Do you want a challenging yet intriguing career? If you do, the financial industry is a good place to look.

In the very competitive world of finance, there are various types of financial services and sectors, which means that there is a lot of variation and versatility in regards to career pathways, as those working for regulators like the MFSA would validate. For those who are keen to know how to start a career in finance, one of the greatest suggestions is to attempt to acquire as much work experience as possible. As it is such a competitive industry, every entry-role or post-graduate scheme often tends to have hundreds of applications, which is exactly why it is crucial for your CV to stand out from the crowd. One way to stand apart and impress employers is to have some relevant experience under your belt. For instance, internships, apprenticeships and summer work experience placements can give valuable real-world experience and opportunities to construct your professional network. Even if it is just a couple of weeks of general administrative duties, it still gives you some valuable insight into what it is like to be part of the financial industry. Apart from looking excellent on a resume, it is additionally a great way to figure out what kind of position or sector you are personally interested in as a job path.

In total, the list of career paths in finance is extensive, ranging from financial analyst to investment banker to compliance officers, as those working for regulators like the FCA would validate. Regardless of what career pathway you would like to pursue, there is always one unavoidable part of the application process; job interviews. Job interviews are an essential aspect to any type of financial career, here regardless of the position or expected wage. Even the leading CEOs for financial institutions commonly need to interview, so it is crucial to do some research on the highly recommended interview tips for finance jobs. Essentially, the golden rule of interviewing is to do some thorough research on the actual firm itself, in addition to the particular role you are interviewing for. By demonstrating that you have taken the time to get-up-to-speed with the firm is an excellent way to impress the interviewer. Additionally, showing that you have industry knowledge and are up-to-date with the latest financing headlines and trends is additionally an efficient way to show your genuine interest and enthusiasm.

Within the financial sector, there are several types of finance jobs that individuals can pursue, varying in income, qualifications and experience, as those working for regulators like the BaFin would certainly know. If you have an interest in learning how to get a job in finance, one of the best starting points is to acquire the right credentials. Given that the financial industry is extremely competitive, most employers prefer their job applicants to have at the very least a bachelor's degree under their belt, ideally in a relevant topic like finance, economics or accounting. As a matter of fact, depending upon the role you are looking for, financial organizations might even desire further education in the form of a masters or PhD. The main reason why several finance recruiters and employers want their candidates to have a university degree is the simple fact that that degrees help candiates build strong foundations in finance. Nevertheless, university degrees provide students the opportunity to develop essential technical abilities like financial modelling and data analysis, as well as gain experience in important soft skills like problem-solving and communication.