Most jobs in finance require a bachelor's degree in any related field like banking, business management and accounting as well as statistics and economics for the entry-level jobs. For supervisory and management posts, a graduate degree in finance is a must along with the right number of years and the right kind of experience. Licenses and certifications of specialist training provide advantages for the professional especially in a tighter job market.
As for personal qualifications, the individual must possess the ability to solve problems from different angles, the maturity to deal with various types of people and stressful situations and the capacity for hard work. Needless to say, jobs in finance require proficiency in math, statistic and software packages.
The good news with finance jobs is that every organization requires finance graduates and experts to handle their financial affairs in an effective and efficient manner. The trick is in narrowing down the field so as to secure one's dream finance job in a specific industry. Here then are the places where said job opportunities exist.
Commercial Banks
It must be noted that the commercial banking sector is the largest employer in the financial services sector. Commercial banks offer excellent opportunities for personal and professional advancement especially where the financial rewards are concerned. Job opportunities include entry-level positions like tellers to managerial positions in international finance, of which the promotions are also one of the fastest in the financial industries.
In many ways, the qualifications required in the banking sector are similar to the other sectors but different on many points, too. Professionals with a broad business understanding, good people skills, excellent accounting skills and, most importantly, strong work ethics will find a second home in the banking sector. If you have experience in investments management, then consider it an edge during the applications process.
Corporate Finance
A job in corporate finance is the most exciting, most rewarding and most desirable job in the entire finance industry. This is because a finance officer in a business corporation, either a large multinational company or an upstart with excellent growth outlook, must develop, implement and evaluate long-term goals with the present situation in mind. The duties, responsibilities and functions are indeed challenging, stimulating and, ultimately, gratifying when the goals have been achieved.
To succeed in a corporate finance job, it is important to remember that it is the performance that counts. Advanced degrees, certifications and licenses are often just icing on the cake, so to speak. Still, if you have them, then better for your advancement.
Insurance Companies
Yet another sector that offers plenty of finance jobs is the insurance industry. In the United States alone, over 3 million people are employed in the trillion-dollar industry and it is growing in scope. This is largely due to the aging population seeking ways to protect themselves from risks. After all, insurance professionals are in the business of providing ways for protection in illness, retirement, accidents and even lawsuits. The professional can choose from major areas including life insurance, auto insurance, health insurance and property and casualty insurance. Most jobs are found in private insurance agencies particularly in health and auto insurance.
Private Equity Firms
Increasingly, private equity firms are becoming the most desirable places to work in for finance graduates and experts. This can be attributed to the fact that even undergraduate students can work as analysts in the company although advancement may only be possible with a degree on hand. For associates, a master's degree is compulsory.
Keep in mind, however, that a finance job of any kind in a private equity firm is very stressful on many levels. On one hand, you have to deal with many types of people with strong, not to mention often conflicting, profit goals. On the other hand, you have to understand the complex markets as well as the spreadsheets and software package. Indeed, nobody said that finance jobs do not exact a toll on the professionals involved in them. With the right education, training and attitude, however, this is the career path that may be right for you.
