Finance professionals innately understand the importance of continuing education; with technology advancing how the field works, professionals need to stay updated on how that technology could affect them and their profession. Here are a few ways that professionals in the financial world can continue their education and supplement their skills in their field. It is important to note that the following options may help professionals with the continuing education requirements of re-certifying their professional certifications.
Related Resource: 50 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs
Online Coursework
Online course work is an option with a variety of benefits for professionals. Most schools with online programs have certificates that a professional can complete; wholly online degrees are also available. Even if a professional completes just one course every term, they will begin to build up their expert knowledge of the financial field, providing them with opportunities to move forward in their career. Professionals may also come across related courses that help them in their career, even without a degree or certificate.
Additional Endorsements
The term “additional endorsements” refers to any certification, endorsement, or qualification that is not directly related to the financial field. However, the additional endorsement is generally in a related field. For example, a professional who works for a real estate development firm may earn their real estate license, an endorsement that will widen their understanding of the field and provide them with valuable insight that they can then pass on to colleagues or their superiors. Another great example is a professional who works with an investment firm; this professional could earn their stock broker’s license and use their education in an ethical manner to help the firm.
Skills Sessions
Skills sessions are a great continuing education option for professionals. Everything from networking and business development to customer service and marketing sessions, all of which are offered by a wide variety of companies, will provide professionals with additional skills that they may not have yet acquired. Depending on their career trajectory, having the additional skills may open them up to better jobs or promotions in their current workplace. Most of the skill sessions that are in demand focus on business but learning conflict resolution and communication skills are also very popular with employers, especially those who have a diverse client base.
Computer Software Applications
Learning how various computer software applications work will add to a finance professional’s overall resume. There are a variety of applications that fit under this umbrella; some of these include data and news apps, online word processors, productivity apps, and more. The trick is to learn which applications best suit the professional; analysts will want to cover news and data while those who work in banks may want to consider learning how to use budgeting applications to help their clients. The list is endless and a cursory search on the internet may help professionals find the exact app that will help them become more productive at work while also continuing to teach them new things about their profession.
With so much of business being handled online, it has become more important than ever for professionals in the financial sector to stay vigilant about their education. In fact, it is so important that Forbes dedicated an entire article to why continuous education matters. Not keeping up with the latest news and technology could force them to hit a plateau in their career and limit job prospects. By taking advantage of one of the above continuing education options, finance professionals will remain ahead of the curve in the field and will be able to build the career they’ve always wanted.
