How to get ahead in finance and take advantage of rapid growth

Sector trends in 2025

We’ve seen the finance sector experience significant shifts in recent years, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences and evolving regulatory requirements. With external factors such as inflation, the recent US Politics and a growing emphasis on sustainable and socially responsible investing, the sector is buzzing with energy.

Research shows that FinTech is one element of the industry which is continuously experiencing rapid growth; we can see that innovative financial technologies are disrupting traditional banking and financial services. This has led to increased demand for professionals like you with expertise in areas like data analytics, cybersecurity and digital product development.

Some of the hottest growth areas in the finance sector right now include FinTech, Sustainable Finance and Real Assets including Real Estate, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Energy.
Luke Morton, Career Consultant

The industry has also seen a surge in mergers and acquisitions activity, as companies seek to expand their market share, diversify their offering and capitalise on new growth opportunities. We’ve noticed this has created a strong demand for skilled professionals in areas like corporate finance, investment banking and strategic advisory roles.

With these dynamic trends shaping the finance industry, we encourage our students to stay agile, continuously upskill and find roles that align with their specialism.

Preparing for a career in finance

At Imperial Business School, we offer a broad range of support and initiatives to our students and there are several steps you can take to become a leader in the world of finance.

During your time at Imperial, we will help you to develop technical skills in areas which are highly desired by employers, including; Financial Modelling, Financial Data Analysis and industry-specific software such as using a Bloomberg Terminal, Excel and Python to demonstrate your technical competence. We offer our students free access to Wall Street Prep, an online self-study resource, (recognised by top Finance employers) that helps develop these essential finance skills.

We recommend gaining experience with internships, or part-time placements and finance-related university Clubs, to gain practical experience in the finance sector. Joining us, you’ll be able to connect with our alumni network and professional associations to gain valuable insights and find opportunities.

When you’re choosing what area you’re interested in, it’s really critical to have a good understanding of what skills you need to be successful.
Luke Morton, Career Consultant

To position yourself as a strong candidate, we recommend proactively developing your commercial awareness, so you can demonstrate your commitment to the industry during interviews. Stay up-to-date with current events, economic trends, and industry news by regularly reading financial publications like The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and industry blogs.

Insight and practical skills

Finance is a competitive field so it’s important to stand out by developing strong technical skills, building commercial awareness, forming well-informed opinions and gaining a deep understanding of companies, industry trends and growth areas. While you might be set on a specific sector, it’s wise to have alternative options in mind, as some areas can be particularly challenging to break into.

Networking is crucial as many finance jobs often involve client-facing responsibilities. So, it’s important to hone your written and verbal communication skills, as well as your ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

When connecting with alumni and finance professionals, ask them what they enjoy about their roles, any advice that could help those entering the sector and what challenges they face. This can help you decide if those experiences resonate with you and your potential career path.

We recommend tailoring your CV and cover letters to specific roles and preparing thoughtful answers to common finance interview questions. Our online hub, Insendi, can help with all of this through resources like VMock, Graduates First and Wall Street Prep.