How do I get into financial services IT?
I work for a managed services company as a technical analyst but
I want to get into financial services IT. I have looked at analyst
roles using the Murex platform. Some recruiters say that I need
more of an investment banking background, and I plan to study for
chartered financial analyst certification. Do you have any further
advice?
The solution: Get a job quickly, then develop
skills
Moving into finance can be difficult with no experience,
although hiring managers are increasingly flexible due to candidate
shortages.
The combination of business knowledge and IT skills commands a
premium. Ensure that recruitment consultants tell the hiring
manager that you have an interest in finance, and do your homework
to substantiate this in an interview.
Moving onto a new platform, such as Murex, can be difficult as
the skills needed are so specific, but it is not impossible. These
skills are often found by using contractors at premium rates, so
hiring a permanent employee to train up can be a good option for a
bank. The CFA programme will give you much deeper knowledge,
although it is rarely asked for within IT.
My advice would be to move into banking using your current
skills and consolidate your business knowledge once there. This
will give you options in future to move into analysis or a new
technical area. A bank will hire you for the proven skills you have
now. When you have a couple of years' experience in this
environment the opportunities will really open up.
Solution by Paul Elworthy, associate director, IT banking and
financial services at Hudson
The panel:
Computer People,Hudson,No Limits
Coaching,The Training
Camp,Wreay Group
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