How to Land Your Dream Finance Job with IIM Kozhikode’s FAFM Programme

Finance is basically the heart and soul of a company’s operations. It helps organizations make smart choices about spending and saving money to enhance their bottom line. An acute understanding of finance, therefore, is critical to attain success. This is why organizations are always looking for skilled professionals, thus making it a lucrative sector. In fact, job opportunities are expected to rise by 7.5%1 in the Indian fintech industry, according to a report by TeamLease.
But how to start a finance career? Starting a role in finance is like learning to play a new instrument—you need training, dedication, and a master to guide you. It is not easy to break into the world of finance if you lack familiarity. IIM Kozhikode’s Financial Analysis and Financial Management (FAFM) programme can facilitate this process smoothly. It is particularly designed for ambitious professionals looking to transition into finance. So, let’s explore how to start a finance career with the help of the FAFM programme and why the process can be an enriching experience.
Why Transitioning to a Finance Role is a Smart Career Move

There are many reasons to take up a role in finance. Let’s go through some of them before we can discuss how to start a finance career:
1. High Demand
The finance industry generally experiences a high demand for skilled professionals across various sectors. In other words, you can enjoy job security and ample career growth opportunities.
2. Competitive Salaries
Such roles often come with lucrative compensation packages. This also includes multiple bonuses and benefits.
3. Consistent Growth
Financial expertise can serve as a springboard for future leadership positions, offering you a comprehensive understanding of business operations.
4. Strategic Impact
The finance industry plays a crucial role in the global economy. The role will provide you with the opportunity to contribute to important economic activities and significantly impact the world.
5. Adaptability
Many of the skills developed in finance, including analytical thinking, are transferable to other sectors. For example, your analytical insights can help you with data analysis, market research, and business strategy, among many others.
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Skills Required for a Role in Finance
A successful career in finance specifically demands a mix of technical and soft skills. Here’s a breakdown in order to simplify the process of understanding how to start a finance career:
1. Financial Knowledge and Technical Expertise
This is undoubtedly necessary because you need a solid foundation in financial principles, accounting, and economics. Moreover, knowledge of financial statements, ratios, and investment strategies is important, as is familiarity with financial software like SAP or Excel.
2. Analytical and Quantitative Skills
Every finance professional must possess the ability to interpret financial data and derive actionable insights. They need to be proficient in using statistical tools and software for data analysis while being able to understand financial modeling and forecasting techniques.
3. Communication
A finance professional often has to explain complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders. Hence, they need expertise in preparing and delivering clear and concise reports and presentations.
4. Risk Management
The business world is steeped in uncertainties. A professional needs to be able to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks while navigating this world. They can do so with the help of knowledge of tools and strategies to manage investment and operational risks.
5. Business Acumen
A competent finance professional has a firm grasp of the business context and is able to align it with financial strategies accordingly. They should also contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.
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How to Start a Finance Career
The answer to the question of how to start a finance career is quite straightforward. The approach consists of dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Let’s see how to increase your chances of success:
1. Develop Essential Skills
A budding professional must train their focus on mathematics, statistics, and financial modeling. Furthermore, they should have the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and develop solutions. This should be accompanied by learning and using financial software along with clear communication.
2. Build a Strong and Relevant Foundation
The first step is to get a degree in finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. This will give you a headstart. There is also the option of pursuing an MBA with a finance specialization. It may not be convenient for working professionals to get a degree. In such cases, they can consider online courses to upskill at their own pace.
3. Gain Practical Experience
You can try to seek internships at financial institutions, investment firms, or corporate finance departments. Also try out entry-level roles such as financial analyst, accountant, or credit analyst.
4. Hone Professional Credibility
Consider pursuing relevant certifications, such as chartered accounting, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), etc. Networking is another way to gain exposure. It is, therefore, imperative to attend industry events, leverage LinkedIn, and join relevant organizations.
5. Craft Your Resume
It is important to tailor your resume to highlight finance-related education, experience, and skills. You need to prepare for interviews where you can discuss financial statements, key ratios, and industry news. If you’re transitioning from another field, you should underscore skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication.
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Challenges in Starting a Finance Career
If you are keen on learning how to start a finance career, it is imperative to be aware of all the challenges. Some of them are as follows:
1. Steep Learning Curve
Finance roles require a thorough understanding of complex concepts, regulations, and analytical tools. This is why it is important to consider options like IIM Kozhikode’s FAFM programme to build your knowledge base.
2. High Competition
Finance is a popular field that attracts a large pool of candidates with strong academic backgrounds and work experience. It is, therefore, important to stand out with the help of courses like IIM Kozhikode’s financial analysis and financial management course to build a strong portfolio.
3. Lack of Relevant Experience
Many entry-level roles in finance require some amount of experience, making it difficult for fresh graduates or career switchers to break into the field. With fierce competition, it is especially difficult for candidates to gain a foothold.
4. Limited Networking Opportunities
The path to building a strong network in the finance industry can be difficult for newcomers. This is where a course like IIM Kozhikode’s FAFM programme can boost efforts, as can finance seminars, webinars, and conferences.
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What is IIM Kozhikode’s FAFM Programme?

IIM Kozhikode’s Financial Analysis and Financial Management programme is a professional certificate programme designed for a wide range of professionals, from beginners to veterans, who aim to build a strong foundation in financial management. The programme equips participants with the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to excel in finance roles across industries. Here are some key highlights:
1. Detailed Understanding of Finance
The programme allows you to gain an in-depth knowledge of core financial concepts, including investment analysis, risk management, and financial statement interpretation.
2. Expert Faculty and Industry-Relevant Curriculum
One of the key benefits of the programme is that you get to learn from experienced faculty at one of India’s premier B-schools.
3. Practical Case Studies
The curriculum is a mix of theory and real-world case studies and projects to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios.
4. Flexible Learning Format
It is designed for working professionals who need a convenient learning schedule so as to not disrupt their careers.
5. Recognized Credential
You receive a certificate upon completion, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to professional development.
How the FAFM Programme Prepares You for a Finance Career
A successful career in finance requires a delicate mix of factors. The Professional Certificate Programme in Financial Analysis and Financial Management covers every one of these factors with a curriculum customized to tackle modern financial challenges. It is a stepping stone for professionals aspiring to build a finance career. Sign up now, and do not miss the chance to leverage IIM Kozhikode’s brand to strengthen your credibility.
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