How to Get Into the FinTech Industry

Mon 30 Sep 2019

The FinTech industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years. Today, young companies and start-ups are revolutionising financial services and challenging the traditional banking system. For many students, FinTech jobs are amongst the most sought after, but getting your foot in the door can be challenging without the right skills or experience.

Having a degree in computer science or mathematics will put you at an advantage. But there are other things you can do to increase your chances of landing your dream role. Here are the steps to take to break into FinTech successfully.

Study FinTech courses at university

Many people who get into FinTech jobs may have transitioned from the traditional finance sector, but there’s also a huge demand for new talent with the right skills, and the ability to bring fresh ideas to the table. This makes a degree in related subjects invaluable to your career development.

Consider the different industry niches and growth trends when looking at courses to apply for. Anything related to information security could position you as a cyber security expert, one of the most highly skilled and highly paid jobs in FinTech today. General computer science degrees are also suitable, as are mathematics degrees, and both can open many doors to the top FinTech jobs across the globe.

For international students looking to study in the UK, Europe or USA, there may be one-year foundation programmes that can help you bridge the gap between your studies back home and the university prerequisites abroad. From our base at Birbeck, University of London, ONCAMPUS foundation programmes are available for a range of subjects within finance. You’ll cover modules in subject areas such as economics and finance, business behaviours or pure maths, and skills for business.

Students will find a great selection of FinTech-related courses in London and other major cities. By choosing the right place to study, you can open yourself up to different opportunities. Some big universities may even arrange company tours or workshops, so that students get a hands-on, immersive study experience.

Get relevant work experience

If you’re passionate about working in the FinTech industry, work experience can be a great way of getting a head start with your chosen career. Many courses are now introducing work placements such as the Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) with a Year in Industry course at Royal Holloway, University of London.

The more evidence of relevant knowledge you can provide, the better your CV will look to companies. Not only does work experience add to your skills, but it can show potential employers that you’re dedicated to working in FinTech, highlighting your get-up-and-go attitude.

As well as increasing your chances of employment, you can gain insight into the industry and experience the world of FinTech first-hand. This can prepare you for what’s ahead, helping you get a better understanding of how different businesses work, as well as helping you discover the niche areas that are best suited to you and your skills.

With FinTech still being in its infancy, finding work experience may not be as easy compared to the traditional finance sector. If this is the case, placements in traditional finance or a non-financial tech company can still be great for your CV. It’s also highly beneficial to begin networking with professionals as early as possible, building up business contacts for when you graduate.

Find the right city for FinTech graduates 

In addition to choosing the right university city, it’s also important to plan for the future. Decide on where you would like to live and work after you graduate. Some cities have bigger recruitment needs, therefore offering more opportunities to young professionals looking to break into the industry.

For instance, London is a great place for FinTech, and many students continue on to stay there after they finish university. As one of the most successful centres for business start-ups, it’s the ideal place to experience what start-up culture is all about. While there are pros and cons, some of the draws of being in a start-up venture are often open communication, a flat hierarchy, an opportunity for creative input, and an environment based on creative problem solving.

It’s also possible that a FinTech start-up company can provide better opportunity for growth and development, helping professionals improve their CVs and advancing them into higher roles.

Other cities rapidly expanding the FinTech job market include Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris and Stockholm. These are some of the best places to move to if you are planning on finding the best FinTech jobs.

To kickstart your career in the FinTech industry, begin your search for a computer science or mathematics course with our university coursefinder at ONCAMPUS.