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Choosing the Right Finance Career

By: Garry Crystal - Updated: 21 May 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Finance Accounting Finance Career Career

Choosing the right finance career will be a combination of having the right qualifications, and knowing your financial requirements and personal ambitions.

Finding the right finance career, one in which you will be happy and motivated, should lead to a fulfilling career. Knowing what motivates you in life will be beneficial when choosing the right finance career.

Having the Right Qualifications

People who have already gained financial qualifications should have some idea of the direction they wish to take with their career. For instance, people who have gained the qualifications necessary to become a chartered accountant should be aware of their options in a career in accounting.

There are many different sectors of the finance industry and knowing which would be of most interest will help when making a decision. If high salary requirements are important then choosing a financial career in a large corporate company may be the best career option.

Take Professional Advice

Professional advice is important, regardless of whether you are newly qualified or considering a career change. Careers advisors will be able to give invaluable advice and information on which finance careers will be the right fit for your personality and qualifications. Read career advice books and research the jobs that interest you. Use government resources such as job centres to see what options are available in both your local area and nationally.

Make a Personal Assessment

Set out a career plan outline in black and white, make a list of your requirements and interests and where you would like your career to take you. Know what motivates you; is financial gain more important or job satisfaction? Knowing what actually motivates you should help you make the right career choice. Going for the higher paid jobs will streamline your career options and save time in your search. If the idea of travel is important to you then research companies that have offices based around the world. Look for job vacancies where travel is mentioned in the job specifications and bring this factor up during interviews.

Know Your Personality

Different personality types are suited to different careers, and knowing your own personality career fit will be beneficial. There are companies that will be able to evaluate your personality and the careers that would be the best fit.

Many employers use psychometric testing to find out the personality of potential employees and whether or not they will fit within their company. Having an analytical mind is not all it takes for a career in accounting. Knowing your personality type should help when choosing the right financial career.

Research Your Financial Career Choices

No matter how you organise your career search researching your financial career options is a must. Set out your career options into sections including:
  • Basic profiles of the financial careers you are most interested in.
  • Which financial careers have the most prospects with relation to your actual requirements.
  • The specific finance sectors you would be interested in working in.
  • Specific companies within sectors that you would be interested in working for.
The information you gain from this research will help you choose the right financial career, or at least give you an idea of the ones that will be the best fit.

Choose a Financial Career You Will Love

Being passionate about your career will make all the difference in progressing towards your goals. Enjoying your job will make it easier to be dedicated and give a real commitment to your work ambitions and future achievements. Employers soon realise the employees who are giving the most to the company, and the hard working employees are usually the ones that progress rapidly in their chosen careers.

There are many different finance careers in the financial world and using research methods and taking professional advice will help you assess your choices. Careers are intended to last a lifetime, and starting off on the right career path will save a lot of time and effort towards reaching your ultimate career ambitions.

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