Lydia
What kinds of part-time jobs should I seek that would help me get a feel for and be a beneficial experience for me as I prepare for a career in the financial investments field?
I am planning on attending college, beginning in the fall of 2017, to obtain my degree in Business Finance. I will need to work while I am in school, and would like my job experience to also benefit my future career goals of working in the field of financial investments.
3 answers
Jeremy Gilbert
Jeremy’s Answer
The ability to communicate information effectively is possibly the number one skillset needed in the financial market. This not only applies to the financial market but most other occupations as well. So any positions that helps you learn how to communicate with people effectively and build relationship with customers will be dramatically helpful not only in the financial field but most others as well. Any type of job or internship that you get to experience selling products or services, or any clubs or groups that give you the opportunity to critically think and share ideas with others (teamwork) would be incredibly beneficial for you.
Kregg Kiel
Kregg’s Answer
Quite simply, I would do everything in your power to locate a paid internship in a firm whose business model is in line with your interests. Create a job search for "[your area of interest] internship" now on a site like Indeed.com or similar to get an idea of what is available in your area. An example would be "Financial Services Internship". Internships provide a great opportunity for learning and may even lead to a position with that firm if you excel. Minimally, it will provide you with ideas of where you might like to focus your career upon after graduating. Hope that helps and good luck to you!
Thanks for your insightful advice. I will take it to heart.
Lydia
Daniel Stout
Daniel’s Answer
I would say this depends on what you want to do in the Financial Services field. If you want to be an analyst, compliance, etc., than getting an internship in one of those fields would be helpful.
If you are looking to get in to sales of Financial Services (I.e. Becoming a financial advisor, etc.) then I would work on getting sales experience of intangible products, working as a sales assistant at a firm, or a part time support staff so you can get a feel for the culture, operations, and people that you will be working with.
Either way, if you are a hard worker and show determination and drive, it will pay dividends for you and put you ahead of your peers.
Good Luck!