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Financial services... in detail
What does it involve?
Most jobs in the finance industry are based in an office, some will involve travel and some will involve working long hours. You might be working in a bank or building society either behind the scenes or dealing with customers or you might be advising people about financial products over the phone. You need to be careful and pay attention to detail - an extra 'zero' could have serious consequences!
Independent financial advisers have an important role as they provide unbiased advice to consumers, businesses and the government about financial products and trends. They are more likely to be self-employed than other roles in this sector.
There are many chances to gain more qualifications while working in financial services and often good opportunities for promotion.
What’s happening in the industry?
This sector isn't expected to grow much over the next few years but many people are leaving the industry due to retirement so there's a demand for younger people with the right skills and qualifications.
This sector is extremely important to our position in the global economy. Companies change, develop and expand all the time because of competition. Many companies are updating their technology and systems which means there is a demand for people with a high level of ICT skills. More people with language skills may be needed to as companies develop relationships with other countries. Financial services can also be affected by global events, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and this can have an impact on jobs and salaries.
Because people are living longer and need to make sure they are comfortable in later life, there will be more demand for pensions and savings products and this means more jobs for people selling them. Some of these jobs will be adviser positions and some will be jobs in call centres.
How to get into this type of work
Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.
- School or college - study for GCSEs, AS / A levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.
- e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.
- Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.
- Work or work with training.
Which skills?
- Team work
- Customer service
- Number skills
- Communication
- Information and communication technology (ICT)
What else can I do?
- Get some work experience.
- Brush up on some of your skills such as communication, numeracy, customer care and ICT.
For courses go to MyChoiceNotts
For job and training vacancies go to Vacancies Online
For more job info go to Jobs4U
For useful links go to Fetch!
