Career changes are extremely common in today’s culture, and people at every age and every stage are taking steps towards new and exciting opportunities all the time. Even if you think you’re too old or too far into your current path to consider a career change, think again. It’s really never too late to try something different. If you have always wanted to work in finance, you can start taking steps today to achieve your ultimate goal.
Do Some Advanced Research
If you’re interested in learning more about finance, start doing some research in your spare time. You can browse finance career blogs and industry publications, and spend some time learning about different career paths. After you’ve done some reading, reach out to people in the field. This can be easily accomplished on social media. LinkedIn is a great place to start a conversation in a no-pressure environment. Finally, attend industry events to get some perspective on the field and to meet people in the industry face-to-face. The key is to learn ways in which you can leverage your existing experience into a new career while making connections in the industry.
Take Relevant Classes
If you have absolutely no background in finance, you will want to take some classes to get yourself familiar with the lingo, the field itself, and to get reacquainted with mathematics if it’s been a while since you’ve worked with numbers. While software will handle financial calculations for you, you still need to understand the principles behind the equations you will eventually be working with. Classes are also a good way to expand your network and to make new connections.
If you have the time and the finances, consider enrolling in a complete MBA program. This is a great way to build your credentials and get real experience in the world of finance. When you graduate an MBA program, you can enter the field without starting over at the entry level.
Go Through the Back Door
Every finance firm has supporting departments like HR, accounting, marketing, purchasing, administrative support, IT, etc. You can enter finance by making a lateral move in your field, and then focusing on developing your career once you have your foot in the door.
Get a Partner
Making a career change is never easy, but it can be done. If you want to succeed, consider partnering with an expert recruiter in finance who can help you lay out a game plan and take the necessary steps to help you land your first job in the field. With the help of a recruiter, you can learn how to craft your resume, you can know for sure which skills you need to work on in order to take the leap, and you can develop a strategy for taking the first steps towards a career change in finance.
If you are looking to jumpstart your financial job search, reach out to the recruiters at Systems Personnel in Buffalo. Since 1996, we have been connecting the best and brightest talent with some of the most innovative employers in the region. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take the first step in your new career.
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Send us your resume today and one of our top recruiters will be in contact to help you find your next role.