If you’re taking stock of your career options and wondering how to get a financial career, you are making a smart choice. After all, the finance industry as a whole is the highest-paid out of virtually all industries in America, with starting salaries in select fields such as investment banking and venture capital starting at $100,000.
Beyond the incredibly lucrative salaries, a financial career can be rewarding in so many ways. It can take you all over the world and allow you to meet some of the sharpest minds on the planet. It can place you at the forefront of the most important trends and changes taking place in our society and economy.
It is one of the most respected fields that a person can work in. We’re sure that you are already convinced of the benefits, so we won’t go any further. If you’re wondering how to become a finance expert, here are our expert tips for getting there.
1. Get Your Bachelor’s Degree, Seriously
This might not be what you wanted to hear, but it bears emphasis. If you want to know how to get a financial job, you need a bachelor’s degree at a bare minimum. Virtually no financial firms or even small companies these days will consider candidates without one, so this is pretty much non-negotiable.
You do not need a degree in finance. Degrees in economics, behavioural science, data analytics, mathematics, and even humanities degrees such as social sciences can all get you a great foothold in the financial industry.
2. Intern Your Way to the Top
No matter how educated you are, there is nothing that can compare to real-world experience. That’s why you will need to complete a high-quality internship at a suitable firm if you wish to get ahead. Fortunately, you are spoilt for choice.
For investment bankers, the extensive intern programs at Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase could be a good starting point. Fund managers and M&A enthusiasts could head to Blackrock or Citigroup. The list goes on.
3. Specialize
If you want to know how to get a job in finance, you need to offer something different. Straight-A econ grads are a dime a dozen. What you need is something that sets you apart from the pack.
Consider heading to a finance boot camp to expand your knowledge on areas that interest you. Use your free time wisely in order to build on in-demand subject areas. Knowing how to get a career in finance means understanding the importance of a niche.
4. Turbocharge Your Job Search
Finally, it is worth mentioning that it is rarely sufficient to apply to top finance company jobs the ‘conventional way. After all, your application will be competing with thousands of others and might never even be seen by a real person.
That’s why you should always arrange to chat with an expert recruitment agency that can find you the right financial firm for your skillset and fast-track your application. Recruiters have personal relationships with the best finance employers, which they will use to land you in your dream job.
Launch Your Dream Financial Career Today
If you’re ready to launch your financial career, we are here to help you. Knowledge is power in this industry, with those in the know standing the best chance of success. Make sure to consult our regularly updated Finance guides for insider tips on the world’s largest industry.
