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What are some skills do I need to develop in order to advance myself in the finance industry? ?
I am currently a junior in college and been actively applying for interships. I feel like I struggle during the interview proccess on answering questions and feeling prepared enough. Also i would like to improve my resume and im not sure what else i can do.
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9 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Amelda!
You've already got some golden advice from the mentors here, so I'm just hopping in to sprinkle a little extra magic on top. The finance world is a whole jungle out there, and you're already making moves — love that for you!
Soft Skills Are Your Secret Weapon indeed— Communication and confidence are literally half the battle in finance. Try joining clubs like Toastmasters to practice public speaking or even role-playing mock interviews with friends to sharpen your delivery.
Tech Up! — Learn tools like Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros) and sprinkle in some SQL or Python if you're feeling fancy. Data analytics skills are like hotcakes in the finance world right now.
Certifications Flex — While you're still in college, snagging some smaller certifications like Google Data Analytics, Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC), or Coursera Financial Analysis courses can add some muscle to your resume.
Mock Interviews + Feedback Loop — Platforms like Pramp or Big Interview let you practice and get feedback. Plus, recording yourself answering common questions helps you spot where you're crushing it and where you might need a little polish.
LinkedIn Is Your BFF — Connect with professionals, follow finance companies, and don't be afraid to shoot a friendly DM asking for informational interviews.
And about those nerves? Totally normal. Even the pros get sweaty palms. The trick is preparation + mindset. Walk in like you're not just there to get the job but to see if they're lucky enough to have YOU.
You've got this, Amelda! Keep pushing, keep learning, and the right door will open.
All the best mate!
If you're ready to dive in right now, I'd say start with mock interviews on Big Interview or Pramp — it'll shake off the nerves and get you into that confident groove. While you're at it, polish up your resume with Zety Resume Builder or Enhancv to give it that ✨wow✨ factor. Then — and this is the secret sauce — reach out to one person on LinkedIn working in finance and ask if they have 10 minutes to share their journey. People love talking about themselves, and you never know what doors that one chat could open.
Take free finance courses on Coursera or edX — especially ones on financial analysis or Excel for finance. Even if it's just one small module a day, you'll stack up skills without even noticing. Plus, slap those certificates on your resume and LinkedIn — it'll scream, "I'm serious about this!"
Join finance-related online communities like Wall Street Oasis, r/FinancialCareers on Reddit, or even LinkedIn Finance Groups. Why? You'll pick up insider tips, hear what others are struggling with (and how they fix it), and maybe even stumble across hidden internship openings. It's like having a secret finance squad backing you up!
You've already got some golden advice from the mentors here, so I'm just hopping in to sprinkle a little extra magic on top. The finance world is a whole jungle out there, and you're already making moves — love that for you!
Soft Skills Are Your Secret Weapon indeed— Communication and confidence are literally half the battle in finance. Try joining clubs like Toastmasters to practice public speaking or even role-playing mock interviews with friends to sharpen your delivery.
Tech Up! — Learn tools like Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros) and sprinkle in some SQL or Python if you're feeling fancy. Data analytics skills are like hotcakes in the finance world right now.
Certifications Flex — While you're still in college, snagging some smaller certifications like Google Data Analytics, Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC), or Coursera Financial Analysis courses can add some muscle to your resume.
Mock Interviews + Feedback Loop — Platforms like Pramp or Big Interview let you practice and get feedback. Plus, recording yourself answering common questions helps you spot where you're crushing it and where you might need a little polish.
LinkedIn Is Your BFF — Connect with professionals, follow finance companies, and don't be afraid to shoot a friendly DM asking for informational interviews.
And about those nerves? Totally normal. Even the pros get sweaty palms. The trick is preparation + mindset. Walk in like you're not just there to get the job but to see if they're lucky enough to have YOU.
You've got this, Amelda! Keep pushing, keep learning, and the right door will open.
All the best mate!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
This is a great well written advice.
Fanna Suzan
Thank you for your feedback Fanna Suzan, it is really inspiring.
Dr H
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Amelda inorder to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving landscape as a finance professional you'll need to possess a diverse range of finance and accounting skills that all financial professionals should continually focus on developing to stay ahead of the curve.
📊 DATA ANALYTICS SKILL — The finance function deals quite a lot with numbers and other forms of structured and unstructured data. Finance managers and analysts should be able to analyze the data to draw accurate and insightful conclusions from them. The finance department has for long provided stakeholders with historical data to report business’ performance. But today, you are also expected to be able to forecast revenue outcomes, costs, and cash flow. Knowledge of predictive analytics and being comfortable collaborating with data scientists is important for finance professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Accounting and finance executives need to be strong problem-solvers and decision-makers. You should be able to understand how to turn big data into concise, decision-driving insights, and be able to effectively collaborate with the IT team or analytics professionals for this.
💻 DIGITAL PROFICIENCY SKILL — Finance departments worldwide are undergoing rapid digital transformation. You’ll no longer see stacks of paper records or big-bound books on accountants’ tables. Sleek tablets and laptops, voice assistants, and touch screens dot finance executives’ offices today. Today, most F&A professionals work using AR software, reporting tools, forecasting models, RPA bots, artificial intelligence (AI) apps, and other digital technologies. In the digital age, technical skills in finance have become increasingly important for finance professionals. Technology has changed the nature of finance job roles. Finance staff must now stay updated on the dynamics in the digital front to be able to innovate and contribute to value-added tasks.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION SKILLS — Effective communication, thus, becomes essential for finance professionals. Since the finance team today needs to collaborate with multiple other teams, explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms through both oral and written means becomes important. You should also be able to interact with industry analysts and take questions about the company’s performance and goals from a wide set of audience with ease.
🌐 BUSINESS PROGRAM SOLVING SKILLS —
Business acumen refers to one’s capacity to comprehend business challenges and find new solutions to them. Strategic contributions to the business need more than simply a grasp of statistics or data points. Good finance and business acumen skills will help you to build relationships with other business units and to learn better about their challenges. It helps you become strategic advisors and business partners to them.
💰 BUDGETING SKILLS — Some of the key functions of the finance team are preparing budgets, tracking expenditure, and predicting future cash flows and costs. Finance experts should know to prepare reliable budgets with modern tools and techniques such as zero-based budgeting and value proposition budgeting. Accurate financial modeling and forecasting using advanced statistical functions such as variance analysis help track projected and actual finance metrics, thus improving organizational performance. Financial forecasting models help depict an asset’s or portfolio’s financial performance over time and can be used to predict and evaluate the company’s value and performance. Most companies expect you to be adept in financial modeling, especially if you are applying for senior-level positions.
💵 CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT SKILLS — Cash flow management is used by businesses to manage their finances and focus on growth by tracking the ins and outs of their funds. A company may prevent financial loss and develop a successful long-term strategy with efficient cash flow management. As a result, cash flow management is a non-negotiable ability for any aspiring or experienced finance professional.
🧭 ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS — Today, CFOs stand second-in-line to the CEO and are considered of the same stature. If you aspire to be the head of the finance function, you must have strong leadership and organizational skills. From managing multiple projects to spearheading team activities, finance professionals who set themselves apart from the rest through their exceptional team management, data analytics, and interpersonal skills will find more success. By developing and mastering these skills, finance professionals can stay ahead of the curve and make valuable contributions to their organizations. Keep learning, stay updated, and embrace change to thrive in the dynamic world of finance.
Remember, upskilling is a continuous process, and it’s important to embrace lifelong learning to stay competitive in the finance field. By taking these steps, you can develop your skills for finance jobs and position yourself for success as a finance leader.
📊 DATA ANALYTICS SKILL — The finance function deals quite a lot with numbers and other forms of structured and unstructured data. Finance managers and analysts should be able to analyze the data to draw accurate and insightful conclusions from them. The finance department has for long provided stakeholders with historical data to report business’ performance. But today, you are also expected to be able to forecast revenue outcomes, costs, and cash flow. Knowledge of predictive analytics and being comfortable collaborating with data scientists is important for finance professionals to stay ahead of the curve. Accounting and finance executives need to be strong problem-solvers and decision-makers. You should be able to understand how to turn big data into concise, decision-driving insights, and be able to effectively collaborate with the IT team or analytics professionals for this.
💻 DIGITAL PROFICIENCY SKILL — Finance departments worldwide are undergoing rapid digital transformation. You’ll no longer see stacks of paper records or big-bound books on accountants’ tables. Sleek tablets and laptops, voice assistants, and touch screens dot finance executives’ offices today. Today, most F&A professionals work using AR software, reporting tools, forecasting models, RPA bots, artificial intelligence (AI) apps, and other digital technologies. In the digital age, technical skills in finance have become increasingly important for finance professionals. Technology has changed the nature of finance job roles. Finance staff must now stay updated on the dynamics in the digital front to be able to innovate and contribute to value-added tasks.
🗣️ COMMUNICATION SKILLS — Effective communication, thus, becomes essential for finance professionals. Since the finance team today needs to collaborate with multiple other teams, explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms through both oral and written means becomes important. You should also be able to interact with industry analysts and take questions about the company’s performance and goals from a wide set of audience with ease.
🌐 BUSINESS PROGRAM SOLVING SKILLS —
Business acumen refers to one’s capacity to comprehend business challenges and find new solutions to them. Strategic contributions to the business need more than simply a grasp of statistics or data points. Good finance and business acumen skills will help you to build relationships with other business units and to learn better about their challenges. It helps you become strategic advisors and business partners to them.
💰 BUDGETING SKILLS — Some of the key functions of the finance team are preparing budgets, tracking expenditure, and predicting future cash flows and costs. Finance experts should know to prepare reliable budgets with modern tools and techniques such as zero-based budgeting and value proposition budgeting. Accurate financial modeling and forecasting using advanced statistical functions such as variance analysis help track projected and actual finance metrics, thus improving organizational performance. Financial forecasting models help depict an asset’s or portfolio’s financial performance over time and can be used to predict and evaluate the company’s value and performance. Most companies expect you to be adept in financial modeling, especially if you are applying for senior-level positions.
💵 CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT SKILLS — Cash flow management is used by businesses to manage their finances and focus on growth by tracking the ins and outs of their funds. A company may prevent financial loss and develop a successful long-term strategy with efficient cash flow management. As a result, cash flow management is a non-negotiable ability for any aspiring or experienced finance professional.
🧭 ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS — Today, CFOs stand second-in-line to the CEO and are considered of the same stature. If you aspire to be the head of the finance function, you must have strong leadership and organizational skills. From managing multiple projects to spearheading team activities, finance professionals who set themselves apart from the rest through their exceptional team management, data analytics, and interpersonal skills will find more success. By developing and mastering these skills, finance professionals can stay ahead of the curve and make valuable contributions to their organizations. Keep learning, stay updated, and embrace change to thrive in the dynamic world of finance.
Remember, upskilling is a continuous process, and it’s important to embrace lifelong learning to stay competitive in the finance field. By taking these steps, you can develop your skills for finance jobs and position yourself for success as a finance leader.
Thank You Michelle. Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.
Doc Frick
Thank You Dr. H. Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.
Doc Frick
Thank You M. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
Doc Frick
a good advice. if need y further explanation reach out.
Fanna Suzan
Indeed Doc. Frick your wise words brings encouragement to this little community. I am glad to be on this with you.
Dr H
Kenneth Romanowski
CFP Board Emeritus (R), CTFA (Ret.), Instructor and Researcher of Financial History
33
Answers
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
Hello, Amelda!
Interviewing is often intimidating, especially early in your career. Here are a few thoughts based on years of experience:
1. Look at the interview as a way for the company to know you AND for you to get to know the company. It’s possible you may discover that you would not want to work there! Learn as much as you can about the company. Know its products and competitors. If you know the department where you would like to work, get some information about the department. Ask questions! Show that you are interested!
2. Go online and see what types of questions are asked on interviews. Expect to be asked the question: “Tell me about yourself.” Gear your answer to the job or company.
3. Practice! The more interviewing you do, the better.
4. Use action words on your resume. Don’t just show what you did…show what you accomplished. Show how much of an improvement you made. Also, be sure your grammar AND spelling are correct.
5. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t get discouraged. Every “no” gets you closer to the next “yes.”
I hope that these thoughts help! Good luck!
Review your resume. Check grammar and spelling. Use action words.
Practice interviewing, especially with another person.
Research the company.
Interviewing is often intimidating, especially early in your career. Here are a few thoughts based on years of experience:
1. Look at the interview as a way for the company to know you AND for you to get to know the company. It’s possible you may discover that you would not want to work there! Learn as much as you can about the company. Know its products and competitors. If you know the department where you would like to work, get some information about the department. Ask questions! Show that you are interested!
2. Go online and see what types of questions are asked on interviews. Expect to be asked the question: “Tell me about yourself.” Gear your answer to the job or company.
3. Practice! The more interviewing you do, the better.
4. Use action words on your resume. Don’t just show what you did…show what you accomplished. Show how much of an improvement you made. Also, be sure your grammar AND spelling are correct.
5. Learn from your mistakes. Don’t get discouraged. Every “no” gets you closer to the next “yes.”
I hope that these thoughts help! Good luck!
Kenneth recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ektha’s Answer
Interpretation of what you apply (from a customer view point), presentation skills, show how your financial acumen can make a 'business' difference - the value your expertise brings in
Updated
kumuda’s Answer
1. Make sure you know a lot about the company you're visiting.
2. Look up common interview questions on Google and practice your answers.
3. Speak confidently about topics you know well.
4. If you find a question difficult during the interview, pause and honestly tell the interviewer you need a moment to think.
2. Look up common interview questions on Google and practice your answers.
3. Speak confidently about topics you know well.
4. If you find a question difficult during the interview, pause and honestly tell the interviewer you need a moment to think.
Updated
Gaurav’s Answer
Don't worry too much about the outcome of an interview. Just be true to yourself. Answer the questions as best as you can, and if you don't know something, make a note to learn about it later. Remember, practice makes perfect.
You can use ChatGPT to practice interview questions and act as your interview coach. Type out your answers and ask for tips on how to improve them. You can use the same approach to refine your resume.
One tip I often share is to really understand yourself. Know what makes you happy, excited, frustrated, or sad.
Good luck! You've got this!
You can use ChatGPT to practice interview questions and act as your interview coach. Type out your answers and ask for tips on how to improve them. You can use the same approach to refine your resume.
One tip I often share is to really understand yourself. Know what makes you happy, excited, frustrated, or sad.
Good luck! You've got this!
Updated
Kate’s Answer
Hi Amelda! Here are some friendly tips:
To move forward in the finance world, work on a mix of skills and knowledge. Get good at financial analysis and modeling by learning how to read financial statements and use Excel well. Know basic accounting rules like GAAP or IFRS. With more decisions based on data now, learning tools like SQL, Python, or R can really help. Understanding the markets and maybe getting a CFA certification is important too. Knowing how to manage and assess risks is useful, especially for jobs that deal with rules and regulations.
For soft skills, being able to explain complex ideas clearly is important, so practice talking about tricky topics simply. Improve problem-solving by doing exercises that make you think analytically. Network by meeting people at events and connecting on LinkedIn. The finance field changes fast, so be ready to adapt and learn new tech. Before interviews, learn about the company to understand its culture and the job details. Practice interviews, focusing on finance and behavior questions, and use the STAR Method to structure your answers.
For your resume, customize each one to show your relevant experience, and use numbers to show your achievements. Include both your technical and soft skills, plus any certifications or courses you’ve done. Make sure your resume looks professional, is easy to read, and has no mistakes. Think about getting more certifications like CFA, CPA, or FMVA, and gain experience through internships or part-time finance jobs. Keep up with financial news from trusted sources. By focusing on these areas, you’ll be better prepared for finance jobs.
Good luck!
To move forward in the finance world, work on a mix of skills and knowledge. Get good at financial analysis and modeling by learning how to read financial statements and use Excel well. Know basic accounting rules like GAAP or IFRS. With more decisions based on data now, learning tools like SQL, Python, or R can really help. Understanding the markets and maybe getting a CFA certification is important too. Knowing how to manage and assess risks is useful, especially for jobs that deal with rules and regulations.
For soft skills, being able to explain complex ideas clearly is important, so practice talking about tricky topics simply. Improve problem-solving by doing exercises that make you think analytically. Network by meeting people at events and connecting on LinkedIn. The finance field changes fast, so be ready to adapt and learn new tech. Before interviews, learn about the company to understand its culture and the job details. Practice interviews, focusing on finance and behavior questions, and use the STAR Method to structure your answers.
For your resume, customize each one to show your relevant experience, and use numbers to show your achievements. Include both your technical and soft skills, plus any certifications or courses you’ve done. Make sure your resume looks professional, is easy to read, and has no mistakes. Think about getting more certifications like CFA, CPA, or FMVA, and gain experience through internships or part-time finance jobs. Keep up with financial news from trusted sources. By focusing on these areas, you’ll be better prepared for finance jobs.
Good luck!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Amelda
To advance in the finance industry, you can focus on developing a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Here's a breakdown of the most important ones:
1. **Technical Skills**
- **Financial Modeling & Valuation**: Learn how to build financial models and perform valuations (Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Comparable Company Analysis, Precedent Transactions). Proficiency with Excel is essential for this.
- **Accounting Knowledge**: Since you're studying accounting, continue building your understanding of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) and how they interact.
- **Data Analysis & Excel Skills**: Excel is a must-have tool, especially for data analysis and creating financial models. Learn advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, v-lookups, macros).
- **Financial Software**: Familiarize yourself with financial platforms like Bloomberg, FactSet, or S&P Capital IQ.
2. **Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills**
- **Quantitative Analysis**: Strengthen your quantitative analysis skills, which are key for evaluating investments, financial forecasting, and economic trends.
- **Attention to Detail**: Finance often involves a lot of numbers and small details that can make or break a deal. Precision is crucial.
- **Critical Thinking**: Practice breaking down complex financial data and situations to make sound judgments and recommendations.
3. **Communication & Interpersonal Skills**
- **Clear and Concise Communication**: Whether it's writing reports or speaking in interviews, the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly is highly valued.
- **Networking**: Build your professional network through events, LinkedIn, or alumni connections. Building relationships can sometimes be as important as technical skills.
- **Teamwork & Collaboration**: Many finance roles involve working in teams. Developing collaboration skills is important for contributing to group tasks, especially in investment banking or corporate finance.
4. **Preparation for Interviews**
- **Behavioral Questions**: Practice answering questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses, and why you’re interested in finance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- **Technical Questions**: Be prepared to answer finance-related questions. Brush up on topics such as financial ratios, accounting principles, and valuation techniques. Consider mock interviews to build confidence.
- **Industry Knowledge**: Stay up-to-date on current market trends, news, and major industry events. Demonstrating your awareness of the finance world will impress interviewers.
5. **Resume Improvement**
- **Tailor Your Resume**: Customize your resume for each internship or job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and coursework. Show how your background in accounting is an asset in finance.
- **Showcase Internships & Projects**: List any finance-related projects, competitions, or volunteer work. If you’ve participated in finance clubs, case competitions, or have taken relevant courses, be sure to include them.
- **Quantify Achievements**: Use numbers to highlight your impact in past roles (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a budget of $50,000”).
6. **Additional Steps to Take**
- **Get Certified**: If possible, consider pursuing certifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst). These can enhance your credibility.
- **Online Courses**: Platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses in financial analysis, accounting, and financial modeling that can boost your knowledge.
- **Stay Curious**: Read financial news, books, or blogs regularly. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham and “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis are great starting points for anyone entering finance.
By focusing on these skills and resources, you’ll feel more confident in interviews and build a stronger foundation for a successful finance career. Would you like help with a specific area, like practicing interview questions or improving a part of your resume?
To advance in the finance industry, you can focus on developing a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Here's a breakdown of the most important ones:
1. **Technical Skills**
- **Financial Modeling & Valuation**: Learn how to build financial models and perform valuations (Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Comparable Company Analysis, Precedent Transactions). Proficiency with Excel is essential for this.
- **Accounting Knowledge**: Since you're studying accounting, continue building your understanding of financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) and how they interact.
- **Data Analysis & Excel Skills**: Excel is a must-have tool, especially for data analysis and creating financial models. Learn advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, v-lookups, macros).
- **Financial Software**: Familiarize yourself with financial platforms like Bloomberg, FactSet, or S&P Capital IQ.
2. **Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills**
- **Quantitative Analysis**: Strengthen your quantitative analysis skills, which are key for evaluating investments, financial forecasting, and economic trends.
- **Attention to Detail**: Finance often involves a lot of numbers and small details that can make or break a deal. Precision is crucial.
- **Critical Thinking**: Practice breaking down complex financial data and situations to make sound judgments and recommendations.
3. **Communication & Interpersonal Skills**
- **Clear and Concise Communication**: Whether it's writing reports or speaking in interviews, the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly is highly valued.
- **Networking**: Build your professional network through events, LinkedIn, or alumni connections. Building relationships can sometimes be as important as technical skills.
- **Teamwork & Collaboration**: Many finance roles involve working in teams. Developing collaboration skills is important for contributing to group tasks, especially in investment banking or corporate finance.
4. **Preparation for Interviews**
- **Behavioral Questions**: Practice answering questions about your experience, strengths, weaknesses, and why you’re interested in finance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
- **Technical Questions**: Be prepared to answer finance-related questions. Brush up on topics such as financial ratios, accounting principles, and valuation techniques. Consider mock interviews to build confidence.
- **Industry Knowledge**: Stay up-to-date on current market trends, news, and major industry events. Demonstrating your awareness of the finance world will impress interviewers.
5. **Resume Improvement**
- **Tailor Your Resume**: Customize your resume for each internship or job application. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and coursework. Show how your background in accounting is an asset in finance.
- **Showcase Internships & Projects**: List any finance-related projects, competitions, or volunteer work. If you’ve participated in finance clubs, case competitions, or have taken relevant courses, be sure to include them.
- **Quantify Achievements**: Use numbers to highlight your impact in past roles (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a budget of $50,000”).
6. **Additional Steps to Take**
- **Get Certified**: If possible, consider pursuing certifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst). These can enhance your credibility.
- **Online Courses**: Platforms like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses in financial analysis, accounting, and financial modeling that can boost your knowledge.
- **Stay Curious**: Read financial news, books, or blogs regularly. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham and “The Big Short” by Michael Lewis are great starting points for anyone entering finance.
By focusing on these skills and resources, you’ll feel more confident in interviews and build a stronger foundation for a successful finance career. Would you like help with a specific area, like practicing interview questions or improving a part of your resume?
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Amelda,
Lots of good answers above. However, with nearly 50 years in Finacial Services, I'll answer in a more personal way.
First off, you ask what kind of skills you need to develop for this work. I would say, as a sales manager of many investment brokers over the years, the better question is what skills do you already possess that wait to be discovered.
You see, I've learned over the years, that everyone is brilliant at something. Some are brilliant at more than one thing. So, I would recommend you begin your search for your brilliance. It is there, within you.
For example, if you enjoy meeting new people and learning about them, then sales is probably a strong option for you. Finacial services are sold in most large banks. Products like mutual funds and annuities primarily. Most bank customers are very conservative and risk adverse. But if they talk to someone who is interested in them personally and interested in their financial wants and needs, they'll invest. So, if that sound exciting then sales may be your brilliance. Very high paying commission profession. A degree in economics would be best.
If you discover you're analytical and enjoy working with numbers and statistics, then financial analysis may be a career choice. You'll study stock and bond analysis and then make recommendations to the financial firm you work for. An accounting degree would be the route to go.
So, start looking for what you love doing because that's where your career path lies.
Lots of good answers above. However, with nearly 50 years in Finacial Services, I'll answer in a more personal way.
First off, you ask what kind of skills you need to develop for this work. I would say, as a sales manager of many investment brokers over the years, the better question is what skills do you already possess that wait to be discovered.
You see, I've learned over the years, that everyone is brilliant at something. Some are brilliant at more than one thing. So, I would recommend you begin your search for your brilliance. It is there, within you.
For example, if you enjoy meeting new people and learning about them, then sales is probably a strong option for you. Finacial services are sold in most large banks. Products like mutual funds and annuities primarily. Most bank customers are very conservative and risk adverse. But if they talk to someone who is interested in them personally and interested in their financial wants and needs, they'll invest. So, if that sound exciting then sales may be your brilliance. Very high paying commission profession. A degree in economics would be best.
If you discover you're analytical and enjoy working with numbers and statistics, then financial analysis may be a career choice. You'll study stock and bond analysis and then make recommendations to the financial firm you work for. An accounting degree would be the route to go.
So, start looking for what you love doing because that's where your career path lies.