Future in Finance: Teacher Toolkit

A common misconception about the finance industry is that you need to be an expert number-cruncher or have a highly analytical mind to succeed. While careers such as accountancy and law are well known, the FRPS industry is broad, diverse and full of opportunities that go far beyond traditional finance or legal careers.

In fact, the industry includes a wide variety of roles that support key business functions such as operations, marketing, compliance, technology, business strategy, and more. There are meaningful roles to suit all skill sets and interests.

Many finance firms in Jersey offer training programmes, graduate schemes and entry-level pathways designed to support people at different stages of their career journey. What matters most is having the right attitude and willingness to learn.

Let’s begin by looking at an overview of the industry and what it means for Jersey.

Jersey may be a small island, but it plays a big role in the world of finance. The finance industry is not only central to the island’s economy, it also supports jobs, public services and Jersey’s reputation on the global stage.

Here’s why the industry matters:

So, what does it do?

At its heart, the industry is all about helping people and businesses manage money: saving it, investing it, protecting it and using it wisely.

Beyond the numbers: opportunities for young people in finance

Whether someone is planning to be a banker, a lawyer or support one of the key business functions, they can build a rewarding career:

• Good salary and benefits and strong future earning potential
• Support to keep learning and developing by studying for professional qualifications while you work, earn and upskill
• Opportunity to work in other locations. Many companies have offices across the globe and offer secondment or relocation opportunities
• Learn skills for life such as, communication, relationship management, leadership, negotiation, prioritisation, organisation, the list is endless.

Core professional services sectors

The finance industry is made up of core sub-sectors that all play a part in managing, growing and protecting money:

Sector	What It Does
Banking	Handles savings, loans and financial transactions
Funds	Pools money from investors to invest in projects or companies
Private Wealth	Helps high-net-worth individuals manage and grow their money
Corporate Services	Supports multinational companies with setup, admin, compliance and governance
Investment Management	Grows clients’ money through professional investing

Supporting professional services

The core sub-sectors are underpinned by experts known as related professional services:

Service	How It Helps
Accounting	Tracks and reports financial activity accurately
Law	Ensures financial activities follow local and international regulations and legislations
Insurance	Protects people and businesses from financial loss
Fintech	Uses technology to improve and modernise financial services

Behind the scenes: the people who keep it all running

All the core sub-sectors of the finance and the related professional services firms are supported by a wide range of key business functions that help keep everything organised, efficient and secure.

Function	What They Do
Human Resources	Recruit, support and develop the people who work in the industry
Marketing	Promote services, build brand awareness and manage public messaging
Compliance and Risk	Ensure companies follow laws, regulations and ethical standards
Technology and Data	Build and maintain IT systems, manage data and protect against cyber threats
Project Management	Plan future goals and manage large projects to keep organisations moving forward
Administration and Support	Keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, from organising meetings to managing files

Bringing it together

In summary, the finance industry is like a big team. At the centre are banks, investment firms and other financial businesses. Around them are specialist companies that help with legal, tax, technology and other expert tasks. And within each business there are support teams such as marketing, IT, operations and human resources that keep everything running. When you hear people say, ‘finance and related professional services industry’, or FRPS, they mean this whole team — the financial firms, the expert services around them and the support functions inside them.

There’s no single route into the finance industry and that’s what makes it so accessible. Whether students choose to enter the workforce straight after school, continue through college or pursue a university degree, there are many ways to begin a successful career in finance.

Entry routes

The finance industry offers endless possibilities; it’s about finding the path that’s right for the individual.

If the student is interested in going to university, find out more and explore real career journeys:

School and College Students Graduates

However, it’s worth noting that a university or college degree is not the only way to start a career in finance. There are plenty of alternative routes that allow young people to build a successful and rewarding career, whatever their starting point.

Alternative pathways include:

• Apprenticeships – Earning while learning, combining real work experience with study
• On-the-job learning – Start in a junior role and build on skills and knowledge
• Progression and Upskilling – Taking courses, gaining certifications and continuously learning to progress in a role

One door opens many more

Starting in one role can be a great foundation for growth and new opportunities. For example:

Someone might train as an accountant, but later discover a passion for fund administration, assurance, or tech.

Someone could begin in trust administration and move into compliance, data, or even project management.

Skills and abilities

Understanding the difference between skills and abilities can help students make better choices about their subjects, careers, and personal development.

Skills are something a person can learn and improve through practice and experience. Examples include writing clearly, using technology, or working in a team.

Abilities are natural strengths or talents, the things that a person is naturally good at or find easier than other. Examples include thinking creatively, being good with numbers or staying calm under pressure.

Why this matters

Helping students understand their own skills and abilities can:

• Build confidence
• Lead them toward careers that match their strengths and interests
• Equip them with transferable skills they can use across many different jobs and industries.

Here are some examples for students to explore:

Career planning worksheets

Career planning focusses on identifying an individual’s abilities, interests, skills, and goals. Guiding you through activities and questions so you can help students to explore job options, plan their next steps, and make decisions about their future with more confidence.

Skills development

Helping students to learn and improve on skills that help them in school and work, like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management go a long way to prepare them for work. It’s about practicing these skills through activities, projects, and experiences so they can use them confidently in real situations.

Learning basic office skills and techniques are crucial. Writing a professionally written email could help the students land their dream job.

Tools:

CV and cover letter templates

There are resources to help students write cover letters and CVs. This is a great chance for students to highlight their skills, education and experiences.

Looking for something for students to add to their CVs? Visit our School and college student page to learn more about the opportunities available, like our Life in Finance Scheme.

School and College Students Life in Finance Scheme

Interview preparation

This is all about getting the student ready to speak confidently with someone who is not known to them by having them practise with a teacher or older student.

These tips cover:

• practicing introductions
• answering questions clearly
• preparing questions to ask the employer
• showing good body language.

Visit Gov.je to view their top tips on interview skills.