When you’re young, mulling over a potential career path can be a daunting prospect. We put a lot of pressure on young people to discover their passion and forge their future. Even before they have finished learning what makes themselves tick. That’s why you need all the help you can get. And if you find yourself armed with a natural understanding of number crunching, the finance sector could be the route you should take. And a highly lucrative one, at that.

It can be hard to know where to get started in the finance industry, especially if you aren’t sure where to turn. This guide is designed to put you on the right track, and with any luck, forge a career in finance.

Qualifications

Okay, so where do you begin? It should go without saying that you should have always had a good grasp of numbers at school level. If you were the type that excelled at maths, I am extremely envious. This is a good starting point and stands you in good stead for further education. Becoming involved in the finance sector will require formal certification of your skills. What you study towards depends entirely on what your area of expertise will be. Look at the courses around your country and determine what best fits the career you’re looking to work towards. In any event, you’ll need to be degree educated to get anywhere.

Work Experience

Arming yourself with a diploma, of course, is just the first step. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Sadly, it can be difficult to get your foot on the ladder without experience. It’s one of the clearest examples of Catch 22 you’ll ever see. So, how do you get experience if nobody is willing to take a punt on you? Volunteer work, for starters, is an excellent way of getting your foot in the door. Very few companies are going to turn down the chance to boost their workforce with no initial outlay. Look at joining up with accountancy recruiters and agencies that will help you find unpaid, or even paid, work. If you get lucky (or impress) enough, you could find a permanent job offer waiting at the end of your volunteer tenure.

Job Hunting

If you didn’t get lucky enough to earn a guaranteed job, however, don’t panic. There are plenty of other places willing to give you work; you just have to find them. This becomes infinitely easier with a little experience under your belt. Now, though, is the time to look for real, paying work. Keep in mind that you’ll be coming in at intern or entry level, but don’t see this is a negative thing. Instead, see it as an opportunity for career progression. Your career will only go as far as you’re willing to work for. Better to start at the bottom rung and work your way up. Where do you look for work? Online is probably your best bet in a niche area. Get out there and start searching!

This post has been contributed by Ryan Gatt, it may contain affiliate links.