There is a great range of career choices available to financial professionals. While stockbroking and insurance agent are two areas that remain worthy and logical options for financial professionals, the huge range of choice means specialising in a particular area, or working across a number of different roles, is possible. With this said, increased choice brings the need for financial professionals to have more knowledge than ever before and has created tougher competition for jobs across the sector. If you’re looking to enter the finance industry, there are a few easy steps that will help you give yourself the best chance possible of starting a successful career.

1. Upskill

Your tertiary qualifications are crucial to you forging a successful career in finance. However, to become an accomplished professional in this sector, you will need a broader range of practical skills and tools to draw on. The good news is that you can access high quality, credible and useful resources and tools from providers such as the Australian Bookkeepers Network. Members of professional networks such as this have access to expert advice and useful resources that can be utilised to professionally run a successful business and help you stay ahead in the industry.

2. Choose appropriate subjects

If you are still studying, make sure you choose your subjects wisely. Give preference to a finance major that will lead you to an area that you would like to pursue – for example, accounting, business or economics. It may also be helpful to be aware of programs that have a specific focus on personal financial planning. These are offered by an ever-increasing number of institutions and can broaden your skill range which will benefit you in a number of ways. This is because they tend to cover topics that are overlooked in some other courses, such as the rights of consumers, the dynamic nature of finance within family contexts, and the psychological impacts of retirement.

3. Engage in relevant additional activities

You can enhance your resume and take steps to increase your appeal as an employee by engaging in extracurricular activities that increase your exposure to, and experience of, the world of finance. Because the financial sector is so broad and diverse, there are many ways that you can secure this experience. Preparation of income tax returns, work within a banking environment, undertaking relevant exams and working as an intern at a financial organisation are just some of the possible opportunities.

4. Strategically search for a job

If you have worked as an intern and/or established great contacts within the financial community, you will have a decisive advantage over other, unknown candidates for available positions. If you are looking for a role through more traditional avenues, it’s wise to use the internet strategically. Investigate reputable sites when jobs for financial professionals are posted and make sure your professional profiles (such as LinkedIn) are up to date and showcase your knowledge, skills, experience and the value you can add to a financial company.

There is no one road to becoming a financial professional. By getting to know the industry well, you are putting yourself in a great position to become a financial professional and enjoy a fulfilling, successful and long-term career.