The financial sector is a huge employer, employing a high number of young people ranging from school leavers to university graduates. Expected and familiar roles such as bank clerks and financial advisors are crucial to the banking sector; however the industry has many more career paths to offer.

Case study

Jennifer Stewart, 23. Fund Analyst for BlackRock, one of the world’s leading asset investment firms.

Jennifer offer's some insight into how she started a career in finance, her experiences and some top tips for those who are interested in a career in the financial sector.

Jennifer completed an Introduction to Investment Operations course, a sector specific course delivered by Scottish Investment Operations.

What did you want to be when you were 5? 

I wanted to be an entertainer especially singing.

What were your favourite subjects at school?

I was a jack of all trades in school, I enjoyed every subject and this was my main difficulty when it came to subject choices.

Were the subjects you studied at school quite varied across subjects or quite focussed?

They were very varied.  I had practical subjects such as P.E and music and had subjects in languages, sciences and business.

What did you study at university? Did you have an idea of a job you would like to do with this qualification upon completion? 

I studied Accountancy and Business Law.  To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do.  My dream is still the same but I did this degree because I knew that it was a sensible choice and much more likely to get a job than if I had studied performing arts.

Did you consider a career in the financial services sector whilst at university? 

 I didn't really have any thoughts on a career in finance as this was not a big part in my degree.

What did you do when you finished university?

 I tried to find jobs and was turned down constantly due to lack of experience.  I stumbled across a course with SIO and applied for a funded place.  I just thought that having another qualification can help make my CV look better.

When did you become interested in the financial services sector? 

 It wasn't until about half way through the SIO course that I realised that investments and finance can actually be quite interesting.

Do you think there are many stereotypes attached to the financial services sector? Are these true?

The main stereotype I remember from school and uni are that people who work in this sector tend to be 100% career driven and very boring, money hungry people.  This isn't true at all.  Everyone I have come across is very normal and enjoys a laugh as much as the next person.

What spurred you on to try and get into the financial services sector? 

I read into it a bit and met up with a few HR managers whilst on the SIO course and came round to the idea that a job in this sector would be extremely good to have.  Even if you're in a finance job that you don't particularly enjoy, the experience alone is priceless and will always be with you.  Also, in the current economic climate, to have some background in investment/finance/economics on your CV is highly sought after.  It can open many doors to other sectors as well.

How did you hear about the Introduction to Investment Operations course? 

 I actually stumbled across it online whilst job hunting.

Did you receive any funding support towards the course? 

The place I applied for a received was fully funded.

What are your thoughts on the course? 

I think its a very good course especially for someone who has either just finished university or has worked in another sector as it shows you how things really work in the industry and not just what happens in textbooks.  It helps put some of the jargon and theories you hear about in real life situations.

Did it improve your job prospects? 

It really did help.  I honestly don't think that I would have such a good job if I didn't do the course.  Most large businesses in this sector have heard of the course.

What is your current job?

I am currently a Fund Analyst with BlackRock Investments.  Very hard and busy work but a very good experience.

What advice would you give a young person considering choosing the financial services sector as a career path? 

I would advise them to read into it as much as possible to make sure this is what they really want.  Also, look into doing courses such as the SIO course as this will definitely boost your chances of getting a job. Most importantly, try to get some early experience whether it be voluntary or an internship as my lack of experience was a really big hurdle for me.

Scottish Investment Operations work to highlight the opportunities available in the Scottish Investment Industry and assist in developing skills and qualifications in this area. Scottish Investment Operations delivered the Introduction to Investment Operations course in 2010-2011. 

Visit their website for information on working in the investment sector and to watch out for further opportunities in this area. 

Try the iPhone app My Career Path, an Interactive quiz on pathways to Investment Industry.