Graduating with a degree in finance, accounting, business, economics or other related fields requires equal doses of time, energy and dedication to get to that point. The real work begins in landing your first job in one of these fields. It is important to dedicate as much effort to getting hired as you did getting a degree.
Here are several steps you can take to ensure that too much time does not elapse between graduation and entering into the finance workforce:
Target specific companies
A good approach for job seekers is to target specific companies rather than specific jobs. It will help you identify opportunities in those companies and focus your job search. You can work with finance staffing agencies to help you track openings at these companies that fit with your particular skill set and expertise. It is also a good idea to customize your resume to ensure what you highlight in terms of skills and experience is in line with what those companies want.
Network at all times
Networking is your no. 1 tool in the finance industry. Nothing will help you get a foot in a company’s door faster than having a personal connection with someone on the inside. You should begin working every networking angle while still in college. Apply for internships within a company you might enjoy working for. Join clubs or participate in activities affiliated with your career path. Contact an alumni working in your industry and ask to interview with them or job shadow them to get a feel for a career in that industry.
Build your skills at every opportunity
Everything you do in college should be geared toward preparing you for your future career. Make an effort to acquire skills that will make you more marketable to an employer. If you are applying for a job in the finance industry, your resume needs to demonstrate you have acquired skills applicable to that industry. Draw out skills you have learned from each job, even if it is not related to finance, and highlight it on your resume.
Do your homework
The best way for getting any job is to convince an employer you are the perfect candidate for that job. You can go a long way accomplishing that goal through doing your homework. If you want a job in the finance industry, you need to do extensive research on companies you target in a job search. Understand everything from their history to their philosophy. Ask questions about the company in your job interview. It shows you are serious about that company and that job.
About the Author: Sergio Klimaszewski is a guidance counselor who works closely with college graduates as they prepare to enter the working world. He loves watching his graduates grow into successful business people.
