The direction that your career takes is your choice. Everyone looks for something different from a career and asking yourself some key questions will help to narrow your search.

What do you enjoy doing? 
You will spend a significant amount of time working.  You will need to be interested enough in your career to have the motivation to work hard and strive for excellence.  Remember though, it’s not just about the money!

What do you excel at?
You do not need to be an expert before starting your career in the area of work that you want to pursue, but you will need to demonstrate that you have aptitude for the subject matter. 

What level of qualifications will you need to get in?
There are careers in finance, accountancy and financial services which have different entry points.  Some require GCSE’s, Scottish Standards or equivalent, where others may demand A Levels, Scottish Highers or equivalent.  Some careers are for graduates only.  Depending on what level you wish to study up to will influence the level at which you join a company.

Do you want to continue to study whilst at work?
In finance, accountancy and financial services, most careers require people to undertake continuous learning and have a commitment to improving their performance at the role.  Some careers will require you to study particular qualifications and take additional exams.  Our job profiles (link to careers hub) explain the qualifications needed for each role.

Would you be willing to move for your career?
Finance, accountancy and financial services is a global industry and many of the large employers will have offices not only across the UK but also across the world.  Is this something you would like to experience?  Many post school and college, and graduate programmes could involve being placed at any of the company offices and may involve significant time away from home for study purposes.

Is the career you are interested in one which may grow in demand?
The labour market changes and each industry ebbs and flows.  There are some careers however that will be in more demand in the future and this is a good sign that employment opportunities may grow.  Read the industry press and look at what is happening in the news to understand the sector and the key drivers moving the industry forward.

What are the progression routes for you career of choice?
When you start your career you are just at step one of the rest of your working life.  What do you want to achieve in terms of career success?  Status and position? Being the best you can be at your job? Money? Recognition from your industry?  Whatever your ambitions, your career should give you the progression opportunities that you are looking for?

Who are the employers?
You will need to identify the companies who employ people in the career that you want.  Find out what they look for from new entrants and the types of entry level opportunities that they have.  On the Getting In Hub you will find some of the employers in the finance, accountancy and financial services sector.

You will find lots of information on Directions about careers and jobs but if you need one to one advice speak to a careers adviser at school, college, university or at one of your the local careers centres.