Here, the experts at deVere Group, the world’s leading international financial consultancy, provide a deep dive into financial analysis, managing people’s wealth, and the world of investment banking. We focus on general tips on starting your career and the qualifications that will make you stand out, giving you the best shot of making it through the front door. Whether you’re fresh out of school or university, keen on finance jobs, or just curious to learn about the industry, read on to find out more…
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst spends their time sifting through numbers and data to help companies and/or clients with their investments, planning costs, or crafting budgets. Financial analysts even spot trends and make predictions.
To start as a financial analyst, a degree in finance, accounting, or a similar field like economics is the recommended entryway. To be a top-notch analyst, an MBA and some time as a junior is usually the deal, more often than not, the time it takes to complete the CFA certification – around four years.
In the world of financial analysis, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification is the greatest qualification to achieve. The CFA certification will be a stand-out factor for big names like J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs.
Investment Banker
These experts guide companies on their money moves, helping them grow through stock sales, mergers, or buying other companies.
Corporate investment bankers deal with clients, giving advice and sealing deals. Operational ones handle the behind-the-scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. Your responsibilities will involve maximising profit, taking care of transactions, and problem-solving.
To become an investment banker, a related degree such as accounting, business or economics will be necessary to kick things off. As competitive as banking roles are, the demand for talent is sky-high. Starting as an analyst and gaining 2-3 years of experience could help you climb the ladder to leading your own team!
Wealth & Asset Manager
A wealth & asset manager’s role is, in essence, to ensure that peoples’ investments are being funnelled into the right places to maximise asset growth.
Usually, degrees in accounting, economics, or maths are favourable for a role like this. Often, you would start as juniors or jump into a graduate program to learn more about the industry and roles and responsibilities of the job. You’ll need around three years of junior experience to level up.
A Chartered Wealth Manager is the top role to aim for. It’s for people who are already on the job and want to prove they’re the best at managing investments for their clients. To get in, you’ll need a solid starting qualification, like an MBA or that of a Chartered Financial Analyst title.
Although these three careers are considered to be the best in the finance industry, they are far from the only options. For more information on all these roles, take a look at deVere Group’s ‘How to start a career in finance’.
Business profile
deVere Group is one of the world’s leading independent financial consultancies, offering clients a powerful combination of personal financial advice and innovative digital solutions.
