Those seeking employment in finance and marketing jobs envision making multimillion dollar profits in the flash of a stock ticker or presenting a Fortune 500 company with an innovative marketing campaign. The types of jobs in these fields are numerous: Hedge fund manager, public relations agent, marketing researcher, stock broker and advertising representative are just a few. However, not everyone is eligible for these positions. Obtaining employment in these fields requires a few credentials, traits and characteristics.
Education Credentials
Though some workers are hired into jobs with just a high school diploma and possibly an associate's degree in business, entry-level marketing and finance jobs prefer candidates with a business-related bachelor's degree. For a finance-related position, firms desire candidates with a degree in finance, accounting, statistics, economics or math. Employers hiring people for marketing jobs seek candidates with degrees in marketing, business, management, communications, psychology or sociology. Businesses give preference to workers who possess an advanced degree in these fields or a masters in business administration.
Skills and Training: Finance
Most positions in marketing and finance offer on-the-job training. Investment firms on Wall Street, for instance, have intense weed-out courses that test trainees in foreign markets, finance operations and statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that many finance-related jobs, such as a financial analyst, require additional licensure by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. BLS lists other desirable traits of an analyst including analytical, detail-oriented, mature and skilled at problem-solving.
Skills and Training: Marketing
For marketing jobs, advertising firms usually place new hires with seasoned veterans on new accounts. BLS explains that the most eligible candidates for this field possess foreign language skills, are highly skilled with computers and databases, exude creativity and can communicate in a persuasive manner. BLS also states that most promotions in marketing within large firms are made internally. Therefore, working well with others and being an effective team player are the best ways to advance to better positions within the company.
Considerations
Obtaining high-level marketing and finance jobs often require working long hours in low-paying jobs with long hours. For marketing, the typical entry-level job is a sales representative. For finance, roles include gathering new clients and taking on accounts with a small net worth. Both of these positions boost customer service skills and knowledge of the industry. Networking during these years is especially critical: Clients gained in these formative years can hold accounts with a person for many years.
