Is a Career in Finance for Me?

Wondering if you have what it takes to build a career in the world of finance? Here are some personality traits and skills that can give you the upper hand in the industry.

Financial services

Although different types of clients and their needs generally result in hours of financial services for either retail-based or flexible work, client-oriented talents tend to be highly valued. This is due to them having more opportunities to expand their knowledge in specific markets and industries.

Retail banking professionals serve people from all walks of life at bank branches and call centres, and will likely work shifts, including on the weekends. Graduates can also be trained to manage a retail bank branch, even as they continue their professional development in other aspects of banking.

Meanwhile, in the insurance industry, observation, communication and negotiation skills are needed alongside emotional intelligence and fluency in product knowledge. Professionals in this area tend to be driven by performance, client satisfaction and a commitment to deliver innovative products and good customer service.

Actuarial careers in insurance companies, on the other hand, require numerical and problem-solving strengths, calling for degrees in maths, applied maths, or statistics. To provide expert advice to organisations and clients, actuarists gain specialist knowledge through training to build their credentials.

Accountancy and financial management

Accountants help organisations manage finances to comply with legal regulations and plan for the future. An ability to fulfil business interests while maintaining strong moral principles is key in this area. On top of that, accountants should enjoy working with people, numbers and concepts, be able to communicate effectively and have an interest in the business world.

By understanding how companies function and make money, accountants handle new projects and clients by asking the right questions and following the right leads. Moreover, an ability to convey complex information in a professional and jargon-free manner to clients and work well with colleagues at all levels is crucial.

The first few years in accountancy can be intense as most work towards professional qualifications while holding a full-time job, though employers typically provide support by granting study leave.

Banking and investment

Investment banking is a data-focused role for those with excellent analytical, technical and numerical skills. Client management and teamwork come in handy here, as does resilience, the endurance to work round the clock and being on call to monitor changes in different markets. This also makes time management skills and accountability to shareholders essential.

Investment management firms generate returns for clients through investments across a wide range of businesses, countries and products. As a result, investment managers and advisors must make intelligent investment decisions apart from succeeding in client service, dispensing valuable insights to clients and colleagues. Thus, the environment is generally target-driven, with pressure to make the right decisions at the right time for strategic earnings, particularly for the trading division.

With specialist knowledge and extensive research in financial markets, professionals are always keenly aware of implications that may arise from certain decisions made. Confidence in client servicing is also needed, especially since investment decisions are made on their behalf.