Money is all around us. Every aspect of life has a financial consideration, and it is one of the few things in life common to all people in Western society - young and old.
Our world revolves around money, and peoples’ lives can be governed by it; from pursuing more money to fund a more lavish lifestyle, to scraping together enough to feed a family, money has a different meaning for everyone.
Money comes with an emotional charge. It is relevant to us all, and therefore when important decisions or claims are made by powerful entities, they can provoke impassioned responses; interest rate changes within a country affect both individuals and businesses.
Why Finance Matters
The finance sector directly affects all industries and people. People rely on financial products at different times in their lives; from a young couple applying for a loan or mortgage to a newly retired person withdrawing from their pension fund for the first time, access to sufficient funds is crucial. Similarly, start-up business owners rely on loans to get up and running. Over time, businesses use financial products to expand, and as a resource if they ever get into financial difficulty. Stocks and shares are also hugely influential in the private sector; trading in South African markets is becoming an increasingly popular option for people around the world.
Finance companies are responsible for dealing with huge sums of money every day; this money consists of peoples’ life savings or a business’ capital; therefore, the careful management of this money is vital. People working within key finance roles have great power to influence the world around them.
What Career Options are Available?
The breadth of the financial sector means that a wide spectrum of career opportunities is available. Retail banking - providing everyday money management for many - is one of the biggest areas of finance. From bank tellers to bank managers and beyond, this sector presents many opportunities for people to develop their careers.
Am I Suited to a Career in Finance?
Before you make a commitment to forge a career path in the financial sector, it is important to consider some of the traits exhibited by those in successful finance careers. The sheer pace and pressure associated with many careers within the industry means that you must be resilient, confident and calm under pressure. Focus, commitment, adaptability and a lifelong commitment to learning are also crucial to success. This sector is changing daily with new technologies developing and emerging along with the development of new products and services.
How Do I Get into a Career in Finance?
Although different employers within the finance sector have different educational standards for their prospective employees, there are some general educational benchmarks for careers within the industry.
Although most banking institutions offer training on the job for bank tellers, it is also useful to study a course in banking, commerce, business, accounting or management at a university, technikon or college. A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a diploma or degree course is required.
Whilst careers in finance can be extremely demanding and pressurised, it also offers the right person a rewarding career with great future opportunities. The industry offers very competitive starting salaries that can quickly develop with experience, and successful careers in finance often demand top salaries.
Do you think your dream career lies in the financial services sector? We can help you achieve your dream – visit our website today to find out more about the courses available to you.