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Finance is a diverse career field that can provide job stability, lucrative opportunities, and paths for advancement. If you consider yourself a numbers person with an eye for details, then you may want to consider a career in finance.
There are a variety of finance jobs to specialize in whether it’s accounting, investment banking, or financial planning. Getting started in a finance career often requires proficient knowledge and a diverse set of skills.
Finance is a competitive field that can be difficult to get started in. However, even if you don’t have prior experience in finance, you can still gain the knowledge and education you need to launch your career.
Gain Financial Knowledge: Here are 4 Strategies for Learning About Finance
Before you can get started in a finance career, you need to gain a foundational knowledge of a variety of topics. Four strategies for gaining the knowledge you need to start your finance career include:
- Get a formal education
- Network with professionals
- Apply for internship opportunities
- Upskill your knowledge
Let’s take a look at these strategies in detail to discover how they can prepare you for your future career in finance.
#1 Get a Formal Education
The best way to gain technical knowledge in finance is by taking formal education courses. Getting a formal education will build the foundation of your financial knowledge and teach you a variety of topics that are needed to start your career in finance.
Some of the formal education courses that can benefit a career in finance include:
These courses can provide you with knowledge in a diverse range of financial topics. Completing these formal courses can also appeal to potential employers and prove that you’re a qualified candidate for hire.
REDC’s online courses are self-paced, allowing you to get the education you need on your own time.
#2 Network With Professionals
Expanding your professional network opens up immeasurable opportunities, no matter what career you’re looking into. Networking with industry professionals can teach you valuable insights into the financial industry, such as:
- How the financial market is trending
- How to become successful in finance
- What the common challenges are
- What different job roles look like
- What opportunities are available for internship or employment
Networking is also an effective strategy for getting your name out there and connecting with potential employers. To expand your network and connect with industry professionals, you should attend seminars, go to networking events, and utilize online networking sites like LinkedIn.
#3 Apply for Internship Opportunities
Working as an intern can teach you additional skills that will prepare you for your future career in finance. Internships provide a unique opportunity to learn industry insights, get hands-on experience, and network with industry professionals.
If you use your internship opportunity effectively to learn and grow, you can build professional relationships with your colleagues and supervisors. This often leads to full-time job offers at the company you’re interning for. Even if you don’t secure a full-time position, internships can lead to positive endorsements, mentorships, and other job opportunities.
#4 Upskill Your Knowledge
Upskilling your knowledge involves supplementing your education with practical soft skills. While hard skills relate to industry-specific technical knowledge, soft skills relate to how well you work by yourself and with others.
Some of the soft skills that can benefit a career in finance include:
- Critical thinking
- Business etiquette
- Risk assessment and management
- Knowledge management
- Personal productivity
Upskilling your knowledge with soft skills will enhance your personal and professional development. Also, completing soft skill courses can bolster your resume and help you stand out from the competition.
Upskilling can also involve certificates for hard skills, like learning new software or mastering more in-depth financial concepts.
Starting Your Financial Career: How to Get a Job in Finance With No Experience
After you’ve earned the education and knowledge you need to start your finance career, it’s time to find your first job. To find your first job in finance, you should:
- Utilize your personal and professional network
- Research employment opportunities online
- Look for internship opportunities
- Look for freelance jobs
- Attend job fairs
While you’re searching for a job, you should prepare for interviews and make sure your resume is up to date. Your resume should highlight the skills, education, and experience that relates to the finance industry. Also, you should tailor your resume to fit the specific requirements that are listed in each job posting.
Worried about gaps in your resume? Read our related article on how to navigate resume gaps. Also, check out these career resources at the REDC for more resume tips, training, and career counseling.
Find Entry-Level Finance Jobs
Most higher-level finance jobs require you to start an entry-level position and work your way up. The common entry-level finance jobs include:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Analyst
- Tax specialist
- Junior investment trader
Upward mobility is common in the finance industry. After you master entry-level roles, you can qualify for higher-level roles like senior positions, supervisor positions, and director roles. Certain chief-level roles are at the highest level in the finance industry, and they include chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief risk officer (CRO).
Read our related article for a step-by-step guide on how to become an accountant.
Kickstart Your Career in Finance with the REDC
The REDC at Yavapai College offers the tools and resources you need to prepare for a career in finance. We’re here to help you every step of the way with our self-paced online course and free career resources.
Check out our online course catalog to view the courses that can help you get started on your career in finance.