The financial services industry provides employment for a vast and diverse workforce. From self-starting jobs in real estate to specialized careers in financial planning, the financial sector offers a variety of job opportunities to anyone willing to seek them out.

To secure a job in the financial services industry, you need to choose an area of specialization and receive the proper training for your position. The amount of education you need will depend on your career path and the specific position you intend to fill.

There are many segments of the financial industry that offer steady careers including: commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, insurance, investment, money management, and real estate. All offer pathways that can lead to rewarding careers.

The descriptions and links below can help you evaluate the various opportunities and educational requirements associated with the segment’s careers.

Commercial Banking

Commercial banks (along with savings banks and credit unions) offer banking services to individuals, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations.

Corporate Finance

Working in corporate finance involves helping companies understand and utilize their financial data. Jobs in this field deal with profitability, capital, and the analysis of financial statistics and statements.

Financial Planning

A financial planner's job is to analyze clients' investment portfolios and make recommendations for buying and selling investments based on their personal targets and goals.

Insurance

The insurance industry offers opportunities in selling insurance and underwriting policies.

Investment

A career in investment involves buying and selling investments and working with corporations operating in the industry.

Money Management

Money and portfolio management careers are available with many large corporations and investment firms. Primarily they

Real Estate

Real estate workers include both the agents who sell properties and other professionals such as appraisers and home inspectors.

About the Author

Adrian Ludwig is a senior account executive at Crest Capital, where he captures incremental online sales typically lost by standard vendor finance programs. Adrian works in nearly every industry vertical, providing leases and loans for equipment, vehicles, and software. Check out his most popular piece: The Difference Between Good Debt and Bad Debt.