Financial Training
Offers New Careers as Financial Sector Evolves
The financial industry is in the middle of a major change as
rationalization and consolidation reduce the number of traditional
entry-level jobs such as bank tellers. However, countering this
evolution are other factors that are creating more stimulating and
higher-skilled positions. They include more of a marketing-focused
industry, increased competition, demographics, advances in technology
and a global financial environment. To enter financial services
positions in places such as banks, credit unions, financial planning
organizations, investment and mutual fund companies and more, you must
attend a post-secondary financial training program, such as the one offered by Centennial College, which is designed to be completed in eight months.
Upon
graduation, students are guaranteed to find a meaningful career as
continued growth in the financial services sector provides exciting
employment opportunities for qualified individuals. “Many people end up
working for banks and some people work for mutual fund companies
selling mutual funds or advising on mutual funds to the general public.
I am confident that in eight months, if you pass the exams, if you meet
the standard, there are jobs available,” says Harvey Willows, a
professor in the financial training program.
But what can you
expect during the eight months you spend at Centennial College? First
and foremost, experienced faculty members who are professionals from
the industry deliver courses. This is important as it reassures
students that the knowledge they are obtaining is based on both
academic theory and professional experience. Courses within the
financial training program include: Financial Accounting (concentrates
on the recording process and the production of financial statements),
Mathematics of Finance (students will review basic algebra as applied
to business issues), Professional Selling (intended to provide
background to the development of successful sales presentation skills
that will enhance the participants ability to develop sales
presentations to satisfy customer needs and wants), and more. Another
important course is the Canadian Investments Funds course, which will
lead students to a license to sell mutual funds. (This will incur costs
in addition to regular tuition)
An additional benefit is the
opportunity for graduates to continue their education into the two-year
program where in one additional year they can enhance their
qualifications. This enables them to pursue lucrative careers in the
broader financial services industry
Centennial College expects students applying for admission to this financial training
to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or
equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, students must
have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or
equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or
equivalent. Students will be placed in the appropriate English and math
levels based on skills assessment results. This may lead to additional
courses and require extra time and fees. However, it sound be noted
that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee
admission to financial services program.
