Financial services are the backbone of a nation’s economy, and companies within this sector allow for capital and liquidity to flow freely. This is vital to businesses of all sizes, as it allows consumers to make larger purchases and have confidence in the stability of their money.
When it comes to a career in the financial industry, there are many different paths you can take. From mortgage lenders and insurance brokers to investment bankers and Wall Street, there are countless options for those looking to break into this highly competitive field. However, not all jobs in financial services are created equal and it is important to understand what type of role you are looking for before making any major decisions.
A financial service is defined as any service or product that is related to the provision of credit, investment and intermediation. This includes deposit-taking; lending of all types; financial leasing; payment and money transmission services; securities trading; asset management, including pension fund management; and custodial, depository and trust services. It also includes debt resolution and global payment services such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as financial market utilities, such as stock, derivative and commodity exchanges.
As a result, it’s no surprise that the financial services industry is booming and offers a wide range of job opportunities for those with the right skillset. It is a highly in-demand field, which can give workers a higher degree of professional freedom than some other industries. Many people who work in the finance industry can move between positions easily, whether it is to switch companies or even cities.
This type of flexibility can be a huge benefit to someone looking for a new challenge or just to gain a better understanding of the overall economy. Additionally, working in the financial services industry can often help a person to develop valuable interpersonal skills. In many cases, a good deal of success in this industry depends on being able to interact with other high-profile individuals and business leaders.
While there are plenty of perks to working in the financial services industry, it’s important for prospective employees to understand what they are getting themselves into before taking on such an intense and complex position. A degree in the field is not always necessary, and a lot of entry-level positions require more experience than a traditional college education.
Duitch adds that those considering a career in this field should also consider how the role will fit into their long-term goals. He says, “Not all financial services jobs will pave the way to your ultimate goal.” For example, if you are an aspiring investment banker, starting off as a teller at a local community bank is not going to get you very far. However, he adds that there are plenty of other opportunities for those looking to enter this industry that do provide a clear path toward the top. He points out that this is true in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors of the industry.