I have an interest in Finance...

[KevC]

...but nowhere to begin.

I'm currently a doublemajor in Physics and Economics. (with a Math minor).

Unfortunately I've only added the econ recently, so I've only completed the very basic economics course. (Intro, Micro/Macro Theory, Stats)

I'm practically done my Physics Major and my next year is starting my core Econ stuff.. (I'm currently in Financial Economics, which is really neat... which is why I want to step into Finance).

Now everyone is talking about the CFA which seems like a good place to start. It's on my list of goals, I'll start reading into it come Sept (my final year).

But where can I start looking into jobs? My resume is pretty bland and all over the place, mostly minimum wage retail jobs with a splatter of call centre experience. Nothing solid.

Where should I apply for entry level?

Fund Accountant? What skills are they looking for?

Cheers! TIA.

[george benjamin]

If it's not too late, take accounting/finance courses this summer, maybe second half of summer. Not sure which school you at, sounds like UofT.

From the little knowledge that i have, i suggest you don't get obsessed over designations.

At the beginning think more about getting a job and what you need to do to get one.

Join some finance clubs, go to some networking events. Visit the career center at your school, sign up if you have to in order to get entrance into recruiting sessions

Fund Accountant usually goes under the accounting category. Not sure what you meant by finance.

[Dibble]

People use Finance so broadly, it could mean just about anything in business that deals with money. I'll assume you meant investment finance, and not corporate finance or accounting.

What you need right now is not just a list of academic courses under your belt, but initiative beyond that. For example, you should have applied to internships way back in the beginning of the year for the summer. Granted, it's not too late, but you should begin quickly because time is running out if you want to make your summer worth something in that sense.

When you graduate, a major in economics probably will not land you the type of investment finance position you have been accustomed to hearing about -- investment banking, investment analyst, etc. You'd probably have to start at an entry-level position doing more administrative things while you study for various accreditations (i.e. CFA) to have a chance at anything beyond those positions.

This is why I stress internships -- to get your name out there and have a chance in investment finance. It's extremely competitive, no matter what position because of the recent economic downturn.

However, since you seem to possess a lot of customer service experience, I would try my shot at a CSR position at a bank if I were you. These are entry-level positions that will get your foot in the door. Don't start aiming for positions such as a Fund Accountant from the get go because, sadly, you won't stand a chance.