The finance industry is hugely diverse and there are plenty of job opportunities for those with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, flexibility and who show a willingness to learn.
There is a world of opportunity in a range of roles, from accounting to stockbroking, to marketing, human resources and IT – the list goes on. Many companies also offer a great range of training programmes and additional qualifications, helping you to move up the career ladder.
All in all, employment in the finance industry can offer you solid career development prospects in a stimulating and rewarding working environment.
“I started working in the financial services industry in 2013, whilst studying at Jersey International Business School, and have been in full-time employment for two years. Working in Jersey’s finance industry has great scope for career progression for the younger generation and it provides excellent opportunities to gain professional qualifications. Since graduating, I have obtained the ACI Dealing Certificate and I am currently studying towards the Investment Advice Diploma. I would thoroughly recommend financial services for someone considering a move into the industry – it can be both challenging and rewarding, as well as providing plenty of opportunities to travel.”
Katie McGinty
Client Advisor Assistant, UBS
Finance is Jersey’s largest industry, employing more than 13,000 people, around a fifth of the local workforce. Not only is it an exciting and rapidly-evolving industry, it also offers a wide range of great roles across a variety of different sectors.
There are career opportunities in many areas including:
- Banking
- Funds
- Compliance
- Marketing
- Accountancy
- Investments
- Law
- IT
- Insurance
- Human resources
- Stockbroking
- Business development
- Secretarial services
- Trust/Company services
- Administration
If you are interested in a career in finance, there are many routes in and a range of useful resources available to you.
Work experience
- Full time study, prior to employment
- Employment + study
- Employment + in-house training programmes
Routes Into The Finance Industry
‘Life in Finance’ scheme
Each year, students in Year 12 can sign up to Jersey Finance’s Life in Finance scheme.
The programme provides pupils with a snapshot of what it’s like to work for an organisation in the world of finance through a period of work experience. More information is available at www.jerseyfinance.je/life-in-finance
General work experience
To enhance your skills and improve the quality of your CV, you can contact firms directly to ask about work experience or entry-level work.
Information on all Jersey Finance Member firms, including contact details, can be found online at www.jerseyfinance.je/business-directory/. HR managers at these firms are the best people to contact.
Some work shadowing schemes are also available. For more information, visit www.gov.je/working/careers/16to19yearolds/worktraining.
Finally, you could consider joining a professional organisation or volunteer to take part in community projects. This might provide you with opportunities to network with those who may already be working in the industry. It is also useful to get first-hand advice from friends or family who work in the industry and are willing to share their own experiences.
Studying for a relevant qualification in Jersey
Highlands College and Jersey International Business School (JIBS) offer foundation degrees in financial services.
The courses combine classroom study with work experience. There are also many other opportunities to study for relevant degrees from Jersey, through these and other providers.
What’s more, there are a wide range of specific qualifications that local residents can obtain prior to, or after entering, employment in the finance sector. Certificated awareness programmes, short courses, e-learning and continuous development programmes (CPD) are available in Jersey too.
To find out more, go to our Course Finder at www.jerseyfinance.je/careers
Secure a role and progress while employed
To find local job vacancies, register with employment agencies, search job sites and monitor recruitment sections in the local media.
Companies often publicly announce when they are expanding, so you could write to them and express your interest before they begin their recruitment process.
Once employed, you will find that many finance firms have professional development programmes and training schemes, positively encouraging and enabling their staff to study for qualifications (sometimes requiring it, depending on the role).
We’ve recently revamped the careers section on our website to help you in searching for the right career path, course or qualification.
For more information, visit: www.jerseyfinance.je/careers
Jersey Finance Members’ Directory
www.jerseyfinance.je/business-directory/
The Government of Jersey
www.gov.je
Careers Jersey
www.gov.je/careers
Jersey International Business School
www.jerseyibs.com
Highlands College
www.highlands.ac.uk
Jersey Financial Services Commission
www.jerseyfsc.org
Digital Jersey
www.digital.je
Locate Jersey
www.locatejersey.com
Law Society of Jersey
www.jerseylawsociety.je
Jersey Association of Trust Companies
www.jatco.org
Jersey Bankers’ Association
www.jerseybankersassociation.com
Jersey Funds Association
www.jerseyfunds.org
Jersey Society of Chartered and Certified Accountants
www.jscca.org
Jersey Chamber of Commerce
www.jerseychamber.com
Chartered Institute of Marketing
www.cim.co.uk
TISE
www.tisegroup.com
Jersey International Insurance Association
www.jerseyiia.org