The document provides an overview of careers in the financial services industry and advice for students and recent graduates looking to enter this field. It discusses the types of entry-level jobs available, common designations pursued, how to build an effective resume, tips for interview preparation, the benefits of internships, and average starting salaries across Canadian cities. The document aims to help users "hatch" their career in financial services.

1. Financial Services Career
Guide:
Everything you need to know
about hatching your career in
Financial Services
Presented by:

2. What is TalentEgg?
TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career
resource for students and recent graduates looking for career
hatching opportunities.
We work with hundreds of Canada’s top employers, and we’re
dedicated to helping students navigate the sometimes messy
school-to-work transition.
That’s why we created the Financial Services Career Guide –
a guide to help land your dream job in financial services.
So what are you waiting for? Get cracking!
Be sure to take advantage of the
Relevant Reads section on each
page. These additional resources
provide a ton of important info to
help you in your job search!
And keep your eyes peeled for tips and tricks on
the bottom of each page!

3. Careers in financial services
Did you know? The financial services industry is one of the most
significant contributors to Canada’s economic growth and
employs over half a million people – many of whom are nearing
retirement. This is good news for grads who are looking for a
career with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow!
While many entry level jobs in the financial services industry
don’t require a background in business or finance, a designation
or certification will give you the training, knowledge and
credibility you need to be successful in your area of interest.
Some common designations include:
• Chartered Financial • Certified Financial • Financial Risk
Analyst (CFA) Planner (CFP) Management (FRM)
• Certified Credit • Registered Financial • Personal Finance
Professional (CCP) Planner (RFP) Planner (PFP)
• Chartered • Chartered Strategic • Certified Aboriginal
Investment Manager Wealth Professional Financial Manager
(CIM) (CSWP) (CAFM)
Search for financial services jobs on TalentEgg.ca
Relevant Reads:
4 more designations to consider
Top 6 career paths for new grads in financial services
How to become a Financial Analyst
TalentEgg Tip: Bookmark TalentEgg’s Financial
Services Career Guide for free career resources

4. What to put on your resume
Ready to write a resume that will catch the eye of financial
services employers? Here are some things to include:
• Business-related education • Extra-curricular and volunteer activities
• Finance-related work experience • Past accomplishments (quantify them)
• Customer-service experience • Software experience
If your resume is lacking in any of those areas, there are some
ways to gain experience while still in school:
• Get a part-time customer service job. (Tip: Note any sales
milestones or quotas you’ve achieved on your resume.)
• Take business, finance or accounting courses to
demonstrate your interest in financial services.
• Complete a finance-related internship, co-op or summer.
• Get involved in a student group on campus to show your
motivation and drive to succeed. Bonus points for taking on a
finance-related role in your club!
• Volunteer in your community. It shows you are well-
rounded and can help you build your network!
Relevant Reads:
4 Things to do outside of class to get a
financial services job
Application tips and tricks from a CPP
Investment Board Recruiter
TalentEgg Tip: Choose your extra-curricular
activities wisely.

5. Preparing for interviews
Ready to ace your financial services interview? Success
comes with preparation! Here are some tips to help you
prepare and ease your pre-interview nerves:
• Know the job description. Understand what the employer is
looking for and practice giving answers that will highlight
those traits and skills.
• Ask what to expect. Is it a standard Q&A? Will you be
asked technical or case study questions?
• Bring a portfolio with copies of your resume, the job
description and any relevant work samples.
• Prepare some questions of your own that show your
interest in the position and company.
Finally, when it’s all said and done, don’t forget to follow up!
Many entry level financial services roles involve working with
clients or customers – show you are courteous and
professional by sending a thoughtful thank you note.
Relevant Reads:
Best questions to ask at a financial
services interview
5 tips for a successful interview
TalentEgg Tip: Practice technical questions with
this finance interview app.

6. Financial services internships
A financial services internship is a great way to gain the
experience you need to land a job post-grad! In fact, relevant
prior work experience is becoming a prerequisite for many
entry level jobs.
When it comes to interviewing for internships, if you don’t have
much (or any) technical experience, focus on your soft skills.
Explain why your work ethic, positive attitude and
communication skills would make you a great intern.
Your internship may be your big break into the industry. Stand
out by going above and beyond your job description by taking
the initiative to volunteer for different projects.
Not only will you impress your boss, you’ll also gain new
accomplishments to add to your resume and expand your
professional network.
Relevant Reads:
How to make the most of your financial
services internship
How to turn your internship into a job offer
TalentEgg Tip: Don’t make these 7 mistakes
during your internship!

7. Financial services salaries
Future job prospects are looking good for the financial
services industry! So let’s take a look at some average starting
salaries for typical entry level financial services jobs:
Toronto Montreal Vancouver Calgary
Actuary $56,924 $57,143 $60,214 $58,891
Financial Analyst $56,145 $56,362 $59,391 $58,175
Financial Services Rep $34,149 $36,803 $33,500 $33,125
Benefits Analyst $55,252 $55,465 $58,445 $57,249
Commercial Lender $61,750 $60,454 $60,571 $60,689
Account Representative $43,896 $44,065 $46,433 $45,483
Bonus: Some of these roles may include bonuses and
commissions on top of the base salary!
Click here for more entry level financial services salaries.
Relevant Reads:
How to negotiate salary: 8 tips to help you
earn more
How to get promoted
TalentEgg Tip: Know how to evaluate your job offer.

8. Congratulations!
You’re on your way to hatching your career in
financial services!
Here are a few more Relevant Reads to help you land your
dream job in finance or banking:
UTM Arts grad builds his finance career in banking
More than a job: Sun Life Financial's new graduate rotational
programs
Networking, resume and interview tips from a new grad
Financial Analyst
Find us online!