The last thing you want to be in the uber competitive world of finance is irrelevant. As quickly as the industry evolves, so do technology, regulatory matters, digital trends, and related developments. What’s a smart finance professional to do?
Here are three key areas to focus on as you future-proof your career.
Future-Proofing Your Career in Finance
Upskilling
- Upskilling—learning new skills and enhancing your existing ones—is about staying ahead, not just keeping up in your career. It can put you a key step ahead of the competition when it comes to nailing that promotion or landing a desired new job. For example, if you’re a financial analyst, you might focus on advanced machine learning techniques and how they could help you better forecast market trends.
- By mastering the latest skills, you demonstrate your ability to stay on top of industry trends. Plus, you are better equipped to make smarter data-driven decisions.
- Upskilling can help you align your talent, skillset, and education with employers’ current needs. In addition to data analysis, relevant areas to accomplish this goal might include financial modeling, investment strategies, artificial intelligence (AI), or regulatory compliance.
Networking
That old adage is true: Often, it’s not only what you know, but who you know.
Various reports note that up to 70 percent or more of jobs are found via networking. Building a robust professional network helps you foster relationships with like-minded professionals, plan both short and long-term, and gain valuable career and business advice. It’s also a great source of moral support.
Here are some of the best ways to leverage networking in the finance industry:
- Attend school, alumni, and industry events. Show genuine interest in what’s happening—and participate. Ask questions, talk to people, and collect contact information.
- Join professional organizations. Here too: Get involved. There are many options, including the American Finance Association (AFA) and the American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA), to name just two.
- Optimize LinkedIn and other social media. Having the right online presence can be a deal breaker. Master how to use social media to your advantage and eliminate any content that may hamper your career advancement or reputation.
- Leverage personal relationships. You never know where you might meet people. Family, friends, church, volunteering, your children’s school … the list goes on. Often, a personal connection is just the lead you need.
Digital and Tech Advancements
Be sure to embrace technology and digital tools, as they will assist you throughout your finance career with enhancing efficiency, mastering data analysis, and making informed decisions. Also, by staying digitally current, you will prove more valuable when it comes to innovation in strategy and services.
Get Support in Growing Your Finance Career
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned veteran, as you grow your finance career in the Central Valley region, consider partnering with PrideStaff Fresno. Join our extensive network to find the best professional opportunities—and become your personal best as well.
