Financial Services Career Guide: Everything you need to know about hatching your career in Financial Services Presented by:
What is TalentEgg? TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for students and recent graduates looking for career hatching opportunities.
We work with hundreds of Canada’s top employers, and we’re dedicated to helping students navigate the sometimes messy school-to-work transition. That’s why we created the Financial Services Career Guide – a guide to help land your dream job in financial services.
So what are you waiting for? Get cracking!
Be sure to take advantage of the Relevant Reads section on each page. These additional resources provide a ton of important info to help you in your job search!
And keep your eyes peeled for tips and tricks on the bottom of each page!
Careers in financial services Did you know? The financial services industry is one of the most significant contributors to Canada’s economic growth and employs over half a million people – many of whom are nearing retirement. This is good news for grads who are looking for a career with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow! While many entry level jobs in the financial services industry don’t require a background in business or finance, a designation or certification will give you the training, knowledge and credibility you need to be successful in your area of interest. Some common designations include: • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Financial Risk Management (FRM)
• Certified Credit Professional (CCP)
• Registered Financial Planner (RFP)
• Personal Finance Planner (PFP)
• Chartered Investment Manager (CIM)
• Chartered Strategic Wealth Professional (CSWP)
• Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM)
Search for financial services jobs on TalentEgg.ca Relevant Reads: 4 more designations to consider Top 6 career paths for new grads in financial services How to become a Financial Analyst
TalentEgg Tip: Bookmark TalentEgg’s Financial Services Career Guide for free career resources
What to put on your resume Ready to write a resume that will catch the eye of financial services employers? Here are some things to include: • Business-related education
• Extra-curricular and volunteer activities
• Finance-related work experience
• Past accomplishments (quantify them)
• Customer-service experience
• Software experience
If your resume is lacking in any of those areas, there are some ways to gain experience while still in school: • Get a part-time customer service job. (Tip: Note any sales milestones or quotas you’ve achieved on your resume.) • Take business, finance or accounting courses to demonstrate your interest in financial services. • Complete a finance-related internship, co-op or summer. • Get involved in a student group on campus to show your motivation and drive to succeed. Bonus points for taking on a finance-related role in your club! • Volunteer in your community. It shows you are wellrounded and can help you build your network! Relevant Reads: 4 Things to do outside of class to get a financial services job Application tips and tricks from a CPP Investment Board Recruiter TalentEgg Tip: Choose your extra-curricular activities wisely.
Preparing for interviews Ready to ace your financial services interview? Success comes with preparation! Here are some tips to help you prepare and ease your pre-interview nerves:
• Know the job description. Understand what the employer is looking for and practice giving answers that will highlight those traits and skills. • Ask what to expect. Is it a standard Q&A? Will you be asked technical or case study questions? • Bring a portfolio with copies of your resume, the job description and any relevant work samples. • Prepare some questions of your own that show your interest in the position and company. Finally, when it’s all said and done, don’t forget to follow up! Many entry level financial services roles involve working with clients or customers – show you are courteous and professional by sending a thoughtful thank you note.
Relevant Reads: Best questions to ask at a financial services interview 5 tips for a successful interview
TalentEgg Tip: Practice technical questions with this finance interview app.
Financial services internships A financial services internship is a great way to gain the experience you need to land a job post-grad! In fact, relevant prior work experience is becoming a prerequisite for many entry level jobs. When it comes to interviewing for internships, if you don’t have much (or any) technical experience, focus on your soft skills. Explain why your work ethic, positive attitude and communication skills would make you a great intern. Your internship may be your big break into the industry. Stand out by going above and beyond your job description by taking the initiative to volunteer for different projects. Not only will you impress your boss, you’ll also gain new accomplishments to add to your resume and expand your professional network.
Relevant Reads: How to make the most of your financial services internship How to turn your internship into a job offer
TalentEgg Tip: Don’t make these 7 mistakes during your internship!
Financial services salaries Future job prospects are looking good for the financial services industry! So let’s take a look at some average starting salaries for typical entry level financial services jobs: Toronto
Montreal
Vancouver
Calgary
Actuary
$56,924
$57,143
$60,214
$58,891
Financial Analyst
$56,145
$56,362
$59,391
$58,175
Financial Services Rep
$34,149
$36,803
$33,500
$33,125
Benefits Analyst
$55,252
$55,465
$58,445
$57,249
Commercial Lender
$61,750
$60,454
$60,571
$60,689
Account Representative
$43,896
$44,065
$46,433
$45,483
Bonus: Some of these roles may include bonuses and commissions on top of the base salary! Click here for more entry level financial services salaries.
Relevant Reads: How to negotiate salary: 8 tips to help you earn more How to get promoted
TalentEgg Tip: Know how to evaluate your job offer.
Congratulations! You’re on your way to hatching your career in financial services! Here are a few more Relevant Reads to help you land your dream job in finance or banking: UTM Arts grad builds his finance career in banking More than a job: Sun Life Financial's new graduate rotational programs Networking, resume and interview tips from a new grad Financial Analyst
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