The pros and cons of a career in financial services - Tiger Recruitment (2024)

The financial services industry is one of the most important to the UK, and in turn, jobs within financial services have increased significantly over the past few years. There are 1.1 million financial services employees employed in the UK.It is an industry that offers a wide variety of roles and career opportunities and, as a result, attracts large numbers of prospects. Take a look at some of the positions we are working on in the City at the moment!

As with all industries, there are pros and cons to working within this exciting space. If you’re toying with the idea of a career move in the City, here are some of the things you may want to consider:

Benefits:

Financially rewarding

There is potential to achieve a higher-than-average income at all levels within the industry, as well as a promising career path, great benefits and bonuses. City-based firms often reward hard-working employees with wellness benefits like free gym membership, access to healthy meals and medical consultations.

Variety

No day will ever be exactly the same. The fast pace and unpredictable nature of the industry means you’ll always be busy and learning new things. There’s likely to be an exciting buzz around the office and definitely no time for clock watching.

Exposure

On a daily basis you’ll be faced with high-profile individuals and businesses. It gives you an excellent opportunity to network with new people every day, and this in turn can open lots of doors. In this space, it’s usually not about what you know; it’s who you know.

Social Scene

The financial services industry is known for its ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra. It wouldn’t surprise us if you met life-long friends in the City. And if you’re a bubbly person who loves to socialise, you’ll fit right in.

Potential risks:

Long hours

Working in financial services is not a typical 9-5 affair. Approximately one in three of all employees work in excess of 40 hours per week and a large number work considerably more than that. The work itself can be fairly high pressured and stress-inducing due to the fast pace and the demanding nature of clients and colleagues. To minimise burn-out, we strongly recommend focussing on personal wellness and encourage you to take all of your annual leave. This will help counter-balance any stress caused.

Difficult characters

In a support role you may be expected to deal with employees that will not give you an easy ride!

Competition for jobs is high

As financial services offers good promotion prospects and numerous career opportunities, this means it is a competitive industry. And you’re competing with the best of the best.

Few permanent opportunities

Due to the unpredictable nature of the economy, many of the financial services firms prefer to hire into long-term contracts rather than permanent roles. If you want to work in the City you’d need to be comfortable with this. Rest assured, those in long-term contracts enjoy all the same benefits and bonuses as permanent staff!

We believe the benefits of working in the City far outweigh the risks, but at the end of the day it needs to feel right for you and your lifestyle choices. If you want to discuss taking your next step, get in touch today.

The pros and cons of a career in financial services - Tiger Recruitment (1) Author Tiger Contributor Tiger Recruitment Team

The pros and cons of a career in financial services - Tiger Recruitment (2024)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of financial services? ›

The pros and cons of a career in financial services
  • Financially rewarding. ...
  • Variety. ...
  • Exposure. ...
  • Social Scene. ...
  • Long hours. ...
  • Difficult characters. ...
  • Competition for jobs is high. ...
  • Few permanent opportunities.

What are the cons of a finance career? ›

They can include high stress, big responsibility, long working hours, continuing education requirements, and, in some cases, a lack of job security—the finance industry is generally quite cyclical.

Is a career in finance worth it? ›

Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, opportunities for advancement and consistent demand projections. Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.

Why do you want a career in the financial services industry? ›

I'm interested in a career in finance because it offers a dynamic environment that combines analytical thinking with strategic problem-solving. Finance roles impact businesses fundamentally and globally, providing a platform for continuous learning and growth.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a financial advisor? ›

Pros of hiring a financial advisor include gaining access to expertise, leveraging time, and sharing responsibility. However, there are also potential downsides to consider, such as costs and fees, quality of service, and the risk of abandonment.

What is the biggest challenge in financial services? ›

8 Challenges of the Financial Services Industry
  1. Cybercrime. ...
  2. Regulatory Compliance. ...
  3. Big Data in Finance. ...
  4. AI and Blockchain in Finance. ...
  5. FinTech Disruption. ...
  6. Keeping Up With Technology. ...
  7. Customer Retention in the Financial Services Industry. ...
  8. Customer Experience in the Financial Services Industry.

How stressful is a career in finance? ›

Finance is not always a stressful career, but for the highest-earning jobs it can be. Long hours and an “always on call” mentality can be extremely stressful for finance professionals, especially those dealing with global markets.

What are 5 disadvantages of using a financial institution? ›

Disadvantages of Financial Institutions
  • Complex and Lengthy Process. These organizations follow strict guidelines for giving loans since they must meet government standards. ...
  • Security Deposit. ...
  • Hidden Risk Involved. ...
  • Limitation on the Borrower. ...
  • Wrapping It Up.
Jan 23, 2024

What is the hardest problem in finance? ›

Pomp | The hardest problem in finance is how to transfer economic value over 20+ years without losing purchasing power.

Is finance a hard major? ›

Is Finance a Hard Major? Finance is a somewhat difficult major. The difficulty with finance comes down to its concepts that students would not have experienced before in their lives, the financial lingo in the field, and the concentration of math in the subject.

Is finance hard to get a job? ›

Key Takeaways. You don't need an MBA to work in finance, but the field is highly competitive, especially at the entry-level.

Does finance pay well? ›

Salaries in the finance industry

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), careers in finance pay a median salary of $76,850 — 66% higher than the median salary for all occupations in the nation ($46,310).

What are the advantages of financial services? ›

Providers of financial services, then, help channel cash from savers to borrowers and redistribute risk. They can add value for the investor by aggregating savers' money, monitoring investments, and pooling risk to keep it manageable for individual members. In many cases the intermediation includes both risk and money.

What is it like to work in financial services? ›

Finance is a unique, challenging, ever-changing industry. You will constantly be presented with new, interesting problems and advancing tools you can use to explore solutions. It is not simple or easy, and you need a certain level of intelligence in order to succeed.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ›

Sample Responses

"In five years, I see myself as an important part of this organization, having grown in my role and contributing to the company's success. I want to improve my skills in [mention specific skills relevant to the job], and take on more responsibilities, working with my team to reach our goals."

What are the pros of financial system? ›

Financial systems are crucial for economies as they promote economic growth. They enable individuals and institutions to save, invest, manage risks, and conduct transactions efficiently. Financial systems also play a role in price discovery, ensuring fair prices for assets and commodities.

What are the pros and cons of financial analysis? ›

It provides a broader perspective on financial performance, aids in setting realistic goals, and facilitates strategic decision-making. Limitations: Such analysis may be limited by differences in accounting practices, company size, and industry dynamics. Therefore, comparing such numbers becomes less straightforward.

What are the pros and cons of banking as a service? ›

The Pros and Cons of Banking as a Service

It can also allow them to tap into new markets and reach new customer segments. However, the BaaS model also has some risks. These include the potential for vendor lock-in, and the need to ensure that customer data is secure. There are pros and cons to banking as a service.

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