Why A Career In Investments Can Be Perfect For A Finance Student

Why A Career In Investments Can Be Perfect For A Finance Student A career in investments can be highly challenging but it is also a very rewarding employment area for people who are well-skilled in this line of work. The nature of the work undertaken in this sector makes it a perfect career path for finance students who are confident with numbers and who can clearly state their ideas and opinions. There is a need to be ruthless, clinical and to look at the wider picture when working in this area. So many investment opportunities rely on seeing aspects before others, or when others don’t see them at all, and in being cool under pressure. This means some people’s personality and nature may make them better equipped for this role but the technical elements of investment work means finance experience and qualifications will be of significant benefit. In the long-term, positions in this area can be of benefit to everyone. There are positions within big firms or people can go it alone or find a key role in a smaller company, although bigger firms provide more opportunities, so many people gravitate to these options. There are also consultancy opportunities, although most people develop their career first and then decide to provide freelance services. What skills and education do you need? The basic skills for this line of work include a good level of numeracy, the ability to consider opportunities and express opinions while being aware of the commercial market. Any form of finance degree indicates these basic skills while also indicating an applicant has the tenacity and determination to complete their studies. Many candidates further develop their skills by studying to a higher level and there may be opportunities to undertake training or further education while in position in the investment sector. Benefits of working in the investment sector There are many reasons why people look to work in the investment sector and these are some of the key benefits: There is a wide range of roles to choose from â€" so most people should find something they love Studies find finance and investment roles carry a high level of employee satisfaction There is a career path for finance students operating in investment market The financial packages on offer are very attractive Many people will see the salaries and financial perks provided in this sector and immediately consider it as a good option. This is a difficult environment where people have to work hard and be good at what they do, but people that excel in the investments sector are richly rewarded for their efforts. Starting Out The most common entry path into this sector is through being a graduate and then applying at the various levels. People looking to get in at the ground-floor in order to develop experience will find that graduate positions are attractive. Coming straight from college is an ideal time to enter this sector. This is because while graduates are immediately provided with responsibility and involvement with accounts, there is time to learn and review the different areas on offer within a company. The vast majority of finance and investment companies understand that recent graduates are still learning and they are more likely to create a path that encourages development while offering incentives for growth. There is always a lot to be said for seeking out the opinion and insight of professionals employed in the sector. For example, in 2007, Fisher Investments partnered with Wiley Sons and created a range of books on the major financial sectors that offer case studies and reviews of key topics that can provide insight for any up-and-coming investor. Just looking at the reviews of Fisher Investments on Technology (one of the sector guides) and it shows how much value is placed on their knowledge of the investment sector. Intern roles can provide insight about the industry Even an internship can be of substantial benefit to an individual as it provides them with insight into what investment roles entail and what the working environment is like. It is one thing to read about the sector and understand the theory of the workplace but it is another matter to immerse yourself in this position, which is why it is best to obtain hands-on experience if possible. It is always important for the individual to know their own nature and personality, and to be sure about what they want to achieve in life and with a role. There is a range of investment sector roles to choose from, including: Venture capitalist Asset management Underwriter Private equity posts Anyone with a very clear career path in mind should look to study and then operate in that area but people who are more flexible should consider trying different areas in the formative years of their career. The investment sector is a fast-paced and challenging environment but it is one that fits perfectly with the aims and ambitions of many finance students. . Image credits. Main.  WallStreet.