees are not just pieces of paper but also valuable opportunities for you to learn valuable financial concepts and relevant skills.
Individuals with a degree in finance also have a higher potential of securing more specialized jobs and also have higher chances of being promoted to better positions.
Start Seeking Internships as Soon as Possible
Once you have completed your educational journey, the next step is to seek an internship. An internship can be another opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in the financial industry. But that is not all. An internship in the finance industry opens doors to several more opportunities.
While most internships may not seem to be financially satisfactory, choosing top-tier companies for this endeavor can benefit you professionally more than anything else.
For example, networking is another important benefit of internships you must consider. The relationships you make during your internships can help you apply for other positions. In addition, you can also use your internship experience with hiring managers when you apply for jobs.
Ask for Referrals and Letters of Recommendation
Once you build a strong network, you can start seeking companies you want to work with. If you are lucky, one of your contacts might be working for the company you are applying to. There is no harm in asking them for referrals.
Having a reference means that someone can verify that you are qualified enough for the job you are applying for. Even if you do not have a referral in the company you are applying to, you can ask someone from the previous company to be your referral.
Whether a coworker, supervisor, or employer, referrals can help you progress in your career and achieve your goals.
Find an Entry Level Role to Start Building Your Resume Up
The entire job market in it is more competitive than ever, let alone finance. While there is nothing wrong with dreaming big, starting your career in finance at an entry-level is realistically where you will start to get your feet wet and build your experience. These roles typically tend to be easier to earn if you have prior internship experience, and in some cases, interns can turn their temporary role into a full-time gig.
Some positions may not even be directly linked to finance, but they can help you in your career in the long run. You can work for well-renowned companies to secure medals to be displayed on your resume.
These jobs can give you the necessary experience to understand the financial field and choose your sub-niche with confidence. The jobs may continue to benefit you throughout your career in finance.
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