So, you’ve read our five things to keep in mind before starting your business and finance course and now you’re ready to get started?
But first, you’d like a teacher’s view on how our classes can connect you with your future career?
FNS40815 Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking teacher Erina Cunningham is a 15-year professional who helps guide the next generation of business and finance employees.
Erina has worked in bank and non-bank finance roles as a state manager and business development manager. She has also worked as a mortgage broker and mentor, and understands the link between classroom learning and industry practice.
She has several pieces of advice to help you make the most of your business and finance classes.
Grow your skills in the classroom
Our six-month finance and mortgage broking course teaches students how to produce business documents, process credit applications and present broking options.
The course, which is the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s minimum requirement for entry into the industry, includes client needs, codes of practice and compliance obligations for practitioners.
Erina believes it’s the soft skills that you pick up in the classroom that can be as important as the financial skills.
“As a student, you need to be really adaptable. You should have really strong communication and people skills, and be able to network. I really get to know the students and it’s really promising seeing them come in at the beginning and then talk with authority by the end of it,” she says.
See where you fit into the business and finance landscape
A business and finance course will give you a glimpse into the working world. Use your time in class to explore, ask questions and find out what contribution you can make.
“Sit down and jump on the internet. Look at what professional and licensed brokers are doing. See if you can see yourself serving clients and giving them appropriate advice,” Erina says.
“From a residential and finance perspective, people will always need a place to live. People still want to refinance their homes for better rates and consolidate their debts, and buy investment properties. The business is always going to be there.”
Keep your business and finance career options open
Remember, a qualification can offer plenty of options. In the classroom, see what interests you. Maybe you want to move into a diploma or degree in another business and finance study area, or perhaps you may find a new career path while you study.
“Students can use [a certificate IV] to be employed in credit or bank roles, admin roles, or they can work in loan assessment, or even work for solicitors in settlement departments. People start to define where they see [it] taking them.”
Want to find out more about your study and career options? Talk to our teachers at Open Day or visit our business and finance courses page.