Much of the requirements to start a career in Finance are academic based and that is because the course itself requires its master to be so equipped with adequate knowledge in order to stay successful in carrying out operations in different organizations.
As said earlier, many finance-related careers demand extensive knowledge in business management, mathematics, statistics, economics and accounting principles. People looking to start a career in finance often pursue college degrees, complete certifications and training and take on internships and entry-level positions to gain work experience.
While you don’t technically have to earn a degree to work in finance, extra schooling can help you stand out to a hiring manager and remain on track with the other candidates for a particular role.
Especially if the job you want is more specialized, you can likely benefit from earning your degree in finance versus business or another related field. Your education can also expose you to financial concepts and valuable information that you can use in your future career.
Requirements
This speaks of why the requirements for this course summed to three parts. These are
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Credentials
Most financial positions require professional credentials. Depending on the type of role, these credentials can include professional certifications, college degrees and licenses. For instance, you may choose to earn a degree in accounting to pursue careers in the accounting sector, like tax or corporate accounting roles.
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Skills
Finance skills are another essential requirement for a career in this field. Employers often look for skills that are specific to the role. For instance, a financial analyst may require more advanced skills in data analysis than a bookkeeper who only performs and monitors accounting calculations for immediate business operations. The skills you develop for your career can vary depending on the role you’re interested in pursuing.
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Experience
Employers may also look for a certain amount of professional experience when hiring for open positions. For example, midlevel personnel like financial analysts, consultants and advisers often have multiple years of experience working in the field. Conversely, a position in bookkeeping may require less experience.
Starting a Career in Finance
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Internship
An internship gives you the opportunity to learn more about the financial industry as you work for a company that can give you a glimpse into how your career may progress. Consider completing more than one internship, each in a different part of the financial industry, as each internship can expand your knowledge and help you focus on your interests and desired career path.
Another benefit of internships is that you can build your professional network to include those you’re working alongside. When you’re applying for positions, these same coworkers may help you secure a position. You can also share your internship experience with the hiring manager during job interviews or update your resume to include your internship projects and accomplishments.
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Referrals
If one of your contacts works at the company you’re applying to, ask if you can use them as a referral. Many hiring managers are more willing to look at your resume and consider you for the position if someone can verify that you’re a qualified candidate. In addition, consider requesting a referral from a previous employer, supervisor or colleague to showcase your ability to fulfill the job requirements of the role you’re interested in pursuing.
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Professional Courses
You can choose college courses or continuing education courses that support the kind of position you’re most interested in pursuing. For example, instead of opting for psychology courses, you may focus on business, accounting, economics or ethics courses that can teach you skills and expose you to concepts that can make you a stronger job candidate. You can also take licensing courses on varying financial topics, which can prepare you for a role in the industry. These types of courses typically take place through regulatory authorities, rather than colleges and universities.
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Mentorship
A mentor can be an important part of starting your career in finance. The mentor’s role is to guide you in your career, providing you with the resources for success and helping you grow confident in your skills. Your mentor can help you establish your goals and develop a plan to achieve them. To find a mentor, consider asking your internship manager or supervisor, a college professor or someone else you know who has a successful finance career.
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Fairs
Career fairs also offer opportunities to secure a job offer in finance. At a career fair, you can talk to company representatives about their organizations and the opportunities available to candidates with your qualifications. Sometimes, you can leave a copy of your resume with these individuals, and some even conduct preliminary interviews during the event.
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Entry-level Position
If you want to work in finance, consider starting in an entry-level position. Even if the role isn’t directly in finance, you may find that you can earn promotions and later apply for the job you’re most interested in having. For example, you may explore a job opportunity as a human resources generalist for a major financial firm or as an office assistant for your local credit union.
