You’re considering a career in Financial Services. What are the best ways to set goals and achieve them?

1 Assess your skills and interests

Before you pursue a career in Financial Services, you need to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? What are your core values? These questions will help you identify your skills and interests, and how they align with the different roles and functions in Financial Services. You can also use online tools, such as career assessments, personality tests, and skill inventories, to get more insights into your profile and preferences.

2 Research the industry and the market

Once you have a better idea of your skills and interests, you need to learn more about the industry and the market you want to enter. What are the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Financial Services? What are the skills, qualifications, and competencies that employers are looking for? What are the salary ranges, benefits, and career paths for different positions? You can use various sources of information, such as industry reports, websites, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and newsletters, to keep yourself updated and informed. You can also network with professionals, mentors, and peers in Financial Services, and ask them for advice, feedback, and referrals.

3 Define your goals and action plan

After you have done your research, you need to define your goals and action plan. What are your short-term and long-term goals in Financial Services? What are the specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that will help you reach your goals? What are the steps, tasks, and resources that you need to complete your action plan? You can use tools, such as goal-setting worksheets, calendars, planners, and apps, to organize and track your progress. You can also review and adjust your goals and action plan regularly, based on your results and feedback.

4 Develop your skills and knowledge

To achieve your goals in Financial Services, you need to develop your skills and knowledge continuously. What are the technical, analytical, and digital skills that you need to master or improve? What are the soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, that you need to enhance or acquire? What are the industry-specific knowledge and certifications that you need to learn or obtain? You can use various methods, such as online courses, workshops, books, podcasts, webinars, and mentoring programs, to expand your skills and knowledge. You can also seek feedback, coaching, and support from your managers, colleagues, and mentors.

5 Showcase your achievements and value

Finally, you need to showcase your achievements and value in Financial Services. How can you demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and experience to potential or current employers? How can you highlight your accomplishments, contributions, and impact in your resume, cover letter, portfolio, or profile? How can you communicate your value proposition, goals, and aspirations in your interviews, pitches, or proposals? You can use tools, such as resume builders, portfolio platforms, and personal branding strategies, to create and promote your professional image. You can also practice your presentation, negotiation, and networking skills, and prepare for common questions and scenarios.