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Professional Qualifications

Getting in

Getting into financial services

Getting into financial services requires demonstrating that you have the skills and attributes that employers are looking for.

Employers have told us that they want more applicants to have a good understanding of the financial services industry. This could be gained through relevant work experience. Employers really value experience on a potential employee's CV, and even more so if it is related to the sector.

For some roles, employers will look for potential employees to have relevant qualifications. Most employers would not expect new entrants to be in possession of relevant professional qualifications but would require them to have good maths and English skills, alongside the minimum academic qualification required for the role (for example being an actuary in an insurance firm would require a degree for entry; working in customer services in a bank may require GCSEs or equivalent). The employer would, however, expect new entrants to be committed to achieving relevant professional qualifications once they are in post. This demonstrates dedication to the job and a keenness to progress. As a regulated industry, there are some jobs in the sector that can only be undertaken unsupervised when the employee has achieved an Appropriate Exam. See the section on professional qualifications for more information.

It is possible to study introductory units and qualifications, which are aimed at people who are looking to enter or have just started in the sector. These are awarded by professional bodies. These units and qualifications will not guarantee you a job, but give you a better understanding of the industry. You could study these alongside other courses if you are already in education or in conjunction with your work.

CII: UK Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics

This can be studied as a standalone unit and will give the learner credit towards other professional qualifications. The unit provides an introduction to the purpose and structure of the UK financial services industry, different financial asset classes and product types, process of giving advice, ethics and regulatory processes, rules and legislation, and use of the FSA's regulatory powers and responsibilities. Please see www.cii.org.uk for more information.

CIOBS: Certificate in Financial Services

This is a full qualification aimed at enabling students to develop knowledge and understanding of the financial services sector. It is aimed at those students who may be considering a career in the sector either directly from school or after completing higher education. Alongside completing the core unit of Introduction to Financial Services, students complete two further units from a wide choice of subjects. See www.ciobs.org.uk for more information.

IFS School of Finance: UK Financial Regulation

This can be studied as a standalone unit and will give the learner credit towards other professional qualifications. This module focuses upon the purpose and structure of the UK financial services structure. It is split into two units, focusing on the financial services environment and regulation of the environment respectively. Please see www.ifslearning.ac.uk for more information.

CISI: Introduction to Investments

This is a full qualification and will give an overview of the investment industry and how it is structured and will enable its learners to understand how their future role might fit into the broader structure of the sector. It is relevant for people who want to find out more about the sector generally in order to prepare to enter the industry and is particularly useful for roles in administration, investment operations, call and contact centres, finance, IT, customer service, sales, marketing, fund support, compliance, HR and training. See www.secinst.co.uk for more information.