Financial services are a diverse set of industry sectors that include credit unions, banks, insurance companies, credit-card companies and investment firms. These industries play a critical role in helping individuals and businesses manage their finances, which is why they are so important to the economy.
As a result, jobs in the financial sector tend to be more secure than other occupations and can allow you to have more flexibility when it comes to switching roles or even locations. As well as this, the plethora of different areas to specialise in means that it is easier than ever to find the right job for you and your goals.
A good starting point is to look at which sectors interest you and see what qualifications and experience are needed for them. A quick google search will give you a list of relevant courses, but if you want to make a commitment then it is a good idea to sign up for one that is accredited by an industry body and gives you the opportunity to be put forward for professional accreditation in the future.
Another way to start is to read relevant publications, such as the Wall Street Journal or Barron’s. This will help you understand the key issues and challenges facing the industry and keep you up to date with what is happening. You may also want to consider signing up for a subscription to Value Line, a publication that provides independent financial analysis of stocks, mutual funds and private equity investments.
The benefits of a career in the financial services industry are varied, from good pay and promotion prospects to the chance to work with high-profile individuals and businesses on a daily basis. Many of these sectors have a very social atmosphere so it is not uncommon to make lifelong friends in the City and to meet people with similar work ethic.
Ultimately, a career in the financial services is exciting because it is constantly changing. There is always something new to learn, a new market to enter and new opportunities for expansion. This means that a good financial services professional is never bored and is always learning new things and improving their knowledge.
The best part of a career in the financial services is that you are working to help individuals and businesses thrive, which is something that everyone can get behind. If you would like to find out more about the many different opportunities that are available for you in this industry, then connect with our team of experienced consultants today. We have offices across the US, Europe and Asia, and we are ready to support you in your search for a great new role.