The Right Credentials At The Right Time Will Launch A Career In Finance For A Baltimore Job Seeker
In Baltimore City, the financial services industry is thriving, with pay increases across the sector in 2013 and the economy on the upswing, the future looks bright. Further, the continued trend in baby-boomer retirements is generating a surge in hiring and in upcoming years, firms may find themselves struggling to fill in the gaps left by these experienced professionals.
According to Robert Half's 2014 Financial Salary Guide, the nationwide hiring demand is reflective of a strong need for highly qualified, financial professionals with specialized skills – making this a fast-growing career option for those with the right credentials.
Jeremy Sitzer, Financial Services Representative for John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) in Towson, has lived this trend first-hand. Initially, he relied upon the skills learned through his degree to gain a foothold in the field, and now he relies on continuing education to keep him on the forefront of today's dynamic financial world.
Where did you earn your degree?
"I attended the University of Delaware in Newark and received a B.S. in Economics and a Minor in Business Management. That combination equipped me for the various experiences that I encountered in my growing career."
How has education prepared you for your role?
"College gave me the ability to take on life's challenges with confidence. It taught me to understand people from all educational and financial levels, and provided me with the insight and ability to be creative in problem solving – one of the skill sets needed to be successful in the financial industry."
Could you have reached your present position without your education endeavors?
"I believe that college and a career in the financial industry, go hand in hand. Without a college degree I would never have understood how to look at life from a broader point of view and see problems with solutions, not as a dead-end street. To be successful here, you must understand much more than how a stock, bond or insurance works, but how it all fits together for the bigger solution."
What continuing education is required for your specific role?
"I have learned that you must continuously educate yourself or you will have difficulty relating to the changing financial world, so I take 24 continuing education credits every two years as well as training on any product that I offer to clients."
How do you keep your skills up to date?
"I take advanced training on various aspects of products in my field, including training for things like retirement planning. I am currently working on an advanced planning designation."
Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her online at beazellblog.com and Examiner.com
