Step-By-Step Guide to Make a Career in Finance | Jobs and Salaries

Summary

The video discusses the importance of starting a career in finance through short-term courses, particularly for those aged 17-26. The speaker emphasizes the need to understand finance before diving into long-term courses like CFA or MBA. By completing short-term courses in areas such as investment analysis and financial modeling, individuals can gain valuable skills, build their resumes, and determine the right long-term path. The speaker shares personal experiences, outlines course recommendations, and stresses that short-term courses are not for securing jobs but for skill development and career progression.

Takeaways

• 😀 Short-term finance courses are a great starting point for those interested in finance but without formal education in the field.
• 😀 Many young people (17-26 years old) are interested in finance but may not have studied it in school or college.
• 😀 Real-life stories show that many people get pushed into career paths like CA or engineering without fully understanding the journey, leading to confusion later on.
• 😀 Short-term courses in finance (e.g., NCFM, NIASM) provide a more practical and cost-effective way to gain knowledge compared to long-term degrees.
• 😀 The main benefits of short-term courses include time efficiency, lower cost, and providing a clear roadmap for specialization in finance careers.
• 😀 Short-term courses are not meant to get you a job directly but to help build essential skills and prepare for more advanced, long-term certifications like CFA or MBA.
• 😀 Recommended short-term courses include NCFM's Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management, and NIASM's Series 15 Research Analyst Certification and Series 8 Equity Derivatives Certification.
• 😀 Completing short-term courses (under ₹10,000) can help you understand the basics of finance in a few weeks, making it a low-risk investment in your career.
• 😀 Short-term courses can help individuals decide which area of finance to specialize in, such as investment banking, financial analysis, or risk management.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes starting practically with short-term courses to gain clarity and skills before diving into expensive, long-term courses like CFA or MBA.

Q & A

Why does the speaker suggest short-term courses over long-term ones in finance?

The speaker suggests short-term courses because they are more time-efficient, cost-effective, and allow individuals to gain foundational knowledge quickly without the heavy commitment and expense of long-term programs like MBAs or CFAs.

What is the primary benefit of short-term courses in finance?

The primary benefit of short-term courses is that they help individuals quickly acquire relevant skills and knowledge in finance, offering clarity on the subject without the need for extensive time investment.

How can short-term courses assist in long-term career goals?

Short-term courses provide essential skills and industry insights, which can help individuals decide if they want to pursue more advanced, long-term courses like an MBA or CFA, thus acting as a stepping stone in their career journey.

What is the main point the speaker makes about external pressures on career choices?

The speaker emphasizes that many individuals choose careers like CA or engineering due to external pressures from family, friends, or society without fully understanding the commitment required. This often leads to frustration later on when they realize they are not suited for those paths.

What does the speaker mean when they say that short-term courses help with 'skills, not jobs'?

The speaker is explaining that short-term courses are designed to build practical skills and understanding of the field, but they do not guarantee immediate job placement. They are meant to prepare individuals for long-term academic or career goals.

What specific short-term courses does the speaker recommend for someone interested in finance?

The speaker recommends courses such as NCFM's 'Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management' and NIASM's 'Series 15 Research Analyst Certification' and 'Equity Derivatives Certification'. These courses are short, affordable, and designed to give a good understanding of finance.

How long does it typically take to complete the recommended short-term courses?

The speaker mentions that completing all three recommended courses would take approximately 1.5 months: 3 weeks for the first course, 2 weeks for the second, and 1.5 weeks for the third.

What is the cost range for the recommended short-term finance courses?

The cost of completing all three recommended courses is under ₹10,000, with an option to reduce the cost further if only two courses are chosen, making it a highly affordable option for gaining relevant finance skills.

Why does the speaker stress the importance of understanding finance before pursuing long-term education like CFA or MBA?

The speaker stresses the importance of understanding finance first so that individuals can make informed decisions about whether they want to pursue a long-term commitment, like CFA or MBA, instead of blindly following external pressures or trends.

What advice does the speaker give for individuals looking to build a career in finance?

The speaker advises individuals to start by taking short-term courses in finance, gaining practical skills, and exploring areas like financial modeling, investment banking, and risk management before committing to long-term education. Hands-on experience, such as internships, is also emphasized as crucial.