Professional Social Networking

Sign up on professional platforms such as LinkedIn and create an attractive profile, including information about your experience, skills and education. Actively participate in financial services related communities, groups and forums and network with industry professionals.

Virtual networking events

Join online events, conferences and webinars hosted by financial services organizations and professional associations in Virginia. This will give you the opportunity to learn about the industry, expand your professional network, and learn about job openings and career opportunities.

Alma Mater

Connect with alumni from your university or college who work in financial services in Virginia. Join alumni associations and participate in their events. Alumni are usually willing to help their fellow students and can provide you with valuable contacts and references.

Informational Interviews

Review the list of financial companies in Virginia and contact the human resources representatives or department heads you are interested in. Ask for an informational interview to learn more about the company, its culture, candidate requirements and job opportunities. This will help you make industry connections and leave a positive impression.

Professional Associations

Join financial professional associations and organizations in Virginia. Participate in their events, seminars and trainings. This will give you the opportunity to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest trends, and learn about job openings and career opportunities.

References and References

If you already have contacts or acquaintances in the financial industry in Virginia, ask them for help or references. References can often influence an employer’s decision when choosing a candidate for a position.

Be proactive

Be proactive in your job search. Don’t be afraid to send your resume and write letters about your interest in companies, even if they are not posting open positions. Constantly expand your professional contacts and keep them connected.

Taking advantage of networking opportunities can greatly increase your chances of finding a job in Virginia financial services. Be persistent, actively participate in your community of professionals, and build long-term connections that can lead to new career opportunities.

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What skills to develop for financial professionals

One way to keep your career in quarantine is to learn. According to experts in the field of professional development, specialists with anti-crisis skills, both professional and personal, will be in demand. As well as those who were able to rearrange their thinking in the direction of digital. We present the top 7 skills which are worth to be emphasized by financial specialists during the crisis, and the ways to develop them.

High adaptability and flexibility

The processes in companies accelerate with digitalization. Therefore, businesses will need specialists with a high level of flexibility, able to adapt quickly to new conditions. If you are a manager, you will obviously have to review strategy and budgets. If you are a line specialist, you will have to learn to work remotely and take on additional functions. Everyone will have to think out of the box and introduce something new into work processes.

Knowledge of digital technology

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of business. Accounting is being automated, VR technologies and blockchain are in full swing, and the field of fintech is developing. Finance is becoming digital, which means professionals need to be digital: to be able to use information technology to process data and increase company profits.

Creativity and strategic thinking

Top managers of many companies have already shown creativity and ingenuity during the pandemic. For example, the Mercedes Formula 1 team has temporarily switched to manufacturing breathing apparatuses, and the Italian company Prada is sewing medical suits and masks. During the crisis those managers who are also able to find new opportunities and quickly lead companies into new niches will not be lost.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking in finance is needed more than ever. During a crisis, audits tend to intensify in companies and there is a lot of bad news around. Therefore, it is important to be able to weigh any information and not give in to panic. Work on your concentration and apply the method of “fact-checking” (professional mistrust) when dealing with data, in order to secure yourself once again and avoid fatal mistakes. Read more of Tom Chatfield’s reference book, “Critical Thinking. Analyze, Doubt, Form Your Opinion.” It contains many practical examples and tips on dealing with misinformation and manipulation.

Emotional intelligence

In a crisis it is important for managers to keep in touch with their employees, not to allow panic in the team and to be able to support people in time. This is why emotional intelligence is so important – the ability to read one’s own and others’ emotions, to understand people and to build communication with them. For example, during a tense Skype conference, a leader with developed emotional intelligence knows when to make a joke or take a break. However, making managerial decisions and leading a team only on the basis of empathy and observation is not enough. And at your leisure, you can read Daniel Goleman’s book “Emotional Intelligence at Work. From it you will learn how to increase emotional intelligence and make a successful career with it.

Risk Management

A professional who can anticipate and manage possible risks is valued in any company and at any time. But especially so when things are unstable around you. The main value of risk managers in a crisis is that they help the company to reduce the likelihood of risks or mitigate the consequences if they are unavoidable. If you want to know what hindsight means and how to make good decisions in the face of uncertainty, read the book by professional poker player and business consultant Annie Duke, “The Betting Principle. How to Make Decisions in the Face of Uncertainty.”

Learning

One of the most important skills in a crisis. If you can grasp information quickly and love to learn, you can succeed in any field. Understand what to learn and what skills to tighten in quarantine, you can use online tests. To say that the Corona Crisis is a time for career opportunities would be wrong. Rather, it is a time for action. You can’t freeze and wait now – it can backfire badly and then you have to start “from scratch.” It’s better to use quarantine and isolation time to develop skills and improve your skills. This way you can not only hold on during the crisis, but also prepare to reactivate your career afterwards.

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Education and certifications

Invest in your education and obtain required certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant). These accreditations will enhance your skills and prove your expertise in your respective areas of finance.

Specialization

Determine the area in which you would like to develop and become an expert in that area. This could be investment analysis, corporate finance, risk management, or any other specialization that appeals to you. In-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen field can greatly increase your chances of success.

Network Marketing

Virginia is home to many financial companies and organizations. Actively participate in professional networking events, conferences and forums to expand your professional contacts and learn about new opportunities in the industry. Networking can play an important role in your career development.

Developing Soft Skills

Not only are technical skills important in finance, but soft skills such as communication, leadership, time management, and adaptability are also important. Develop these skills, as they can make you a valuable employee and help you advance in your career.

Community Engagement

Get active in community organizations and charities related to the financial field. Not only will this help you contribute to the community, but it will also enhance your reputation and create additional career opportunities.

On-the-job training

Look for training and development opportunities within your company or organization. Participate in mentoring programs, professional trainings and projects that will allow you to expand your skills and knowledge.

Personal branding

Work on developing your personal brand in finance. Create a professional online profile, post articles and blogs, participate in discussions and share your expert opinion. This will help you establish credibility and gain the attention of employers and peers.

Ongoing training

The financial field is constantly evolving and changing. Stay abreast of the latest trends, new technologies and changes in finance-related legislation. Continue to learn and adapt to the changing environment to stay competitive and relevant.

Explore new opportunities

Be open to new opportunities and willing to seek challenges outside of your current position. Consider a move to another company, a change of specialty, or even entrepreneurship. Sometimes new opportunities can lead to significant career growth.

Unrelenting professionalism

Remember that professionalism and reliability are key to success in finance. Strive for high standards in your work, be responsible and demonstrate professional behavior in all areas of your work.

Developing a career in finance in Virginia requires effort, dedication and continuous learning. By following these tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of succeeding and realizing your professional goals in this dynamic industry.

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