There are several turning points in our lives. These are times when we need to take stock of our careers. Graduating from school is one obvious transition, but there are others. Maybe you’ve been let go from your job or turned down for a promotion. Maybe you’re burned out in your position or your company.
Is It Time for Change?
If it feels like change is in the air for any reason, you know the steps:
- Dust off the resume
- Start looking for jobs
- Apply and hope for the best
Wash, rinse, repeat, right? In fact, there’s a better way to plan your next move. Finance careers may offer more stability than other fields, but no career is static. Flexibility and an open mind will help you plan the next stage of your career.
Here are six tips to creating a finance career that will make you glad you chose the financial industry.
1. Brush Up Your Education Credentials
There’s no question your education credentials count if you want to move up the career ladder in your field. An MBA may seem like an obvious choice, and it’s an excellent one for many professionals. But it’s also a big chunk of your time and money. You can also add credibility to your resume by adding a certification like:
- CMA: Certified Management Accountant
- CTP: Certified Treasury Professional
- CPA-CFP: CPA and Certified Financial Planner
- CIMA: Certified Investment Management Analyst
Do some research to find out which one will help you move forward in your chosen niche.
2. Be Open To New Possibilities
If you’re stuck on one industry or one specialty, it might be time to shake up your thinking. There’s nothing wrong with having a single-minded focus on your goals, but sometimes a detour is just what your career needs.
In an article for “Mergers and Acquisitions,” Nicholas Doumenc urges people in banking to consider a career in corporate finance. Are you turning down possibilities just because they don’t fit your clearly defined path? Stay open to options to build your career.
3. Work with a Professional Recruiter
Once you’ve reached your career level, you’re not going to find your next job on the same online job sites everyone else is using. You need a guide who understands your business, your industry and your personal career ladder. Companies have slowed hiring considerably in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and the job market is getting tighter. How will you find the hidden job market? Professional recruiters can uncover opportunities, such as a job with a respected financial institution.
4. Improve Your Social Media Profiles
Like it or not, social media plays an increasingly important role in professional networking. If you want to improve your chances of moving ahead to your dream position, it’s time to brush up your social media profiles. If you do nothing else, spend some quality time on your LinkedIn profile. Studies find a solid, impressive LinkedIn profile is one of the first things would-be employers check out.
Before you include a link to your profile, be sure it:
- Shows your accomplishments and career highlights
- Includes industry articles you’ve published on Medium, LinkedIn or elsewhere
- Features glowing recommendations from current and former colleagues
- Has an attractive layout and an engaging photo
5. Become Indispensable at Work
Even if you’ve decided you want to leave your current position, make yourself indispensable so you can leave on your terms. Take on extra work, volunteer for difficult projects, and behave like a professional at all times. Leave a great impression on your boss and colleagues. You’ll leave on good terms with positive references.
6. Start Marketing Yourself
Is there a part of your work you’re passionate about? Start marketing yourself as a subject expert. Look for opportunities to write articles about it. Offer your articles to free sites like Medium or Article Alley. Getting paid is less important than getting your name out there. Appear as a guest on an industry podcast, or start your own podcast. Look for ways to market your expertise.
It’s Your Time To Shine
Are you disappointed about being turned down for a job or promotion? It’s time to shake off the past and move confidently toward your future. Stay open to a world of possibilities as you carve out the career of your dreams.