The question: Will VBA open the door to financial
services?
Six months ago I moved from a career in accountancy to working
as a data analyst doing Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
programming. I have picked it up quickly and have many examples of
how I have used it to solve real-life business problems.
I would like to work in financial services, but prior experience
always seems to be a requirement. Is it possible to get my foot in
the door, and how should I sell myself?
The solution: Your accountancy skills are an added
bonus
Your aspirations are well matched to the current market and
given the skills shortage that is starting to bite, this could be
the optimum time for you to move.
Financial services firms can be extremely prescriptive in their
recruiting requirements more so when you apply through an
agency.
Many of the clients I deal with would view your accountancy
background plus solid real-time Excel VBA skills very
favourably.
If you have a maths or science degree, you will find employers
very receptive to meeting with you. I often have roles that require
VBA, alongside an open manner, to help the traders in the
investment banks.
Write your CV based on achievements rather than
responsibilities. Highlight the examples where you pulled together
disparate information and further automated procedures.
Submit your details to clients directly, giving them the chance
to save an agency fee. They are more inclined to take a chance on
an individual if the cost is minimised.
The panel: Computer People, Hudson, No Limits Coaching, The
Training Camp, Wreay Group
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