A job in finance can be exceptionally lucrative, which is why they’re very popular. As you’d imagine, entering the world of finance isn’t easy – roles can require further education or qualifications. In many cases, finance jobs require some form of advanced degree, in a field such as business, maths or economics.
Below, we explore whether finance is a good career path, consider the pros and cons of a finance job and some high-paying roles you might consider.
What finance jobs are available?
One of the major benefits of the finance industry is that it incorporates a broad range of skill sets, interests and experience. In any given finance job search you might find roles such as investment bankers, portfolio managers, accountants, analysts and economists. In some cases, these roles may all work together to a common cause or as part of a wider business.
In the majority of cases, these roles also require similar skill sets such as analysis or organisational skills as well as experience in economics, statistics or similar fields. These are all transferable skills that apply to various finance roles and help a finance professional move down the career path.
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What are the pros and cons of a job in finance?
The most obvious benefit of a job in finance is the potential salary. Finance roles tend to be much better paid than other career paths as they’re usually high-powered positions.
Other clear advantages include quality working conditions, flexibility and the opportunity to develop long-term transferable skills. Many roles in the professional services industry can benefit from being good with numbers so if you move out of the finance industry, you have other options to choose from.
Some drawbacks to a career in finance include the potential for increased responsibility, longer working hours and higher educational requirements. That said, once you’re on the finance career path, you’ll generally find you have more job security.
How hard is it to find a finance job?
Finance jobs exist at nearly every business in the world. Roles in finance can be relatively broad (such as accountancy) or incredibly specialised (such as investment portfolio management) and depending on what you’re looking to do, they’ll be plenty to choose from provided you put the work in.
Keep in mind that some financial roles are extremely specialised and as such, you might not find them on generic job boards. Recruitment consultants or headhunters are excellent resources to use if you’re looking for financial job opportunities, as they have specific contacts in the right places.
Outside of working with a third-party, you might find success in attending industry conferences or networking events. Many people within the industry know each other and you may find a new role through your contacts.
Is finance a good career path?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re qualified, skilled and passionate about finance, then a career in the field may be for you. Remember that working in finance can help you earn a higher salary and cement yourself in a robust, historically reliable sector. If you’re seeking stability, the qualifications and skills required for a top finance role can ensure that you’re always in demand with recruiters.