
Financial Services Careers
Ever wondered what happens to your money after you deposit it at the bank? Or how businesses make financial decisions that shape our world? Welcome to the world of finance.
The UK financial industry is a powerhouse, managing over £20 trillion in assets. Banking titans like HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and NatWest lead the pack, but there's so much more to discover beyond the big names.
If you’ve ever wanted to find out what it’s like to work for a bank or balance the books of your favourite brand, there is so much hands-on experience waiting for you.
Read on to discover what the finance industry is all about, all the amazing work experience options available to you and where they can take your career.

What is the finance industry?
The finance industry manages money and assets for individuals, businesses, and governments. Think of it as the system that keeps money flowing through the economy.
Finance is a huge industry, every business deals with finance in multiple ways. There are so many avenues of finance you could explore. Here are a few you’re probably already familiar with:
Banking. High street banks, investment banks, and online banks that help you manage your money, provide loans, and facilitate payments.
Investment management. Helping people grow their wealth through stocks, bonds, and other investments to build a stable financial future.
Insurance. Protecting against unexpected financial losses so you can live with confidence and security.
Accounting. Recording, analysing, and reporting financial information to help businesses make smart decisions.
Financial advice. Guiding people on their financial decisions from buying a home to planning for retirement.
Each area offers different career paths with their own rewards. The great thing about finance is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re good with numbers, enjoy solving complex problems or love helping people.
Is finance a good career in the UK?
A career in finance is a damn good idea! It’s such an exciting industry to be involved in, and with over 1.17 million jobs and counting, there’s so much opportunity out there. Finance isa good career because:
You could earn a lot, early. Graduate schemes in finance are really well paid (starting at around £30,000 per year) and this will only grow the more experience you gain throughout your career.
Jobs are stable. Financial professionals are always needed in some capacity, so the potential to have a solid career in the years to come is very strong.
There’s clear progression. There are never any grey areas, as job pathways are always set out from the beginning.
You’ll pick up hundreds of soft skills. These are everything and can be used across industries.
Is finance a hard career to break into?
Finance can be super competitive, but it’s not impossible. There are several paths you can take; it all depends on what you want out of your career and how you can get there. One of the best ways to get your foot in the safe door early is to get some work experience under your belt.
Work experience is so important because it gives you the skills, qualifications and experience employers want to see. It’s also a chance to discover which areas of finance you love the most. Not quite sure where to find those? Here are the best work experiences to start your finance career:

Economics Apprenticeships
Economics apprenticeships allow you to secure your first economic sector job, right out of school and sixth form. Read on for a quick guide to Economics apprenticeships and what’s available for you.

Finance Apprenticeships
Finishing school and wondering what's next? If you like maths and have a knack for numbers but aren't sure where to go from there, a career in finance could be perfect for you.

Finance Degree Apprenticeships
If you've always wanted to earn a university degree but hate the idea of graduating with thousands of pounds of student loan debt, you'll love a degree apprenticeship in finance.

Finance Graduate Schemes
If you're considering your next steps after university and have an interest in how money works, a finance graduate scheme could be your stepping stone to a fulfilling career.

Finance Internships
Curious about breaking into finance? Landing the right internship can be your ticket to exciting career opportunities, and you don't need to be a finance student to make it happen, either.

Finance Placements
The finance industry loves to hire graduates who already know their way around. Getting your foot in the door with a placement will give you the chance to impress employers and build connections that will open doors throughout your career.
Who are the top employers in finance?
There are so many fantastic opportunities with some of the best financial institutions and banks in the UK. Here are the top finance employers offering the best in work experience:
What can I do after work experience in finance?
Work experience can open up a lot of doors for you. You could decide to move up within your chosen field or you could try out other areas of the industry. It’s safe to say that once you’re ready to step out into the world of finance, there will be a lot of opportunities waiting for you.
Some of the roles you could land post-work experience include:
Accounting manager
Insurance broker
Sustainable finance analyst
Fintech developer
Data scientist
Blockchain specialist
Tax consultant
Ready to jump into the world of finance work experience? There are loads of jobs up on Higherin right now. Click below to start your journey.