Frederick Jace
Launching a career in finance with no experience is a challenging task but it is not impossible. A proper strategy and expert guidance can help you to start your dream career in the finance niche right after graduation. The finance field is highly competitive at the entry level and if you are planning a lucrative career in this field, blindly applying for multiple jobs will not be enough. We are here to help you with the crucial steps you should follow to start your career in finance with zero experience, maybe even before your graduation.
The finance industry offers a myriad of benefits to the employees and it is one of the diverse professions in the 21st century. The Job security and high earning potential of a finance career attract millions of freshers to the industry every year. Finding a job in the finance niche is easier compared to other industries but when you have no experience, things will be a little complicated. You can follow the below steps to profoundly increase your chances of getting a job in the finance field without having any prior job experience.
Enhance your transferrable skills:
Transferable skills are capabilities you can use in different industries, and in the finance career, these skills play a prominent role. Communication, leadership, multitasking, organization, adaptability, TED speaker training, and public speaking are some of the major transferrable skills you can focus on and public speaking are some of the major transferrable skills you can focus on. Mastering these skills will make you stand out from the majority of the competition in the finance field. Your college degree alone can’t launch you in the finance field. Employers look for additional skills, especially when you have no experience in the finance field.
Do an internship in the financial niche:
An internship will be a good foundation for a finance career. Doesn’t matter you are getting paid or not, give your hundred percent in the job. This is a grand opportunity to develop industry knowledge and practice basic financial skills which will significantly improve your chances to find a permanent job in the finance field. Internships will allow you to network with people who are already rocking a career in finance and they might become the most valuable connection to your future job. Perform with curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness during your internship period and you will not regret it later for sure.
Network effectively:
Networking is an important tool to Boat financing your finance career opportunities. If you do not have any work experience in the field, networking with the right person can create a great opportunity in the form of a recommendation. To network effectively and efficiently, always engage with people you know in various finance companies and make positive connections. The flaws in your resume can be defended if you have a strong recommendation.
Focus on Industry Courses and Certifications:
Completing a suitable industry course will give you an edge over the competition and make you job-ready. When you have no experience in the finance field, industry courses are the best resource to showcase your commitment to a career in finance. A large number of industry courses are available for candidates looking for a career in finance. We have curated a list of the most trending finance-related courses and certifications which can give a boost to your finance career.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification
CFA is one of the top finance certifications and focuses essentially on portfolio management and investment analysis. This 3-level course can give a dramatic boost to your finance career. The CFA certification is internationally recognized as one of the most challenging financial certifications and adding this to your CV means you are one step ahead of your competition.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification
CFP certification is significant if you are looking for a career in the investment or wealth management niche. This finance accreditation holds great value in retail banking, private banking, and wealth management careers. For candidates with no experience, this certification can add great value to their profile.
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification
Financial risk management is a fast-growing career option and roles such as risk officers and risk analysts are offering a fabulous career path for freshers. The FRM designation is newer but in the coming years, there will be a huge demand for this role. This targeted certification can differentiate you from the competition and increase your chances of grabbing your dream job.
- Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification
The FMVA is a high-value certification offered by the Corporate Finance Institute. After gaining immense popularity in recent years, FMVA has become a benchmark for many top recruiters in the finance industry. Even if you have zero experience in the finance field, holding an FMVA certification can highlight your profile to the employer. FMVA Course focuses on topics such as financial model development, advanced valuation techniques, and financial sensitivity analysis. You can tremendously increase your finance career options by completing the FMVA certification.
Learn the financial lingo and stay updated about the financial industry trends:
Sound knowledge in the financial language is a must for a successful career in finance. Improve your financial language vocabulary by reading as much as you can; both online and offline. Stay updated about the finance industry and be ready to start an appealing conversation with like-minded professionals at any time.
Build an effective resume:
Prepare a well-organized, job-focused resume and that will allow your employer to learn more about you. Be honest and specific with details, it is okay to have zero experience in finance. Include the details of your internship program. Describe the duties, projects, and additional skills learned during the internship period. Add more certifications to stay ahead of the race. Your resume can decide the future of your finance career and it doesn’t matter if you have prior job experience or not.
Be well prepared for the interview:
When you have no prior job experience, the best way to launch your career in finance is to give an outstanding interview performance. Take extra preparations and research thoroughly about the company. Be well aware of your job position and the challenges you are going to face. Ask relevant questions to the interviewer; it is a great opportunity to showcase your transferable skills and don’t forget to send a thank-you email to your interviewer after the meeting.
Bottom line:
We believe the above steps will improve your chances to start a career in finance with no experience. If you have the passion and determination to achieve your dream career in finance, nothing is going to stop you. Focus on your skills and performance; great opportunities are waiting for you in the finance world.
