Financial services are a broad range of business activities that manage and support the flow of money. This sector encompasses everything from bank deposit-taking to credit and debt management. It also includes insurance and credit unions, investment firms, credit-card companies, and even payment-system providers like Visa and MasterCard.
The financial sector is vast, with many job opportunities available across a multitude of specializations. Those interested in entering the field should familiarize themselves with the different aspects of the industry by reading widely and speaking to financial professionals. A good place to start is by subscribing to a top-tier publication, such as The Wall Street Journal or Barron’s.
Some of the most common jobs in this area are bankers, who help people manage their checking and savings accounts and loan associations, which handle mortgages and auto loans. Other roles include stock brokers, who buy and sell securities on behalf of clients, as well as those who work in a “family office,” which provides wealth management services to high-net worth individuals.
Some of the more obscure and complex jobs in this sector are those who work to help businesses with mergers or acquisitions, or to provide “structured finance” – which involves developing intricate products for high-net worth investors. Then there are those who provide due diligence on investments, aid in real estate endeavors, and advise businesses on the best ways to raise capital. Finally, there are those who work to underwrite debt and equity for private and public entities.