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Because there are so many opportunities, learning how to get a job in finance will be mission-critical. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs in finance, ranging from insurance and banking to investing and financial planning. You’ll need to zero-in on the exact position you want before beginning your search. But that wealth of different occupations within the field will be one of your biggest advantages.
If you are ready to land a job in finance, start your search on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is free for job seekers and you can apply for jobs with a single click!
Benefits of a Finance Career
There are many benefits to a career in finance, but here are some major ones:
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Multiple career opportunities
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High pay
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Job- and financial-security (compared with many other occupations)
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Educational advancement
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Career flexibility
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Specialized training
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Balanced lifestyle – career experience can benefit your personal life
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Challenging career with plenty of advancement opportunities
How to Get a Job in Finance
Think of getting a job in finance is a multistep process:
Earn Your College Degree
Although a career in finance doesn’t necessarily require a degree, higher education, such as a bachelor’s degree, seriously helps. That’s especially true since many of the best jobs in finance do require a degree.
A degree in finance or a related field may broaden your chances at specialized positions, as employers will see you as being both more knowledgeable and, eventually, promotable.
Get Continuing Education
This is a recommended strategy if you’ve found a position in your finance career and want to either advance or transition into another finance field. By taking specific courses related to your position – or the one you want to obtain – you can expand your skills and make you a stronger employee/candidate.
Enter An Internship
This is another useful strategy for anyone who is new to finance. Working an internship or even multiple internships can give you experience within a company that you plan to work for, as well as growing your circle of connections with those working around you. Internships can be especially beneficial if you’re not quite sure what position you want to work in, as it can help you find what you may be interested in.
Get Referrals
Strong referrals can help you either enter the field or advance in it. Your current employer or coworkers are natural referrals. But so are supervisors and coworkers from previous jobs. A company is more likely to bring in someone who’s validated as a solid worker by other employers or employees in the same field than they would a prospect who is totally unknown, and unrecommended.
Take an Entry-Level Position
This advice is primarily for candidates new to finance. But it may also be a valuable strategy if you want to change occupations within the field. It may not be the highest paying position, but it can be a start from which you can be promoted. This can be the perfect position for someone who isn’t sure exactly what they want to do, or if you’re just looking to gain some experience for your next move.
Related: Best Paying Jobs In Finance
Work With A Mentor
A mentor is someone with more experience in the field than you have, and preferably someone who has enjoyed obvious success. Working with a mentor can not only provide you with knowledge and strategies, but also the right resources to advance your career. Mentors help create a guide to help you achieve your goals while growing in your confidence.
Build A Resume That Stands Out
Make sure when creating your finance resume that you include any experience and skills, including college projects and internships, that may highlight your qualifications. That’s especially true for those that are transferable, like computer skills and communication ability. For help with writing your resume, it will be worth it to spend some money to work with the best resume writing service.
Learn To “Speak Finance”
Nearly every career field has its own unique language. That includes industry buzz phrases – which are important as well. But you should also focus on the big picture. Researching financial news on what’s going on in the finance world can make it easier for you to understand the big picture, and project that understanding to an interviewer.
Where to Find Finance Jobs
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter is most likely the number one platform when it comes to job hunting, particularly for specializations like finance. It provides you with a customized profile to build with your resume, allowing for employers to get a closer look at who you are and what you have to offer. It also gives you access to more than 100 of the most popular job boards. Not only is it free for job seekers, but it allows you to find the most opportunities for your career.
For more information, check out our ZipRecruiter review.
eFinancialCareers
eFinancialCareers is a site specializing in positions in finance and technology. Job listings can range from asset managers and actuaries to business analysts and investment bankers. Job seekers in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region all have access to the listings on eFinancialCareers. It may be a good choice if you’re looking for an overseas position in finance.
Financial Job Bank
FinancialJobBank is another site specializing in finance jobs, but more that are U.S.-based. It offers job listings including both entry-level positions as well as advanced positions. Much like ZipRecruiter, career profiles can be created to better your chances at having an employer reach out to you based on your specific skills. The site also provides a blog including tips for getting the right job and creating a cover letter.
Indeed
Indeed is often the first choice of job hunters. That’s because they aggregate jobs from virtually any place they may appear, including other job boards and local newspapers. Another benefit of Indeed is that they provide company reviews, making it easy for you to get a better grasp on what it may be like working for employers in the field.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
If you’re an employer looking to fill a finance job, or any other position, check out our list of the best free job posting sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to find a job in finance?
Given the large number of finance related positions, there are many opportunities that many other careers don’t have. For example, you can choose to go into banking, investment firms, financial analysis, and many other positions. But you will need relevant education and as much related experiences as possible.
How do I get into the finance industry with no experience?
A degree in finance or a related major can certainly open a lot of doors. But you can also take specific industry courses, attend financial boot camps, participate in financial activities and trading simulators, and work with mentors. All are useful tools to better your chance at getting into the finance world.
Is a career in finance worth it?
Yes! Not only does it expand your overall career opportunity range, but it also enables you to grow your knowledge on economics, investing, and all things related to money. It’s a field that also offers considerable benefit in your personal life. But as you gain experience, more opportunities open up, enhancing your future career potential.
How do I choose a position in finance?
Start by reviewing your skills and experience. Are there any that stand out as personal favorites? If so, it may be a natural option to pursue. If you have no experience, research different positions in finance to see what interests you, as well as the companies you may wish to work for. Once you decide on a specific financial career, you can enroll in specific courses to better your knowledge within the position you want to obtain.
The Bottom Line
Finance is one of the broadest major career categories there is. It can be a bit confusing at times, but that also means there are plenty of opportunities. Choose the one that will be the best fit for you and make the best use of your talents.
Once you decide on a specialization, start with ZipRecruiter for the fastest results!