You’ve got a college degree in hand. How can you make it work for you in Financial Services?

You've got a college degree in hand. How can you make it work for you in Financial Services? Congratulations on your academic achievement! You've taken a big step towards a rewarding career in the financial services industry. But what's next? How can you leverage your degree and skills to land a job, advance your career, and make an impact? Here are some tips to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges of working in financial services.

1 Know your options

Financial services is a broad and diverse sector that encompasses many different types of organizations, roles, and functions. You could work for a bank, an insurance company, a wealth management firm, a fintech startup, a regulatory agency, or a consulting firm, to name a few. You could specialize in areas such as accounting, auditing, financial analysis, risk management, compliance, financial planning, investment banking, or financial technology. You could also pursue further education or certification to enhance your qualifications and credibility. The key is to research the different options available to you and identify your interests, strengths, and goals.

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Tuneer Biswas
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The best way to to go bout building your profile at an early stage in financial sector is to become a super cool content creator in the domain of the Financial Niche that you specialize in. here are a quick tips: 1. Learn every day and create content on what you have learnt 2. Listen to podcasts in fin services and ping founders on LinkedIn to know what products they are building 3. Intern at an early stage 0-1 startup with super high ownership. 4. Read & Listen to people smarter than you in the finance everyday 5. Keep a close eye on the regulations. 6. Pull up some well respected certifications in the same.

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2 Network and learn

One of the best ways to find out more about the financial services industry and the opportunities it offers is to network with professionals and peers who work in it. You can attend events, workshops, webinars, or online forums hosted by industry associations, employers, alumni groups, or career centers. You can also reach out to people who work in roles or organizations that interest you and ask them for informational interviews, advice, or referrals. Networking can help you gain insights, contacts, and referrals that can boost your chances of landing a job or advancing your career. You can also learn from online courses, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, or books that cover topics related to financial services and keep you updated on the latest trends, issues, and innovations.

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3 Showcase your value

To stand out from the competition and impress potential employers, you need to showcase your value and how you can contribute to their success. You can do this by creating a strong resume, cover letter, and online profile that highlight your skills, achievements, and fit for the role and the organization. You can also prepare for interviews by researching the company, the industry, and the role, and by practicing your answers to common and behavioral questions. You can also demonstrate your value by showcasing your portfolio, projects, or case studies that illustrate your skills and knowledge in action. Finally, you can follow up with thank-you notes, feedback requests, and referrals to show your interest and professionalism.

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Rob Atherton

Head of International Wealth Melbourne Capital Group. Chartered and Certified Financial Planner
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A University degree is not a prerequisite for a successful career as a financial planner! Some would argue that attending the University of Life is more important. The reason for this is that advisors interact with a variety of different people. Therefore pulling on your own experiences to help build relationships based on trust is key. I have a degree but it 100% not financial services related. It is in Japanese studies and politics. I developed my passion for financial services after University as many people do. That said these days financial planning degrees and options are available unlike when I attended University. So if you have taken this route it will put you in a strong position to impress potential employers.

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4 Be adaptable and resilient

Working in financial services can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging. But it can also be demanding, stressful, and uncertain. The industry is constantly evolving and facing disruptions from technology, regulation, competition, and customer expectations. To succeed and thrive in this environment, you need to be adaptable and resilient. You need to be willing to learn new skills, take on new responsibilities, and embrace change. You also need to be able to cope with pressure, setbacks, and failures, and to seek feedback and support when needed. You also need to balance your work and personal life and take care of your physical and mental health.

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5 Find your purpose

Finally, working in financial services can be more than just a job. It can be a way to make a positive difference in the world. Financial services play a vital role in supporting the economy, society, and the environment. Whether you're helping individuals, businesses, or communities achieve their financial goals, or you're creating innovative solutions that address global challenges, you can find your purpose and passion in financial services. You can also align your values and ethics with those of your employer and your industry, and seek opportunities to give back and contribute to social causes.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’ve got a college degree in hand. How can you make it work for you in Financial Services?

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1 Know your options

2 Network and learn

3 Showcase your value

4 Be adaptable and resilient

5 Find your purpose

6 Here’s what else to consider

Financial Services

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