5 of the Biggest Misconceptions About Working in the Finance Industry

Finance is one of the most misunderstood industries. Information conveyed through movies, news reports, online articles and other sources do not always contain facts or convey the entire story. For this reason, we are setting the record straight about some of the biggest misconceptions about working in the finance industry.

You Need a Finance Degree  

Although education is important, many workers come from IT, art, or other non-finance backgrounds. Being able to understand and explain complex subjects is only one core requirement for working in the industry. As long as you have or can acquire financial skills, along with emotional intelligence and people skills, you can transfer other skills to a variety of finance positions. You also can participate in training opportunities and continuing education to enhance your skill set.

You Need an Extensive Network

Your network does not have to include connections from Ivy League schools or powerful people in the finance industry. What matters more are your education, credentials, strengths, skills, experience level, and networking ability. For instance, you can use your professional and networking skills to gain an internship that may lead to a full-time job. Once you have a job, you can begin networking with your peers and later move to professionals at higher levels and ask them to mentor you.

You Have to Work for a Bank or on Wall Street

The finance industry covers a variety of geographic locations, work environments and company culture. You could work for a large or small firm, long-established company or startup, or other range of organizations. For instance, if you work in fin-tech, you may be employed by early-stage disruptors, mid-sized companies or large corporations. The businesses may include tech lenders like OnDeck or payment companies like Square. Also, as an investment banker, you could work in almost any state. Although higher-paying jobs may be near financial hubs like New York or London, many banks are moving to remote locations such as Tampa, FL, or Providence, RI, to provide employees with a different lifestyle.

You Lack Work-Life Balance

Any career will be demanding and time-consuming when starting out. You may decide to be a banker, trader, portfolio manager, compliance analyst, research specialist or other professional and still have a life away from the office. Your level of work-life balance will depend on the profession you choose and the financial institution or organization you work for.

Break Into the Finance Industry With a Top Chicago Employment Agency 

Break into the finance industry with help from the competitive recruiters at Casey Accounting and Finance Resources!

chicago-accounting-recruiter

Increase Your Salary This Year With These Simple Tips!

Although most employees deserve a raise at various times, few actually ask for one. Employees may feel intimidated by their manager or uncomfortable talking about money. However, asking for a salary increase is an essential skill that increases your financial wellness and career success. Therefore, now is the time to learn about asking for a raise.

Understand Your Worth

For instance, focus on your responsibilities. Perhaps you lead projects or took on special initiatives that your colleagues would not. Make a list of your top accomplishments and specific ways they impacted your department and the company. Perhaps you participated in training programs to gain additional skills, brought in a significant amount of new business or became certified in your field.

Research Your Salary Range

Use market data sites such as Salary.com, PayScale and Glassdoor to determine the market average of similar job listings with companies of comparable size in your geographic area that offer similar benefits. Create a spreadsheet of your findings to see how your current salary compares. If you have connections with local hiring managers or recruiters, ask them to look at your resume and provide you a realistic salary request for your position and experience. Use the numbers to justify your request.

Consider How Your Manager Will Benefit

Share your goals to enhance business and what steps you will take to achieve them. Also, ask your manager what goals they would like to see you achieve and determine how you can attain them. Finding out how you can fill their needs will place you in a more advantageous position for getting what you desire.

Prepare for Potential Outcomes

If your request is declined, ask for specific ways you can improve your performance and potentially earn more compensation. Set a time to resume the conversation in a few months. Also, if your manager cannot give you a raise due to budget restrictions, negotiate for more paid time off or other increase in benefits.

Ask at an Appropriate Time

If you ask for a raise after achieving a substantial accomplishment, during a positive performance review or before the fiscal year ends, your manager may be more inclined to grant your request. Other good times include when you take on a new project or assume a new leadership role.

Let Our Expert Recruiters Negotiate a New Job and Salary for You

When you are ready for a new job and salary, contact the professional recruiters at Casey Accounting and Finance Resources, a leading Chicago employment agency!

chicago-accounting-staffing