Financial services are the economic activities that support and enable individuals to pursue their financial goals, such as buying and selling products (or assets), taking out loans, saving money, and investing. The sector also encompasses the many services and infrastructure that support these activities, such as credit-card networks, wire transfer, debt resolution, global payment systems, brokerage services, asset management and even stock exchanges.
While a career in financial services may seem intimidating, there are ways to break into the industry that allow for steady growth and progression. The first step is securing an internship or entry-level position. From there, you can develop your skills on the job and learn about the industry while you work toward becoming a teller, analyst, or investment portfolio manager, for example.
It is important to keep in mind that not all jobs in this industry are created equal. While the pay is competitive, it is not uncommon for those in some roles to work up to 20 hours a day, which can make maintaining a healthy work-life balance difficult and contribute to burnout.
As such, it is important to find a role that fits your personal and professional interests and makes sense for you financially. Despite the high salaries in this field, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before jumping into a career in finance.