Getting your foot into the door has always been hard, but it doesn’t need to be! As you approach the end of your studies, you may be wondering how to gain valuable work experience in the financial services industry. The financial services industry requires a range of skills and comprises a range of different areas, and you don’t necessarily need to be good at math to work in finance! Work experience can be a game-changer, not only helping to set you onto your path to having a career in finance, but also as a way to help you work out if it is the right career for you. It also can provides you with practical skills, industry insights, and a competitive edge in the job market.
In this article, we'll explore various avenues to land financial work experience, including opportunities at F Three and beyond. We'll also discuss what to do if you're facing roadblocks in securing placements. Let's dive in!
Exploring Work Experience Opportunities:
F Three Internship Program: Here at F Three we offer an internship program to both high school students and university students. The work experience program is free and offers a chance to complete an exciting internship program designed to provide hands-on experience to aspiring finance professionals like you. Work at nationally known finance companies such as First Sentier Investors, Perpetual, Perennial Partners, Natixis and more! You’ll gain real-world finance scenarios, working alongside industry experts, expand your professional network and potentially even land your very first role. It’s a great way to meet more financial professionals and put all the knowledge you have learned into practice.
University Career Services: Tap into the resources available through your university's career services department. They often have dedicated staff who can help you discover internships, graduate programs, and work experience opportunities within the financial services sector. Attend career fairs, networking events, and workshops organised by your university to connect with potential employers and learn about available positions.
Industry Associations and Professional Networks: Join relevant industry associations such as the Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA), the Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) or the Chartered Financial Analyst Society (CFA). These associations often provide access to exclusive networking events, mentorship programs, and job boards specifically tailored to the finance industry. Engage with professionals in these networks to learn about work experience opportunities and gain industry insights.
If these ways don’t work, never fear there is always a way, sometimes it just means that you need to hustle a little bit more! Some ways that may help you to gain experience could be through:
Cold Calling and Networking: Don't be afraid to reach out to financial services firms directly. Research companies that align with your career aspirations and give them a call or send an email expressing your interest in work experience opportunities. Networking with professionals in the industry can also lead to unexpected opportunities, so actively engage in industry events, seminars, and conferences to expand your network.
Volunteer Work: Consider volunteering your financial skills and expertise to nonprofit organisations or community initiatives. This can be a valuable way to gain hands-on experience, demonstrate your commitment to the industry, and develop transferable skills. Look for organisations working on financial literacy programs, community investment initiatives, or pro bono financial consulting projects.
Personal Projects and Research: Take the initiative to work on personal finance projects or conduct independent research on topics that interest you within the finance field. Develop case studies, financial models, or investment analyses that showcase your skills and knowledge. These projects can serve as tangible examples of your abilities and demonstrate your passion for the industry.
Expand Your Search: Cast a wider net and explore opportunities beyond your immediate location. Look for virtual internships, remote work options, or short-term projects that can be done remotely.
Upskill and Learn: Use your time wisely to enhance your skills and knowledge. Enroll in online courses, attend webinars, or pursue certifications relevant to your desired field. Showcase these skills on your resume to demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
Seek Mentorship: Connect with professionals in the industry and seek mentorship. They can provide guidance, advice, and potentially introduce you to relevant work experience opportunities. Reach out to alumni, industry contacts, or professionals on LinkedIn who inspire you and share your career interests.
Leverage who you may know or someone “who knows someone” - It’s a very small world sometimes. If you’re looking for work experience sometimes its worth putting your hand up for help and asking people you know - if you know someone who works in finance it could be worth asking to have a chat with them to see if its possible for them to potentially refer you somewhere or know of a company that may be offering experience. While we do realise that a lot of people may not know someone who already works in finance, on the slim chance that you do, it’s definitely worth reaching out to them and asking them for advice and help.
Remember, persistence is key. Keep refining your resume and cover letter, practice your interview skills, and seek feedback along the way. Each application and interview experience is a chance to learn and grow.
Securing work experience in the financial services industry can be a transformative step towards your future career. Exploring opportunities like what we offer at F Three and leveraging resources such as university career services, industry associations, and personal networking is a definite step in the right direction towards gaining experience. Be proactive, adaptable, and open to alternative paths like volunteering or personal projects. If roadblocks arise, remain resilient, expand your search, upskill, and seek mentorship. Work experience is a valuable investment in your professional growth, and by actively pursuing it, you'll enhance your knowledge, skills, and opportunities in the finance industry. Embrace the journey and get ready to make your mark in the exciting world of finance!