A Career in Finance – For school leavers ?

What advice would you give to a school leaver interested in a career in finance who is unsure of whether or not to go to university?

There are a lot of routes into a career in finance and a degree is just one of them. It’s certainly no longer the only option. Many of the biggest employers in the financial sector offer both traineeships and apprenticeships, Barclays included, which offers a great first step on the ladder.

Ultimately, decisions about whether or not to go to university are very personal. For some people, university is absolutely the right choice and offers a fantastic route into many careers. For others, learning in a more practical way, on the job, is more appealing. The fact you can earn a wage from the outset is often a motivating factor for those that choose this route. The best starting point is to thoroughly research your options and think about how you like to learn before making any decisions.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at  Interview with Mike Thompson, head of employability and early careers programmes, Barclays | ApprenticeEye.