If you’ve long had an aptitude or passion for managing money, then a career in finance is probably for you. How do you get started on that career path, though?
To boost your chances of forging a career in the field of finance, initially, you have to do things that’ll make you stand out from the crowd, you have to network efficiently, and you have to understand what employers expect from fresh finance applicants. To see what needs to be done exactly, read on.
Get graduated
A prospective employer is not going to look twice at you if you don’t have the qualifications they deem necessary for employment. So, at the very least, make sure to get yourself a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Accounting. If you want to really stand out to employers, however, then you should take it one step further by enrolling yourself in an M.S. in Applied Economics course. Taking this postgrad route and earning your degree will help you stand out from the crowd. What’s more, you’ll leave with an extended knowledge about all things data analysis, econometrics, and forecasting, meaning you’ll be able to face any finance problem that comes your way later in your career.
Combining academic qualifications with relevant certifications showcases your dedication to professional development and demonstrates to prospective employers that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the finance and accounting industry. Certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) are highly respected and sought after by employers. To prepare for the certification exams, you can find study materials such as this free study guide for Series 7 test that offers comprehensive materials, practice questions, and helpful tips to help you succeed in your preparation. Utilizing such resources can strengthen your knowledge in key areas and increase your chances of passing the exam.
Start a finance blog
By starting and maintaining a finance blog, preferably during your time in education, you will show yourself to be someone that has a diverse skill set and a technological dexterity, both of which being things that employers love to see in their applicants. More importantly, starting a blog will give you the platform to really showcase your financial knowledge and acumen — when done correctly, this online medium will only accentuate your CV or LinkedIn page.
To blog correctly, you should show that you have the ability to crunch any numbers and work out any financial fiasco, be it through written posts or uploaded vlogs. You must also show that you are dedicated enough to keep the content coming by uploading fresh blog pieces every day.
Find yourself a mentor
As a financial fledgling who is looking to make it all the way to the top of the field, it is wise to find yourself a mentor who has been there and done it. Doing so will jump-start your career in the best way possible, it provides you with invaluable knowledge right when you need it the most, and it will open up new opportunities for you later on down the line.
Who should this mentor be? It can be anybody who you feel has the know-how and the ability to provide you with all the help you need right at the beginning of your time in finance. It could be a professor at your college or university, for instance, or it could even be a friend or relation of yours who has already had a successful career.
Starting out as a financial fledgling can be daunting, but sticking it out is worthwhile because one day you could find yourself looking back on a highly successful and highly lucrative career.