Financial Services Career Guide

Careers in Financial Services offer a wide range of opportunities for students and new grads to explore. Use this guide to learn more about the industry, or to learn how to hatch a student or entry-level job in Financial Services.

Considering a career in Financial Services?

Financial services is a fast-paced industry with room for professional growth and development. There are a number of areas students and grads can specialize in, which makes Financial Services a great field for aspiring professionals.

Key skills:

  • Leadership
  • Analytical skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Effective communication
Average Starting Salaries: Financial Services
Pro Tip
"The strongest candidates often combine energy, enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity with demonstrated interest in investing."

Resources

Be In Demand: TalentEgg Talks with CPA Ontario

A CPA Designation can open doors to careers you never even thought of! It’s not all about accounting and finance. The CPA designation can help you be recognized as an expert in any field. We spoke with Gloria Annabelle and Sean Mullin in December from C...
Go, Grow, and Succeed with EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is all about international business, finance and risk management. But, above all, EDC is about valuing its people, helping them grow and making them happy. We interviewed three early career employees from different departmen...
TalentEgg Talks: Live with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

ICYMI: On May 14, TalentEgg was live with Akilah Carr – Talent Acquisition and Training Specialist at the Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS). She answered your questions live on on Instagram and Facebook about how you can hatch a rewarding career with...
Where are they now? Catching up with Alicia from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

Internships are an excellent way to get your foot in the door, get a feel for the industry and organization, gain experience in your field and make lasting connections! The main goal of most students seeking internships, though, is to secure full-time empl...
Office Hours: Find out What it's Like to Work at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services

On May 23rd, we hosted our Office Hours event with Akilah, HR Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development Specialist at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. We covered a variety of topics, including career paths, professional development, company culture,...
How To Build A Career In The Financing and Leasing Industry

Skillset is not the only thing companies are hiring for now. Many employers, like those in the financing and leasing industry, are looking for a cultural fit above all else. While many industries require experience before you can get a foot in the door, th...
Everything You Need To Know About A Career As An Actuary

From Banks to Insurance companies, nearly all Financial Services institutions need an Actuary! These professionals play a huge role in determining risks and helping the company make smart, impactful decisions – really, this is what Financial Services is...
3 Of The Most Valuable Transferrable Skills In A Financial Services Position

As students and new grads, you might not have actually worked in Financial Services yet – and that’s perfectly okay! Every professional has been in your shoes, trying to figure out how to hatch their careers without prior experience in the field. The an...
4 Tips For Effectively Studying For Your Financial Services Certification Exam

When you’re studying for an important test like a certification exam, every minute you have to prepare counts! A certification in the Financial Services field can be a big boost for your career, but they can be challenging to obtain. It requires a lot o...
3 Tips To Boost Your Hireability For A Financial Services Position

When you’re vying to join an industry like Financial Services, you want to do everything you can to prove that you’re a star candidate! Many talented young professionals are all competing for a spot in this field, especially for those illustrious positi...
An Inside Look Into CPPIB & WCM Women’s Internship Program

Learn all about CPPIB's brand new summer internship program, and how it aims to help women in undergraduate programs hatch their finance careers.
A Look At Women In Finance: How CPPIB Sets Them Up For Success

CPPIB provides great support for women who are pursuing their careers in finance. Read Rebecca's success story!
New Grad’s Checklist: 5 Qualities For Success In Financial Services

See if you have the skills you need to succeed in Financial Services!
Top Careers For Students And New Graduates To Look Out For In Canada

Canada day is coming up – so we've compiled our country's top thriving industries for students and grads!
Interview Prep: 6 Questions You Could Be Asked In A Financial Services Interview

Use this guide to help you prepare for your next Financial Services interview.

3 Resources That Can Help You Hatch A Career In Financial Services

These apps will help you build your career skills when you're on the go!
Industry Jargon: Investment Edition

Stay one step ahead – know the language of the Investment industry!
Average Starting Salaries: Financial Services 2015

Your guide to entry-level salaries in the Financial Services industry.
How To: Use Your Experience to Hatch Your Financial Services Career

Making the right connections is key to success.

3 Tips For A Successful And Lasting Career In Finance

Organizations within the financial services industry take great care in their searches for new candidates.
Financial Services 101: A Quick Guide To The Industry

We highlight 8 of the most popular jobs in the financial services sector.
4 Reasons To Be In The Financial Services Industry

If you haven’t considered the financial services industry, get started!
Average Starting Salaries: Financial Services 2014

Financial services is a promising sector for recent graduates!
Inside 3 New Grad Career Paths At Sun Life Financial

Learn from top new grads at Sun Life Financial!
Choosing The Right Career Path With An Expert From CPPIB

“Having a career in finance at CPPIB is a career with purpose,” says Talent Acquisition Advisor Elizabeth Bendia.
Meet Women In Finance At CPP Investment Board

Bronwyn Ward, Charissa Lai and Julie Mallory are three women who have found rewarding careers in finance with CPP Investment Board.
Inside Look: Starting Your Career With CPP Investment Board

Melanie offers a quick introduction to different pathways to careers with CPPIB and explains what a great candidate for CPPIB looks like.

A Quick Guide To Financial Services Lingo

Here's a quick explanation of some terms you’ll want to look into when considering a career in the field.
Earning Your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Designation

In addition to helping your clients plan their finances, becoming a financial advisor can be your first step in achieving personal financial freedom.
A Finance Career In Beer With Molson Coors

As a Senior Financial Analyst, Internal Controls at Molson Coors, Wendy Yue has a role with a lot of responsibility.

From Intern To Full-Time Employee At CPP Investment Board

Matthew Gilbert turned an internship in a full-time position with CCP Investment Board.
McMaster Grad Tells All About His Hunt For A Job In Finance

Financial Services career advice from Ryan Jenkins, a recent graduate employed in the field.

Average Starting Salaries: Financial Services Edition 2013

Is your career in financial services going to help you build your own finances? Find out here!
What You Need To Know About The CAPM Certification

Are you thinking about getting your certification to be come an Associate in Project Management?

How To Ace A Case Study Interview

A growing number of employers are adopting a case study interview to give candidates the opportunity to showcase their skills rather than describe them.
Who To Follow On Twitter: Financial Services And Banking Edition 2013

In a field that’s always changing and adapting to different economic climates, it’s important to keep on top of industry trends. If you're an aspiring banking professional, you need to make sure that you're set up with the right information channels to...
A Staffing Expert's Advice On Hatching A Finance Career

It may seem impossible to gain work experience if you don’t have experience to start off with.
What To Expect When Interviewing For A Financial Consultant Job

Insider advice for students and recent graduates preparing for an interview in the financial services industry.

Have You Ever Considered A Career As A Financial Consultant?

Being a financial consultant gives you the opportunity to run your own business while being supported by a highly recognized and prestigious company.

TalentEgg's Free Financial Services Career Guide eBook

Check out our newest free eBook, “Financial Services Career Guide,” for our top financial services career resources.
Applying For A Financial Services Job? Here's What To Include On Your Resume

The top five things you should definitely include on your resume when you're applying to financial services jobs.
4 Things Students Should Do Outside Of Class To Get A Financial Services Job

You're competing against some of the smartest, most driven young professionals in the country.
UTM Arts Grad Builds His Finance Career In Banking

University of Toronto Mississauga grad John Rego worked his way up to an Investment Analytics job with RBC.
The Best Questions To Ask At Your Next Financial Services Job Interview

A career counsellor and recent grad share their best strategies for asking questions during financial services job interviews.
Office Hours: Tips For Hatching Your Oil And Gas Career With Suncor Energy

Read the transcript from Suncor Energy's recent Office Hours live chat with Campus Recruiter Heather MacIntyre.
September Recruitment Tips From A New Grad Financial Analyst

For many new grads, the recruitment process can seem endless and frustrating. I know, I've been there.
Average Starting Salaries For Entry Level Financial Services Jobs In 2012

It's always useful to know how much you'll be earning--particularly if your workday will involve a lot of dollars and cents.
What's A Financial Analyst And How Do You Become One?

Financial Analysts play a key role to ensure that markets - and companies of all sizes and types - stay in the green.
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) Program Provides Unique, Rewarding Career Path

The CAFM designation is a unique way to develop the skills knowledge you’ll need to successfully navigate the complex world of Aboriginal finance.
How To Get Promoted In Entry Level Accounting And Finance Jobs

If you aspire to a management position one day, you’ll need to start planning now.
How To Make The Most Of Your Financial Services Internship Or Co-op

Gaining work experience in financial services or accounting while you're still in school can add up to great career prospects after graduation.
4 More Designations And Certifications For Careers In Financial Services

Four more designations that you should consider for your career in financial services.
5 Tips For A Successful Financial Services Job Interview

Tips for helping you get past the interview stage and start your career in financial services.

More Than A Job: Sun Life Financial's New Graduate Rotational Programs

Sun Life Financial's Director of Student Programs, Chris Jones, says the company is investing in their student and graduate programs.
Behind The Scenes With A New Grad Analyst At The CPP Investment Board

Jessica Morris is recent Ivey grad who now works as a Private Investments Analyst at the CPP Investment Board in Toronto.

CFOs: Previous Work Experience Important For Accounting, Finance Graduates

78% of CFOs say it's important for entry level accounting and finance candidates to have gained work experience while in school.
Need Help Preparing For A Job Interview? There's An App For That

Ivey grad Brian Holland's finance interview app has been ranked as the top finance interview application for both Android and Apple products.
Behind The Scenes With 3 Kraft Interns

A behind-the-scenes video featuring Kraft Canada marketing, finance and HR interns who are returning to Kraft later this year to start entry level jobs!
4 Common Designations And Certifications In The Financial Services Industry

Simply stating on your resumé that you’ve started the process of getting a designation can make you much more attractive to financial services employers. Many employers also provide financial assistance or reimbursement for the completion of related coursework once you’ve been hired.
Average Starting Salaries For New Grads In Financial Services Jobs

Check out this list of 8 common entry-level roles in the Financial Services to find out what the average starting salaries are in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Improve Your Employability By Working On Your "Soft Skills"

If there is a lack of soft skills in graduates, it is clear that our post-secondary education system is not supplying us with the opportunities to acquire them. So if we cannot learn these skills in the classroom, perhaps its time to start thinking outside of it.
New Grad Real Estate Associate Loves TD's Commitment To Diversity In The Workplace

As a Real Estate Associate with TD Business Banking in Montreal, Arthur Vilner determines whether or not the bank should lend money to real estate developers to complete these kinds of projects.
Recent Grad Financial Advisor Loves Sun Life Financial's 'Holistic' Approach

“Entering this industry with a company that promotes its brand goes a long way!” —Ryan Alexander, Financial Advisor, Sun Life Financial
UBC Psychology Grad Found His Passion As A Financial Advisor With Sun Life Financial

“After working with Sun Life and with clients, my entire perception of what an advisor does completely changed. It is a very rewarding job.” —Victor Ma, Financial Advisor, Sun Life Financial
Chang School Financial Planning Certificate Leads To Career As A Financial Planner

York University BBA grad Harpinder Dhaliwal recently completed the Certificate in Financial Planning at The Chang School and got his designation as a Personal Financial Planner earlier this year.
Ryerson B.Comm. Grad Became A Senior Financial Analyst In A Year Through grad@Loblaw Program

Paul Sudarsan graduated from Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management in April 2009 with a Bachelor of Commerce and, from there, he jumped right into the grad@Loblaw program.
Q&A With A New Graduate TD Agriculture Services Account Manager

Laurier BBA grad Stephanie Snyder grew up on a dairy farm in New Hamburg, Ont., and today she works as a TD Agriculture Services account manager to help farmers in and around her hometown to support the financial aspects of their farming operations.
Canada's Best Global Business Schools

Bloomberg's Businessweek placed six Canadian schools in their expanded 2010 list of Top Global Business Schools – including four Canuck schools in the Top 10 and one previously-unranked newcomer now among the world’s Top 18 institutions for getting an MBA.
Athletic Experience Can Boost Your Success In Finance And Other Fields

The finance industry loves hiring former athletes because they work hard and they play to win. It’s no coincidence that this philosophy is shared by most people working in the industry, and even more by those who do well in it.
What Is A Financial Planner And How Do You Become One?

Financial planning is the process of managing your financial affairs to meet your life goals. Mark Girgis, a graduate of Seneca College's Financial Planning program, roughly compares financial planners to wedding planners. "They make sure the caterers are there, the limo's correct, that you [rehearse] before... That way, you can really focus on your big day."
Exploring The Top 6 Career Paths In Financial Services For New Graduates

A job in financial services is not only dynamic and challenging, it also puts you at the very heart of money management. Looking to carve a future in finance? Consider one of these six major career paths frequented by recent grads.
What Can I Do With My Business Degree?

A business degree can take you virtually anywhere in the world. Its principles can be applied to almost every company because—whether it be a beauty parlour, a movie theatre, a non-profit, a government agency, or a bank—it's likely founded on business principles. Where can you go with your business degree?
What Can I Do With My Economics Degree?

If you’re looking for a career to go with that degree in economics, the What Can I Do With My Degree? series is just for you. Hear from graduates who have use their economics degrees in both conventional and unconventional methods to pursue a variety of career paths.

Co-op Spotlight: UTSC BBA Student Tries On The Real World Through Co-op Work Terms

Students are often led to believe that the choices they make in university will confine them to a particular career path. In reality, this is not the case. I've met bankers turned into priests and psychology students turned entrepreneurs, which is proof that you're never really stuck in a career.
Insurance Is Already A Part Of Everything You Do… Why Not Find Your Career In It?

Within the different types of insurance, there are also various roles recent graduates can work in, including broker/agent, loss adjuster and underwriter. Learn about these three roles and how to be successful in them from three people currently working in the insurance industry.
Building Bright Leaders at Sun Life Financial

The Bright Leaders program allows new graduates an opportunity to rotate and progress through different roles within the organization over a three year period. The aim is to offer a through understanding of the business and help you assess and define your own career goals.
Helping People Achieve Life Goals Is The Core Of Financial Planning, Says Certified Financial Planner

"Currently, there aren’t enough young financial planners in the industry," says Vancouver financial planner Alim Dhanji.
A Career In Financial Planning Isn't Just For Finance Grads

When students think about careers in finance, they tend to think either Bay Street stockbroker or accountant. However, there is a significant range of jobs, and opportunities within the financial services industry despite the recent economic crash and ongoing recession.
Finance And Banking Jobs: Using Internships To Get Your Foot In The Door

Investopedia is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in finance. The best feature on the site is, hands down, the comprehensive 'Finance dictionary.' You can search almost any finance-related term and it will give you a) a definition that is in conte...