“"How to work in the financial market and have a successful career in the field?" — this is a question many young students share. After all, as you may have noticed, this is a sector mentioned daily in the media. A reference point in political debates, it is evaluated to endorse government decisions, which are responsible for influencing various commercial, industrial, and economic activities in the country.

However, despite their significant role in our daily lives, several college entrance exam takers They are unaware of how it works in practice, what its characteristics are, and what professions are related to it. Therefore, it's natural that they don't know how to enter and build a career in this field. For this reason, we have prepared a complete post to address the subject and answer your questions. Read on to the end.

What is the financial market like?

The financial market may seem like a complex sector to understand, but the truth is that it operates on a fairly basic principle: the movement of capital. To achieve this goal, it connects and facilitates transactions between financial institutions (banks, brokerage firms, companies, cooperatives, insurance and investment organizations, etc.), individuals and legal entities—referred to here as investors—and the Federal Government itself.

Although a globalized financial market exists, the truth is that it operates on two levels: local and international. At the local level, operations are carried out within a country with national participants. At the international level, however, it's somewhat different.

This is because foreign investors can invest money in the markets of Brazil, China, and the United Kingdom, for example, altering the landscape of national transactions. "And what are these transactions, after all?", you might be wondering.

Well, they are diverse and include buying and selling company shares, participating in public and private auctions of goods and properties, acquiring foreign currencies, trading bonds, bills of exchange and investment funds, transactions involving assets, dividends and loans, etc.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that the exchange rates of currencies around the world (such as the US dollar, the Brazilian real, the pound sterling, and the Argentine peso) are directly related to the financial market—and can rise or fall according to the flow of transactions carried out daily within it.

In short, these are activities that are monitored, advised, registered, and legally formalized through each country's Stock Exchange. In Brazil, for example, we have B3, which is headquartered in the city of São Paulo. This institution even publishes monthly figures on the average number of individual and corporate investors in the country.

According to survey In March, 2,272,173 investors were counted, of which 98,73% (approximately 2,243,362) are ordinary citizens (individuals). During the period analyzed, they moved no less than R$ 255.92 billion.

It is also interesting to mention that the cumulative volume of individuals interested in investing in the stock market only increases year after year. Data from B3 indicates that, in 2002, the first year of the survey, there were only 85,249 individual investors. By 2019, 17 years later, the number had reached 1,681,033 — and in the first three months of 2020 it had already reached a new record, rising by approximately 25,06%.

What are its characteristics?

The financial market differs from other sectors because it is more volatile and has a lower predictability rate than others. This is due to the interdependence established between the stock exchanges of different nations. A good example of this is that it only takes one of them to exhibit abnormal behavior for all the others to immediately feel the effects. It's basically a domino effect.

This is because, if there is a sudden change in the established negotiations between them, it is possible that it could range from the devaluation of local assets to global crises such as those that occurred in 1929, 2007 and, more recently, 2020. This time, due to an external factor, the proliferation of Covid-19, which caused the closure of borders in dozens of countries and the interruption of thousands of financial and commercial transactions on a global scale.

Finally, the financial market serves as a thin and tenuous line of stability for all other sectors that make up a country's economy. After all, if it experiences sharp declines or shows consecutive negative rates, this will cause a reduction in foreign investors injecting resources into the country and will lead the real to continuously depreciate against the US dollar — which, in turn, makes necessary (and sometimes vital) imports more expensive for national industry.

Furthermore, a markedly poor performance can mean capital withdrawal from local companies that need that money to grow, expand, and diversify their service portfolio. This is without even mentioning those companies that lose financial resources and become devalued due to the reduction in the value of their own shares.

As if all this weren't enough, the financial institutions that make up the market end up being more selective and restrictive regarding the monetary transactions they carry out. This reduces the granting of credit to individuals and legal entities, leading to a reduction in the purchasing power of the population, a decrease in the number of formal jobs, and a reduction in commercial activity.

As a result, the financial market can generate political instability and leave the Federal Government in a delicate position, having to adopt measures to control the damage in other sectors (retail, agriculture, livestock, petrochemical, transportation, health, etc.). This involves restoring confidence in the national economy and maintaining a good and healthy relationship with the business community.

Therefore, the weight of the financial market and its ability to shape things positively or negatively—from our daily lives to the governmental and economic management (at micro and macro levels) of an entire country—is undeniable.

What are the main opportunities?

The opportunities for those who join the labor market of the economy And the advantages of finance are many. Among them are high salary ranges, flexibility regarding the work environment (since transactions mostly take place in online systems), the growing expansion of the sector in the Brazilian scenario, contact with new technologies, and the use of technical knowledge about trading and investments in the Stock Exchange — which can be useful for you to build your own wealth over time.

Other benefits include the possibility of working with a portfolio of clients, professional networking, the management of international transactions for large companies — including representing their interests abroad — and, of course, the working hours of those who work at the Stock Exchange — which are categorized by established shifts (from four to seven hours a day) for trading, offers, and services for investors.

What are the careers on the rise?

The careers on the rise in financial and administrative market, Contrary to what many might imagine, these professionals don't focus on just one field. In fact, they come from different areas, which only shows the diversity of work and opportunities that exist in this sector. Below, we've gathered some of the main ones. professions According to the activities carried out. See:

• Investment analyst, asset valuation analyst, credit analyst, or international finance analyst: Provides economic and financial consulting, prepares reports on assets with the greatest potential for financial return, and offers risk overviews for variable income investments, etc.;
• Asset manager, securities consultant and trader: It tracks the behavior of stocks and investments made in them, guides negotiations and acquisitions on the Stock Exchange, and promotes multiple purchases and sales of stocks;
• Lawyer specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions, Bankruptcy and Judicial Reorganization, or Capital Markets: Performs legal analyses of financial transactions, checks the legal and financial status of companies, confirms the validity and integrity of international negotiations, etc.

How do I start a career in this field?

You recently learned about some of the high-demand professions in the financial market, and soon you'll learn about the academic qualifications that allow you to pursue them. However, while reading, it's normal to have a question: how do you start a career in this field? That's because choosing a degree, and even a professional activity, is only the first step.

Therefore, it's advisable to use your college internship period to work for a company in the field and have the opportunity to experience the sector's daily routine.

Furthermore, keep an eye out for trainee selection processes at large financial institutions that hire recent graduates for an immersion period in their range of services. Besides gaining valuable experience in the field and participating in various projects, you may be hired permanently depending on your performance at the end of the program.

A third alternative for working in the financial market is to follow the communication channels of the Stock Exchange and industry organizations to find out in advance about ongoing recruitment for assistant and analyst positions. Oh, and to increase the chances of your CV being selected, don't forget to invest in... free courses that broaden your range of knowledge and help you develop new skills.

What is the importance of a college degree?

To do a graduation It is crucial for entering the financial market because it is through this that you will receive theoretical and technical training. And this applies not only to the origins of the sector and its particularities around the world, but mainly to the rules, precepts, and practices (legal and illegal) that govern its current operation.

This type of knowledge is not taught in the school environment—even because of its complexity and the series of ramifications it entails—and it is not easily obtained on the internet. It requires a bibliographical and multidisciplinary foundation, scientific notions, and reflective discussions for the absorption of the concepts.

Finally, many of the activities in this field cannot be performed by just anyone. Professionals must hold a bachelor's degree to practice the profession. This is due to oversight by the Federal and Regional Councils of each category, which ensure compliance with the code of ethics, legal responsibilities in customer service, and transparency in services provided to society.

What are the course options?

We recently discussed some rising careers in the financial market and how a degree serves as a gateway to this sector. Now, we'll show you which undergraduate courses allow you to pursue these professions. Carefully review the details of each program.

Economic Sciences

Graduation in Economic Sciences (or Economics, as it is popularly called) lasts four years and is recommended for young people who aspire to understand in an analytical and delineated way how economic systems develop, the mechanisms of market regulation, and the financial and accounting processes of opening, maintaining, and closing businesses.

It's no wonder that Economics course It focuses on the stages of production lines, the consumption process, and the industrial growth of modern societies.

Not to mention that he analyzes the formulation of economic plans in the public and private spheres, discusses Brazil's trade relations with other countries, and presents techniques for projecting investment, asset growth, and financial speculation.

Below, we've compiled some of the most important articles—which provide a great deal of information about... labor market for the economy — which you will have when you choose this training. See:

• International Economics;
• Macroeconomics;
• Microeconomics;
• Industrial Organization;
• Brazilian Economy;
• Fixed Income Markets;
• Economic Statistics;
• Econometrics.

Administration

The second formation is in Administration which also lasts eight semesters and is aimed at those interested in developing management and business planning skills, entrepreneurship and corporate innovation.

Ultimately, her goal is precisely to train professionals who understand the structure of an organization in all possible aspects (financial, human, legal, social, material, and marketing). This enables them to coordinate the organization at the sectoral or directorial level and keep it actively functioning to generate profit, expand, and diversify existing businesses.

Below, you can see some of the subjects you will have during the course. Business Administration course and which will be essential for your immersion in this universe:

• Applied Calculus for Administration;
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation;
• Analysis of the Economic Environment;
• Business Financial Management;
• Strategic Business Management;
• Business Communication;
• Project Management;
• Business Accounting.

Right

When wondering how to work in the financial market, it's natural to think about pursuing the following areas: Economics or Administration due to their proximity (and affinity) with the sector. However, it is important to remember that this field is not composed solely of these professionals. On the contrary, there are people who...
The most diverse backgrounds actively involved in it include those who have graduated in... Right.

This is because, as we have already mentioned, the financial market involves many national and international transactions that require a critical and in-depth understanding of the laws to avoid financial losses (such as investments without return and invalid acquisitions), legal complications (such as fines, lawsuits and criminal investigations) or the premature bankruptcy of companies.

The course lasts five years and is aimed at people interested in studying and understanding the applications of the Constitution and current legislation to the physical and legal relationships that occur in all areas of society.

That's why, throughout the course, students learn about social security, constitutional law, civil and criminal procedures, the role of the State and international organizations, topics on economics, taxation and business, and much more. Below, you can see some of the main subjects:

• Tax Law;
• Administrative Law;
• Business Law;
• Legal Practice;
• General Theory of Procedure;
• Economic and Regulatory Law;
• International Law;
• Process Management.

How do I choose a course?

“"There are not just one, but three course options to choose from. If I'm undecided between two of them, or even all of them, how do I decide?", you might be wondering. Therefore, know that in this situation, the best thing to do is follow a few steps that allow you to reflect on which alternative is best for your professional future. Pay attention to what they are.

Assess your affinity with the subjects of the undergraduate programs.

In elementary and high school, it is normal to develop a greater affinity for subjects in a particular field given one's personal abilities, type of reasoning (whether more critical or more abstract), and the natural evolution of cognitive processes.

Although this is not something definitive and immutable, it is an aspect that can indicate which degree you will adapt to best. For example, if in high school your favorite subjects were Portuguese, foreign language, and history, then a law degree stands out as a good educational option.

On the other hand, if your passion lies in mathematics, geometry, and algebra, then Economics and Business Administration courses seem more aligned with your interests.

Make contact with students from the courses.

Get to know students from each of the courses that interest you and ask them about their academic experience: the classes, the relationship with professors, extracurricular activities, the content covered in the curriculum, the increasing density of content semester after semester, internships, etc.

This will help you gain a better perspective on what awaits you once you are accepted into university and whether this is the type of education that truly meets your needs.

Engage in dialogue with professionals in the field.

While a conversation with university students helps to understand and demystify daily life in an academic environment, a dialogue with professionals working in the fields you're interested in will give you an overview of the job market.

They can ask questions about the different career paths within the profession, discuss the difficulties of entering the financial sector, and comment on the challenges of a career. career in Administration, Economics or Law, and, as a bonus, shed light on issues involving remuneration, working hours, and job security. In short, this type of conversation can be very, very promising in resolving your indecisions.

Take a vocational test.

If doubt persists and you need an external, impartial perspective to help you in this decision-making process, schedule an appointment with a psychologist and take a vocational test. This assessment is highly recommended for students preparing for university entrance exams, especially younger ones, as it allows them to see more clearly and broadly what they truly want for their personal and professional future.

This is possible because this technical-scientific assessment analyzes, measures, documents, and synthesizes not only skills and competencies, but mainly characteristics of your personality, temperament, and behavior. Aspects that bring you closer to a specific field and also facilitate a possible career path within it.

What is the importance of postgraduate studies?

We've already discussed and emphasized the importance of pursuing a degree and how crucial it is for anyone seeking a solid career, especially in the financial market. However, we can't conclude this post without addressing how much... postgraduate studies It can be that extra point that qualifies, highlights, and makes your resume more attractive.

That's because, as it points out report According to data from the National Institute of Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep) on the evolution of higher education in the country, in 2018 alone, 235,360 people graduated in Administration, Economics, and Law. To give an idea, these three degrees alone represent approximately 18,611 of the total 1,264,288 graduates registered in the same year.

This high number clearly demonstrates the importance of continuing your studies to remain competitive among so many competent professionals, many with similar academic backgrounds, who are ready to compete for the same positions as you. That said, here are the reasons to invest in a postgraduate degree:

• professional development: which is possible thanks to the refinement of skills acquired during undergraduate studies, improvement of competencies required by the market, increased technical knowledge, gaining a systemic vision of trends and challenges in the sector, and familiarization with new professional activities in the field;
• Segmented and recognized performance: By obtaining a specialist title, you not only acquire more knowledge about your field, but you also have the opportunity to develop more in-depth work and, consequently, assume more relevant positions in companies.;
• network of contacts: opportunity to expand and improve your networking with professional colleagues and transform these interpersonal relationships into partnerships or business ventures in Administration market, Economics or Law.

Now you understand how to work in the financial market, how it functions at the national and global levels, its impact on a nation's economy, and the function of the Stock Exchange. Therefore, it's time to reflect on the rising careers in the sector, as well as consider other career paths offered by some professions (such as Economics, Business Administration, and Law). Now you can choose the best academic training to equip yourself and receive the necessary theoretical and practical instruction to grow in the field and have a successful future.

Did you enjoy the article we produced? Then take advantage of the fact that we talked a lot about areas related to the financial market and understand more about it.
once and for all, what are the real ones? Differences between Management and Administration.