Finance can be a fiercely competitive field to break into. After all, it’s a famously high-paying industry known to pay millions of dollars in salary and bonuses – if you manage to climb high enough up the corporate financial ladder. Even entry-level financial analysts can expect to start out at a decent salary. Employment of financial analysts is projected to grow 16% from 2016 to 2022 - faster than average - thanks in part to a growing range of financial products in the marketplace.

You may not walk into your dream job right away, but the good news is that finance is a vast industry, comprising many analyst specializations. So once you’re in, there’s plenty of room to evolve, move around and find your analyst niche. First, however, you have to get your foot in the (entry level) door. But how do you go about it?

Start Early

To forge a successful career as a financial analyst, it pays to start early (becoming a Financial Analyst). Tailor your study around finance and numbers-related subjects and pursue internships as a student in order to build experience and make industry connections. If you’re lucky, that internship could lead straight to a job. At the very least, you can build contacts you can developdown the track. The most respected financial institutions naturally value solid grades, so keeping them in good shape will put you at a hiring advantage from the outset.

Credentials

You don't need a very serious background to get in on the finance action, but an undergraduate degree is required at the very least. Ideally, your academic background should demonstrate your ability to understand and work with numbers; being a business major shows that you've studied finance, economics, or accounting. To secure a top-paying career, you'll probably need an MBA, but generally it's best to have several years of working in an entry-level financial industry job before you even apply to business school.

Expand Your Knowledge

Continued education at any level is a great way to boost your financial IQ and increase your competitive edge. If you’re really committed to carving a career in the finance sector, employers will want to see you taking active steps to expand your knowledge and grasp of industry concepts. Keep abreast of current industry news, trends and market developments through financial news outlets and web resources.

Network, Network, Network

The more people you connect with and talk to, the better your network will become, which will give you more leads to entry-level positions. Establish contacts on LinkedIn; head to networking events and seminars; approach recruiters; and talk to family and friends. They may not work in finance themselves, but chances are they know someone who does. Reach out to alums of your college or university who already work at your target companies (check the job placement office to get a list of those who've said they'd be willing to talk to grads seeking jobs). Try to get informational interviews and ask if they’ll pass your résumé to whoever hires entry-level staffers. In the financial world “who you know” will help get your foot in the industry door.

source https://www.matuganda.com