Scientists
and philosophers can spend weeks arguing which came first, the chicken or the
egg, and never reach a conclusion. While one’s career is in some ways a
lifelong pursuit, the start of it is usually easier to peg. Many would say it
began with their first finance job.
Or
did it start with the work that went into securing that job? The debate
continues … Regardless of whether you think your career started in grade school
or didn’t actually begin until you’d had three finance jobs, we have some
suggestions from experts as to where the best places are to start your financial
career (in no particular order).
1.
Development programs
Chris
Fackler is president of Ringside Search Partners, a leading talent acquisition
firm. “When you start a new career in finance it's best to get into an
organization known for their developmental programs,” he says, explaining that
these programs are often found in larger Fortune 1000 companies because they
have the resources to invest in their next course of leadership.
David
Eagan, a financial analyst for a large computer manufacturer, agrees. He went through
his company’s finance development program, which he says was “great for me
because I got to learn about many different areas of finance, before ultimately
settling in a specific part of the company.” He also remembers it as a great
way to meet mentors and network within the company.
Development
programs are known for exposing their enrollees to a variety of finance jobs
within an organization.
2.
Bank management trainee positions
Now
a 15-year industry veteran and president of financial services/wealth
management firm Lions Bridge Financial, Jayne De Vincenzo says she got two
offers from banks right out of college and accepted a management trainee job at
one. She touts this as an excellent place to start a new career in finance. Her
advice for those looking to acquire a management trainee position is to find by
calling -- not just emailing -- human resources and training departments at
banks. She also shares the following for those with aspirations to get into
financial advising one day, as she eventually did: “find a great team and ask
to join them and work your way up.”
3.
Internships
Finance
jobs for some began as internships when they were in college. And the excellent
news is you can still get an internship even after you’ve graduated (as long as
you’re ready to work for less money). “If you can ‘score’ an internship, you
gain valuable real-life experience that can often segue to a real job with the
firm,” says career coach Vickie Austin of CHOICES Worldwide, who works closely
with financial services professionals. “Don't turn your nose up at an
internship that doesn't ‘challenge’ you--just being in their world is a plus.”
4.
Chambers of commerce
Not
as commonly thought of as your university career center or alumni association,
your local chamber of commerce is also an excellent resource for starting your finance
career, according to Austin. “If you're seeking a more entrepreneurial approach
to a career in finance, tap into your local chamber of commerce for some
connections,” she says, pointing out that local business owners in insurance,
financial planning, and so on often reach their chamber of commerce for support
and professional development.
5.
Your network
They
say it’s not what you know, it’s who you know that matters, and while some
might argue against it, many professionals will tell you they got their first
(or current) finance charge after someone they already knew alerted them to its
availability. “Hands down the advice from the professionals I talked with, and
my own coaching, is to start with what I call ‘Your Golden Rolodex,’” shares
Austin. This system includes your relatives, friends, past coworkers, neighbors
and anyone you know well enough to request an informational interview with. “If
you're interested in becoming an investment advisor, a broker, a controller or
a CPA, start by talking with someone you know who does what you think you want
to do,” she advises.
Author: Peter Hans
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