10 Top Tips for Landing a Job in Finance

There are 10 top tips you should be aware of when pursuing a job in the world of finance. These tips can help you find more finance career options, no matter what finance role you'd like to acquire.

10 Top Tips for Landing a Job in Finance

Landing a job in the finance industry requires you to follow certain steps. For instance, you must complete your studies as an undergraduate, network with other finance professionals, and gain relevant financial services skills. You can begin your financial career by selecting a finance major and enrolling in a program at a university.

Keep reading to learn 10 tips that can help you reach your finance career goals.

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree From an Accredited Institution

To achieve a finance degree, you must first attend an accredited university. There, you can major in finance and receive a bachelor's degree, which provides you with the education needed to succeed in the world of finance.

Before receiving your college degree, you must first finish high school or achieve a GED. Once you become a college graduate, you can seek finance roles to gain experience in the field.

2. Develop a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Those who major in finance should be trustworthy in handling financial situations. Whether you've worked at a financial institution such as a credit union or as a cashier at a store, you can add pertinent work information to your resume.

When seeking an entry-level position, prospective job opportunities may become available. During this time, you want to show your potential employer your work experience and education in an organized manner on your resume. Additionally, your cover letter should be without typos and customized for the finance job you seek.

3. Network

Networking can be difficult for those who aren't exactly social butterflies. However, networking and forming relationships may help you get a job. For instance, you might consider updating your online LinkedIn or Indeed profile.

You may find a variety of entry-level job opportunities by networking with other professionals in related fields. You can maintain contact with your connections by utilizing social media.

4. Gain Relevant Skills

To ease the process of earning a degree in finance, consider gaining relevant skills you may need for careers in financial planning, financial modeling, or corporate finance. Hiring managers will focus on your years of experience, which is beneficial for your career path.

Other important skills include problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and time management. Decision-making will be an important aspect of your finance job.

5. Focus Your Job Search on Specific Companies

When you search for a finance job, consider specific companies that are well-known and offer full-time or part-time positions. There may be smaller companies that can offer connections to available financial options depending on where you live.

To narrow down your job search, find companies you want to work for and find out if they have any positions you may qualify for.

6. Consider an Advanced Degree

To further your education and to receive a potentially high-paying salary, consider an advanced degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can choose to go back to school to gain a master's degree.

An advanced degree can improve your job opportunities. Additionally, the extra skills you learn will make you more versatile in the financial industry.

7. Continue Your Education With a Certification

Accredited certification programs are a great way to continue your education and improve your chances of starting a career in finance. Continuing education units (CEUs) are required and can be accrued at various universities.

Throughout your career, you may be required to take recertification courses, which help you maintain your certificates. For example, accountants must renew their licenses each year.

8. Complete an Internship

During your job search, you may come across opportunities to complete an internship. With an internship, you can learn how to balance your personal and work life.

When taking part in an internship, you may prepare for a specific role within the company. As an intern, you may learn numerous aspects of the job, which allow you to be knowledgeable in all areas of the finance industry.

9. Attend Seminars

Attending seminars is an excellent way to meet other finance professionals. Certain seminars will provide specific information you can learn and add to your skills as well as your resume and cover letter.

Structured seminars provide an environment to improve your knowledge and understanding of a certain topic pertaining to finance.

10. Visit Career Fairs

Recruiters routinely attend career fairs. At a career fair, businesses set up booths to provide information about their company.

When you visit a career fair, be sure to gather any marketing materials to help you learn how to get a job. For instance, there may be pamphlets and business cards with helpful information regarding positions available.

Career Paths in Finance

There are a variety of career paths to consider when choosing a job in finance. These specific careers in finance may require similar skills you may learn in school or due to your completed work experience.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

To become a chartered financial analyst (CFA), you must take part in a CFA program. This investment management role is a profession that requires you to have certain skills such as investment analysis.

Additionally, CFAs will rely on skills that can be beneficial for various financial analyst roles and many other jobs. These may include commercial and investment banking, consulting, and wealth management.

Financial Planner

The job of a financial planner is to examine a business or person's overall detailed financial picture to help determine the financial goals that need to be met. As a financial planner, you may create extensive financial options for those with insurance and retirement plans, estates, and college savings.

A financial planner will help you focus on the financial aspect of your life, providing you with better options and considerations for your investments.

Investment Banker

As an investment banker, you will use your knowledge of corporate financial services to assist organizations and establishments. An investment banker's job is to help companies succeed financially.

Investment banker positions are numerous, with some considered to be entry-level positions while others include titles such as executive vice president. As an investment banker, you will lend your corporate financial services to companies.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A certified public accountant (CPA) may prepare taxes and read financial statements.

In addition to this, a CPA helps businesses to thrive by providing services in internal auditing and forensic accounting. You must take the CPA exam to become a CPA.

Financial Advisor

Professional financial advisors help people and companies to manage their money. As a financial advisor, you will meet with clients to discuss their financial goals and earnings, explain financial options to clients, and recommend investment opportunities.

Professional advisors can help determine a person's financial needs, such as retirement or insurance options. Additionally, you will provide clients with regular financial reports to show them how their accounts are progressing.

FAQs About Careers in Finance

There are numerous FAQs about careers in finance. Below, we've answered a few of the most commonly asked questions to aid you in your search for the right career path.

Is There a Demand for Finance Jobs?

There is a demand for finance jobs simply because every individual or business has financial needs. Whether you're a person who needs help to pay taxes and organize your assets or you work for a company requiring quarterly reports on revenue, finance professionals are highly valued.

What Are the Benefits of a Career in Finance?

One of the benefits of having a career in finance is the salary. Finance-based careers typically offer more lucrative salary prospects. Additionally, finance jobs look great on a resume because they may demonstrate that you're a trustworthy professional who can be trusted to handle money operations.

Is a Master's Degree Beneficial to a Career in Finance?

A master's degree in finance can be very beneficial for your finance career. If you have a bachelor's degree, there are also jobs for you to consider. However, those with a master's degree can receive a high-paying salary and hold more advanced positions.

What Skill Set Is Required of Financial Professionals?

The skill set required of a financial professional includes disciplined decision-making, knowledge of financial planning and auditing, and critical thinking. Your education and work experience will allow you to gain additional skills.