If you love mathematics and business subjects in your school days, a career in finance could be just right for you. The finance industry has significantly evolved over time, and those who aspire to pursue a career in finance can find ample opportunities. For aspirants, especially fresh graduates, who are starting out in finance, getting the first job can be quite crucial. It could help you get invaluable knowledge and experience, and hone your skills. In this post, we will discuss how to kick start a career in finance with no experience, and secure your dream job in the future.
A step-by-step guide to pursue your career in finance
With the growth of the financial sector, it has created more jobs with many roles for people who lack experience or even a degree. These steps will help you learn about how to get into the development finance in London sector and present your skills to the employer.
#1 Undertake a relevant course in finance
The first step towards starting your career in finance is undertaking a relevant course. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a degree in finance, but undertaking any finance-related course can help you stand out to a hiring executive and stay on par with other candidates. If your dream job requires you to have certain licenses, get started on earning those first. Furthermore, undertaking relevant courses will provide you with useful insights into the field of work before you start.
#2 Gain working experience
The next step that will greatly help in getting your first job is acquiring relevant work experience within the industry. Whether it is an internship, part-time job or unpaid work, you should embrace any opportunity to gain work experience as it will help you gain valuable insights into the practical part of your desired work, learn the ins and outs of the field and develop necessary skills. Another great benefit of internships is you can build a professional network by connecting with professionals working alongside you.
#3 Build an outstanding CV
Employers judge a candidate’s ability through what’s mentioned in their CV. They have to go through a number of applications, which is why it is important to create a resume that stands out and convinces the employer that you are the right candidate for this job. When you create your CV, make sure you mention your traits and skills, highlight your achievements, mention accomplishments and demonstrate your ability to quickly learn with minimal guidance.
#4 Prepare for the interview
It is always advisable to prepare in advance before you go for an interview. Research and learn about the organization, its achievements, offerings and contribution to the financial sector. You could also speak about how your skills and experience make you a perfect fit in their company. If they are convinced that hiring you can be highly beneficial for their company, they may also be inclined to pay you a higher salary.
#5 Ask for referrals
Getting your first job in the finance sector becomes a lot easier when you connect with the right people. If someone you know works in the company you are applying for, ask if you can use their name for reference. Often hiring managers are willing to hire if someone can verify that you are qualified enough for the particular position. By reaching out to the right people in the industry, you can develop professional relationships and gain a better understanding of the industry, which will eventually increase your chances of getting the job.
#6 Grow your search
Finance is a huge field, so while looking for a job, there might be many options available for you to explore. You can use online job portals to find vacancies in organizations and firms for different roles. Geographically expanding your search can also open doors to better career opportunities. While searching, avoid putting all your efforts in one place. Explore as many fields as you can, and consider all the possibilities other than the ones around you. This will significantly improve your chance of securing a job.
#7 Find a mentor in finance
Getting help from a mentor can be a critical part of starting your career in finance. The mentor can offer all the assistance and resources you need to become successful in securing a job and grow your skills confidently. A mentor can further help you set your goals and build a plan to achieve them, as well as help overcome any challenges that you might face on your way. To find a good mentor, ask your internship supervisor or manager, or someone you know with a successful career in finance.
#8 Attend finance-related career and job fairs
Another great way to make your profile exposed to esteemed companies in the finance field is by attending job fairs and career fairs. At a job fair, you can meet company representatives and learn about how you can improve your chances of being hired and the opportunities available in their company based on your qualifications. You can also leave a copy of your CV with these professionals, so they can contact you if a suitable position is available.
#9 Show your passion for the finance industry
The last thing that can make you stand out is showing how passionate you are about the finance industry. You may lack relevant experience and qualifications, but you can always showcase unique skills and knowledge that you have acquired in the finance sector. Hence, you should familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of finance, mortgages, loans, bridging finance in London, development finance, banking, investments, etc. Reading a finance blog or newspaper can help you understand what is going on in the finance market currently.
Bottom Line A career in finance can be pretty rewarding once you get the hang of how the industry works. Most professionals in the Leeds bridging finance sector tend to work in high-pressure environments and lead a fast-paced life. If you build a wide network of clients, you can also set up your own firm in the future. The finance industry offers ample growth opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and have a passion for their profession.
