The business and finance sector is a highly coveted industry with rich rewards. You don’t need us to tell you that Wall Street is the place to be when it comes to high bonuses and large salaries. It’s a fast-paced, exciting world, but you’ll need the right skills and personality for this environment. It’s a cut-throat sector that will test your instincts, intelligence, and reactions. If you think you’ve got what it takes, keep reading and find out how to break into this lucrative world.
Degree – To give yourself the best possible head-start, it’s always worth seeking a degree in finance. Whether it’s economics, mathematics or business, it will help give you that edge over other applicants. If possible, a master’s degree and a dissertation related to finance or economics will help further. It is possible to make it in the finance world without a degree, but you’ll certainly make things harder for yourself.
Learn the language – You’ll notice that every financier and business person appears to speak in tongues. It’s your job to fit in and speak the same language. The stock markets, Forex trading, and business companies all have their unique terms and phrases. You need to know them. Do you know the difference between a bear market and a bull market? Do you know your pips and your spread?
Use trading simulators – As any job hunter will know, it’s impossible to find a job without experience. It’s a vicious circle. Luckily, in the business world, you can gain a little market experience without putting your life savings on the line. Most market broker websites offer a demo version of their software or a trading simulator. With these, you can invest fake money in the market and watch how it reacts. It’s the best way to understand the subtleties of the market trends and factors.
Approach companies directly – The financial world is dominated by a few closely knit, lucrative companies. Make a complete list of the businesses in your area, and approach them personally. One of our contributors recently secured a job with Capital Assets Exchange after a simple job search. These companies are corporate giants, but they have a wide-open door. So find a company suited to you, and approach them directly.
Internships and mentors – Working up the business and finance ladder is a step-by-step process. You need a helping-hand to get you onto the first step. Finding a good internship is the best way to do that. It’s also worth seeking out an experienced mentor to show you the ropes. Again, reach out to your local companies to see if there are any opportunities available.
Just start – When it comes to the world of finance, there’s no reason you can’t just start! Open up a brokerage account and start trading. Build up a diverse portfolio and prove your worth. Or why not start a company? Turn your blog into a business or set up an online store. The markets are open to everyone. Just make sure you know what you’re doing!
A job in the finance industry will set you up for life. The sky’s the limit when it comes to opportunity and wage possibility. Good luck on your job search!