Action Steps
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Receive online training for credentials to build a financial advisor career

Start with the fundamentals. Earn a CFP certification that can get you started as a financial analyst and build on that foundation. As you continue with your education, you will be able to include your experience when you are ready to move into more lucrative jobs in finance. You can earn credentials in securities exams and find instruction in basic financial planning strategies while you look for additional ways to earn more financial certifications.

I recommend: Get your CFP certification through the training offered at Boston University. American Investment Training can help you get certifications and other credentials you need to success in the finance arena, including training to pass the many Securities Series exams available to finance professionals.

Find continuing education courses for finance careers

Look into training sites that offer additional training to receive credentials in areas such as securities trading, accounting finance jobs training, broker licenses or Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. To keep your certifications updated and to stay in tune with changes in the industry, you should find training that will provide Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.

I recommend: The AgentBrokerTrainingCenter offers advanced training, professional development and continuing education opportunities in addition to basic CFP certification studies. Get virtual CPE training from the online courses offered by the Financial Management Training Center.

Join associations that offer members professional development for financial jobs

Most trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Some groups can guide you to special certification courses such as the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) or Certified Treasury Professional Associate (CTPA) designations. Continue your professional development by adding courses that cover other arenas such as credit and mortgage lending, privacy and bank security or community reinvestment.

I recommend: Make important contacts while taking courses for designations and certifications through the Association for Financial Professionals. The Financial Planning Association provides professional development for members in areas such as compliance, leadership and governmental regulatory issues.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider adding an insurance license as you are accumulating training for business finance jobs to round out your professional offerings to clients.

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Get started with entry level finance jobs

If you're fresh out of college, or new to the finance industry, you will need to start at the bottom. Finance is important business and mistakes can be costly. However, once you prove yourself, you'll be able to advance quickly.

I recommend: CollegeGrad.com is the perfect resource for new graduates. They have a searchable database of entry level jobs in finance. Simply Hired also has a variety of entry level positions. There is sure to be something to meet everyone's needs.

Look for business finance jobs in accounting

All businesses need to employ people to work in accounting finance jobs. These people are responsible for making sure that the company's finances are in order and that the company is on the right track to be profitable.

I recommend: Accounting.com allows you to search for jobs and post your resume. You may also want to look at JobsInTheMoney to see if they have what you are looking for.

Find financial analyst jobs to help make investment decisions

Although somewhat more risky, many people find jobs in investment to be exciting. In this fast-paced world, there is a good chance that you will make a lot of money, for both you and your clients. Search the variety of jobs to find one that is right for you.

I recommend: EFinancialCareers.com offers a wide variety of accounting jobs, including those that deal with investments. Alternatively, use the advanced search feature at Investments Jobs Board in order to narrow down your search even further.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have a professional write your resume with financial jobs in mind in order to stand out and get the best jobs. You resume makes your first impression and it's important that it's in top shape.

Guide to Finance Jobs Education and Training

Get the right education for landing business finance jobs

By Andrea Townsley, Owner, Keystone Writing Services

Action Steps
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Earn a college degree before applying for finance jobs

A large number of jobs in finance require a Bachelor's degree. In some cases, a degree in general business administration will suffice, but if you know you'll want a career in something like accounting or financial planning, it's best to enter a specialized degree program. Accounting finance jobs often require at least a four-year degree in accounting to ensure that you know the specific regulations and rules. Finance degrees teach very focused theories on all things financial.

I recommend: If you already have an Associate's degree and want to enroll in a general business program, the online BSBA from the University of Florida may be right for you. Western Governors University also has a specialized finance degree program available online.

Gain real world experience with internships in entry-level finance jobs

If you're in an educational program that doesn't require participation in an internship, it's a good idea to seek one out on your own. Interns learn specific job duties and get on-the-job training, something that future employers look favorably upon. In some cases, students end up being offered permanent positions in the company they intern for. Some internships are paid positions, but the majority are unpaid and the experience itself is considered compensation. Some internships may be available for those who have already graduated and want to continue their training before entering the workforce.

I recommend: Consider the internships available at Microsoft Corporation. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, better known as the FDIC, offers some paid internship positions.

Take advantage of seminars that boost financial careers

Seminars are great refreshers for people who need to catch up on current regulations and industry standards. If you're aiming for financial jobs that require you to hold a license, you'll probably be required to take a certain amount of continuing education each renewal period. Even if you're not required to do this, it's still an easy way to keep yourself in the know and ahead of your peers.

I recommend: SkillPath offers several workshops for those in the financial industry. If you live in the Midwest, you can attend one of the seminars held by National City Corporation. The company also does limited webcasts. Another option is finding seminars hosted by your local SCORE Association chapter. These are free or low-cost and provide information from experts.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check to see if your state requires you to hold a license before you apply for financial jobs. In many states, financial planners, certified public accountants and other advisers must hold a valid license before they can practice.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Certified public accountant

A certified public accountant has taken a special exam that shows that the individual has the skills necessary to perform accounting jobs. Most employers look for this designation when choosing to hire someone.

I recommend: Learn more about the steps to become a certified public accountant from CPA-Exam.org.

Certified financial planner

The certified financial planner status is given by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards to individuals that have demonstrated that they have an acceptable level of financial planning knowledge. This can help you gain employment or branch out on your own.

I recommend: Learn the details about becoming a certified financial planner from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

Certified treasury professional

The certified treasury professional is a designation given by the Association for Financial Professionals. It involves taking an exam, then also reporting continuing education credits.

I recommend: Decide if becoming a certified treasury professional is right for you by learning more at the Association for Financial Professionals.

Investment manager

An investment manager takes care of all the investments for either a company or individuals. They manage portfolios based on the level of risk that the client desires. Their knowledge of finance and the market can help a company or individual to earn money from their investments.

I recommend: Finpipe.com describes some of the details of an investment manager position.

Financial auditor

A financial auditor examines a company's finances to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. The auditor does not work within the company that they are auditing. Rather, they are hired as an outsider because they don't have anything invested in the company.

I recommend: BoardSource describes the role of a financial auditor.

Financial analyst

A financial analyst can also be called a securities analyst. These professionals watch market trends to determine which types of investments may be most profitable.

I recommend: Read more about the financial analyst position from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.