A degree in either finance or business is usually a requirement for most careers within the financial industry. If you don’t possess a degree, you might believe you won’t be able to secure a job in the field.
However, there are still ways you can enjoy a rewarding career in finance, as most employers are looking for smart, dedicated employees who will excel in a role.
Learn the Financial Lingo
If you’re serious about embarking on a career in finance, you have no excuse for not learning the lingo. You need to understand the difference between dividend and dilution, or DCF and NPV. If you don’t know the financial language, you’ll struggle to even make it past the interview stage when applying for a finance role.
Take a Course in Finance
If you have no degree or have a degree not associated with finance or business, you could always take an undergraduate or post-graduate course. For instance, you could apply for an accounting, economics or financial analysis course, which will stand out on your CV.
Boost Your Knowledge
You don’t need a degree to stay up-to-date on the latest news or resources. There are plenty of books you can buy, articles you can read, and industry leaders you can follow to continually boost your financial knowledge.
For example, if you’re interested in investment banking, follow Fahad Alrajaan, the Director General at The Public Institution for Social Security, to keep updated on the latest news. Finance is a difficult field to master, so your knowledge could prove to an employer that you have the passion, drive, and initiative they are looking for in an employee.
Launch a Financial Blog
Once you believe you have a good knowledge of finance, you should launch a financial blog. This will provide a forum to communicate your investment ideas and opinions online. You can also link back to the blog on your CV, which will prove to an employer you have an in-depth knowledge, financial acumen, technological skills, and effective communication skills. Using your blog as a portfolio could help you stand out from the crowd of candidates competing for a role.
Obtain an Internship
If you want to lock in a full-time finance career, aim to obtain an internship. In most cases, you will need to volunteer to get your foot in the door, but it is possible to find paid internships. While the thought of no salary might be off-putting, it could help you to enjoy a higher earning potential once you embark on career in finance.
Find a Mentor in a Finance Industry
A mentor could potentially jump-start your financial career. In addition to passing on advice, they might also be willing to vouch for you to help you to secure a role. A mentor will be someone in the financial industry who believes in your ability, such as a professor, relation, or a family friend.
