Do you have a passion for numbers and the stock market? Do you enjoy crunching numbers to find patterns in data? If so, then a career in finance might be perfect for you! In this blog post, we will explore the different types of careers that are available to those with a degree or diploma in finance. We will also discuss what skills people need to succeed in these careers. Read on to learn more about your options! You have to be somebody who likes numbers.
Learn About The Different Degrees Available
There are five different types of degrees that you can pursue in the field of finance: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Analyst, and Chartered Investment Counselor. You may also choose to study master of financial planning online or an MBA in finance which includes the required courses related to personal financial planning. Consult your school counselor for more information about these programs and what they entail.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional designation that people can obtain after they have fulfilled the necessary education and work experience requirements. To become a CPA, you need to complete 150 credit hours of college coursework in accounting or related subjects such as business administration, finance, and law. You must also pass a series of four exams covering financial accounting, auditing & attestation, taxation, and management accounting.
Meanwhile, obtaining a Chartered Investment Counselor certification requires at least five years of investment experience with two years spent working under another certified individual within an organization before passing both the Fundamentals exam and Principles Level I exam from The American College for Financial Services.
Another prominent certification in the financial industry is the Series 7 certification. Administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is a license that allows individuals to become general securities representatives and engage in the sale and trading of securities. Preparing for the Series 7 exam requires a thorough understanding of the financial industry and its regulations.
Free study materials for Series 7 practice exams can be valuable resources for candidates looking to assess their comprehension of the exam content, identify areas that require further study, and gain familiarity with the exam format. These practice exams simulate the actual test experience, allowing individuals to gauge their readiness and build confidence before taking the Series 7 exam.
Be Prepared To Work Long Hours
In the financial industry, long hours are a given. Some of them can be quite unpredictable and you may have to work on weekends from time to time. While it might seem like this is just part of your job description in finance, nothing could be further from the truth. You should always try to negotiate with your manager or supervisor for reasonable working conditions that will allow you enough free time to do other things such as spend quality time with family and friends while also allowing some flexibility when necessary (e.g., if there’s an emergency).
If they won’t budge and give you more flexible working arrangements then consider taking up another career avenue within their company where these types of issues aren’t a problem. The last thing you want is to dread going to work every day.
Consider The Job Market
Many people starting in finance immediately think of working on Wall Street. While this is certainly a great option, the reality is that there are many other options available to you. If you can find an industry or type of job that not only suits your interests and skills but also aligns with what you want professionally, it will be easier for you to focus more intently on moving up in your career than if it doesn’t fit neatly into one category.
For example, maybe after some time getting experience at a bank or brokerage firm within trading or investment banking – which tends to involve long hours – you may choose instead to work in wealth management where things are calmer and perhaps less pressured. This way when making choices about where to go next, you can be more certain that it will help your career goals.
Work In One Of The Big Cities
Working in one of the big cities has many perks, but it can also be very stressful. It is important to remember why you went into finance and think about what makes your life good before making a final decision. You should do all that you can to make sure that this career path continues to be the right choice for you if working in one of the big cities will not help improve your quality of life.
The Roles Of Different Job Titles
The different job titles are important because they can give you a better understanding of what each role encompasses. For example, an Assistant is often the first port of call for any queries that arise about financial matters or deals. They may liaise with internal teams and external companies on behalf of their managers. A Private Equity Analyst is responsible for researching companies that are undervalued and have the potential to grow. They keep track of the progress being made by their assigned company, as well as other relevant news or information related to it.
Another common role is a Portfolio Manager. They have the responsibility of overseeing multiple accounts and making decisions on which stocks to buy or sell, as well as when to trade them. This may include studying financial statements and conducting qualitative research before deciding what course of action they should take next.
A Mergers & Acquisitions Specialist negotiates with companies that are being bought or sold, as well as being involved in the due diligence process. They are also responsible for making sure that all contracts are correctly worded and agreed upon by both parties before any deal is finalized. This can include working with legal teams to draft up documents, attending meetings between company heads, and even conducting presentations during negotiations.
Work In A Mega-Corporation Or An Independent Firm
There are various ways to break into the finance industry. The first is working for a large corporation, such as an investment bank or hedge fund. These positions tend to be more secure and offer better pay than smaller firms but also have stricter requirements for hiring which can make it harder to get in. This includes having experience on your resume or coming from one of these establishments themselves (often referred to as “bulge bracket“).
Working for an independent firm is another way to break into the industry, though there are downsides that come along with it. For example, you may not have much in the way of resources or support if things do not go well since they tend to be small and only look out for themselves thus making them less stable than larger corporations which can give people more assurance when starting in their career. Additionally, these opportunities also often require experience before applying so this option does depend on what your background already looks like before even thinking about joining an independent firm as a junior employee.
If you are prepared to work long hours, interested in finance and the financial markets, then this career might be great for you. Consider what your strengths are before committing yourself fully.
