How do you stand out as a student in the financial job market?

How do you stand out as a student in the financial job market?

As you work towards your degree, you’re building the foundation for your future in the financial sector. However, it takes more than a diploma and study points to get your desired role. Specifically for graduates from financial disciplines, the competition is high. During the second quarter of this year, the finance sector had more than 9,800 job openings. At the same time, just as many job seekers are competing for the most attractive roles in this field. These are prestigious roles, which are high-paying with significant responsibility. To increase your chances, it’s important to have a strong CV with the right qualifications, experience, and extracurricular activities. This article will guide you on how to set yourself apart from other candidates and secure your dream role.

Skill-Based Hiring

With the growth of AI and the current technological developments, the focus of the hiring process is shifting towards skills-based hiring. AI and automation take over more and more routine and repetitive work. Therefore, the demand is changing towards skills that are not easily automated. Examples of these soft skills are creative thinking, problem solving and leadership. In addition, digital skills like AI literacy, data fluency, and understanding emerging technologies are almost indispensable. At the moment, many corporations are already implementing a skill-based approach in their recruitment process. As a student, you can distinguish yourself during the hiring process by educating yourself on these topics and practising those skills. One way to do this is by taking extra courses offered by your university. If your university does not offer them, you can learn online through courses or simply by watching YouTube videos and practising on your own. If you feel confident enough, you can add the skills to your CV. Of course, it’s also important to maintain your skills so they don’t fade.

Professional Experience

Studying for your exams is one thing, but applying that knowledge in a real work environment is a whole different experience. A diploma demonstrates your ability to understand the knowledge, while experience proves you can apply it. That’s why employers value professional experience highly on a resume. Whether it is in the form of work experience, a board year, an internship, or via a committee in a student association. Participation in a work setting teaches you communication skills, responsibility, and shows what it is like to be employed. It is an effective stepping stone to discovering what kind of job and environment you prefer. Research supports these statements. For example, students with internship experience on their resume are more likely to get invited to a job interview, and students who worked during their studies experience better employability. Keep in mind: the more your job relates to your studies, the more relevant your experience will be.

Building Connections

Another useful tip to apply throughout your studies is to build a network of interesting and relevant people. For example, managers at organisations you’re interested in, fellow students who may start working at companies you’d also like to join, and other professionals in your desired field. These professionals can provide insights and recommendations, and might have other interesting connections you can use. There might be a vacancy open that you have not yet heard about, or you want to drink a coffee with a manager to find out what it is like to work at a specific company. Perhaps they even know what HR managers are currently looking for in the labour market. Research consistently shows that between 50% and 80% of jobs are secured through networking. You’ll meet these people while going to career events or via a guest speaker during a lecture. Try to add these people on LinkedIn so you are able to get in touch with them in case you need to. Maybe stay behind for a small talk after the lecture and have your questions ready. What is the thing you would like to learn? Maintaining these relationships over time can open doors to opportunities, insights, and collaborations you might not find otherwise.

Would you like advice on the best next step for your career in the financial job market? Then sign up with Young Financials, and we’ll be happy to help you! Also, check out our vacancies and Finance Traineeships!