Careers in Financial Services
Financial services are the activities that help individuals, businesses and governments secure their assets, manage risk and invest for the future. The sector encompasses everything from banks, brokers and mortgage lenders to securities traders, insurance companies, Wall Street and the capital markets. The sector also provides a wide range of other services, such as credit card services, debt resolution and global payment networks.
Many of these services are essential to the functioning of the economy and are used by virtually every business, individual and government in one way or another. When the sector and an economy are strong, consumer confidence and purchasing power increase; however, if the sector experiences a downturn, it can have a negative effect on the economy as a whole.
A career in the finance industry can be incredibly rewarding and offer excellent compensation, but it is important to understand the field before you commit to a job. To learn more about the industry, start by subscribing to publications like The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s. These publications provide a daily overview of issues impacting business operations. In addition, it is helpful to make the investment in a personal library of books on financial topics, such as personal finance, economics and investing.
It is also a good idea to make it a habit to check in on industry news each day. There are a number of great online resources, such as the BBC World Service and The Economist. In addition, if you have a local university or business school, there is likely to be a financial services club that meets on a regular basis. These groups can be an excellent source of information and can give you a chance to meet other people in the industry.
There are a variety of jobs within the finance industry, so you can find one that best fits your skills and personality. For example, if you have excellent interpersonal skills, you may want to consider working as a broker or financial advisor. In these roles, you can often work with high-profile clients and build relationships that will serve you well down the road. On the other hand, if you prefer to focus on the numbers and details, you may want to consider a role as an accountant or actuary.
There are also plenty of opportunities to relocate with a job in the financial sector, so it’s worth exploring options outside of your home country. At Phyton, we work with financial services professionals every day, so we see firsthand the benefits of this sector and what it can do for your career. If you’re interested in learning more about the job opportunities available in this sector, contact us today!