The Little Careers Book

XX You need a first degree from Oxbridge to get a prestige first job. XX You have to be an accountant to work in financial services. XX You need an economics, finance or business degree and/or a professional qualification to get your first job. XX In the UK, all good financial services jobs are based in London. ࢚࢚ A degree from a reputable university matters, but not necessarily the subject. ࢚࢚ For accounting, a degree is not required; school leaver schemes are excellent routes in. ࢚࢚ STEM degrees teach essential problem-solving and analytical skills. ࢚࢚ Graduate employment schemes can get your career off to a flying start. ࢚࢚ Relevant and recent work experience makes you a very attractive candidate, especially to smaller and/or specialist companies. ࢚࢚ Membership of a university finance/investment club and/or personal experience of finance/investment on a small scale shows interest. ࢚࢚ A good understanding of relevant professional qualifications and completion of initial modules shows you are keen and willing. ࢚࢚ A master’s degree in a career-relevant subject can make up for a university without a big name or a degree below a 2:1. ࢚࢚ Some very good jobs can be entered through apprenticeship schemes; not all roles require degrees. MYTHS TRUTHS XX Employers place more importance on hard academic/intellectual skills (IQ) than on softer inter-personal communication and social skills (EQ). XX Most work is lone, so getting along with others and working as a team is not all that important. ࢚࢚ You must have a high level of numeracy and the ability to assess large amounts of data in order to make well-reasoned judgements. ࢚࢚ You must have excellent pattern-spotting and problem-solving skills. ࢚࢚ Multi-tasking skills, a strong work ethic, perseverance and reliability are essential. ࢚࢚ Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are a real plus. ࢚࢚ Technological skills (systems, computing, even AI) are an advantage. ࢚࢚ You should be capable of understanding complex business issues and associated regulations. ࢚࢚ You should understand economic impacts of geopolitics on companies and industries. ࢚࢚ It is vital to be able to convey technical information in a clear and concise manner to non-technical audiences. ࢚࢚ Confidence when presenting, selling to and negotiating with clients. ࢚࢚ Strong business writing skills (reports, proposals, etc.) are essential. ࢚࢚ Basic knowledge of accounting principles is very useful. ࢚࢚ Language skills are an advantage in some roles. MYTHS TRUTHS PATHWAYS TO ENTRY KEY SKILLS