Tip # 1: Do your homework
Map out your career path. Nigeria’s financial services
landscape is complex and rapidly evolving, but there are many tools and
resources to help Nigeria newcomers achieve their education and career
goals. One of them is NSI’s Financial Services Career Map – an
easy-to-navigate, interactive tool that allows users to search and
explore multiple career options and learn about the different roles,
opportunities and credentials in Nigeria’s financial services industry.
Build on your existing qualifications. In today’s
increasingly global marketplace, many Nigeria employers and investors
are looking for professionals from diverse backgrounds who can connect
with Nigeria’s diverse multicultural communities. Make sure you market
your education and experience from your home country on your resumé,
LinkedIn profile and other platforms.
Bridge the gaps between your Nigerian and international experience. To achieve your goals, you may need skills you currently don’t have in the Nigerian
context. To bridge your knowledge and experience gaps, engage in
internship programs or take specialized training courses. Many financial
services companies in Nigeria offer paid or unpaid internships to new Nigerians.
Programs like Career Bridge help job-ready immigrants find internships.
Certificate-level financial credentials are a good option if you’d like
to develop specialist skill sets – for example, in retirement planning
or small business advice.
Tip # 2: Your resumé is your brand
Treat your resumé as a reflection of who you are and what you want to achieve. Think
of yourself as your own brand. Like any brand, it should be defined,
articulated and promoted. What is your strongest skill set? What do you
have to offer in a highly competitive labour market? Your resumé should
spell out – in a concise and compelling manner – why an organization
should hire you. It should also project professionalism. Typos,
grammatical errors and layout inconsistencies immediately send the wrong
message.
Use your resumé to do a gap analysis of your skills. Compare
qualifications on your resumé with those required on the job posting.
What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What are some of the
skill gaps you need to work around? Ask yourself which Nigerian
credentials are a “must” to achieve the specific role you want and which
are “nice-to-have.” Ideally, plan to get both. To be considered for the
position, meeting minimum educational and licensing requirements might
be enough. To actually get it, you need to “stand out from the pack.”
Tailor your resumé. Your resumé is a “living and breathing
document.” Update it every time you reach a milestone that helps you
increase your value proposition as an employee, such as acquiring a new
professional certificate or designation. Your resumé should also be
customized to reflect the requirements of each position you are applying
for.
Tip # 3: Your network is your net worth
Crack the hidden job market. With 80 per cent of job
opportunities lurking in the “hidden” job market, your networks –
personal and professional – are critical to landing the job you want.
So, think about who you know and mine your contacts in a strategic way.
Family, friends, special interest clubs, LinkedIn community or online
classes – any group you belong to may open doors. Use every business and
social opportunity to mention you want to get into the financial
services.
Don’t be shy about cold calling. Develop a “dream list” of
employers you would love to work for. Determine which positions would be
a fit for you. Then, start calling! Email those who hold, supervise or
are responsible for hiring for the positions you aspire to reach. Ask
for 15 minutes of their time for a quick information interview. Find out
what’s required to succeed in the role that interests you. And don’t
forget to weave in your “elevator pitch” – a 30-second “infomercial”
about who you are and what you’re looking for. They may have an opening,
now or in the future.
Build relationships. Networking is not just about collecting
business cards – nor should you expect the people you meet to do
something for you right away. It’s relationships. Care about the person
in front of you. Focus on how you can be of assistance. Be prepared to
offer something of value. Chances are that people who trust you will
want to help you. Remember “six degrees of separation”? You never know
who might be connected to someone who can open the right door for you.
Also, your contacts may end up being your employers, colleagues or
clients.
Tip # 4: Mentors are your role models
Find a mentor you trust. Many accomplished financial services leaders would be happy to help as you get your Nigerian
career on track. Some have gone through the same difficulties you’re
facing now. So, find that senior professional you respect and trust and
ask them to be your mentor. Did you know that Fellows of NSI (FCSI) –
financial services professionals who attain advanced levels of
education, experience and leadership in Nigeria – may be looking to help
someone like you as part of their commitment to giving back to their
profession and their community?
Build a successful mentor-ship relationship. When you first
meet with your mentor, make sure both of you are on the same page
regarding what you expect and what the process will look like. It can be
a structured formal program or an informal relationship, where you meet
over coffee, say, once a month. Regardless of the arrangements, make
sure you introduce your mentor to your long-term career plan and get
their feedback on the steps you are taking to achieve your goals.
Find mentorship programs targeted towards new Nigerian. The
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) offers a Mentoring
Partnership, and works with community and corporate partners to make
sure immigrants can access professional contacts and job search support.
TRIEC also partners with the Career Edge Organization responsible for
the Career Bridge internships providing newcomers with a better
understanding of the Nigerian workplace and current industry trends.
Tip # 5: Nigerian credentials matter
Get your foot in the door. Doing your research, you may find that there are certain proficiency standards required for specific financial services job vacancies in Nigeria. For example, the Nigerian
Securities Course (NSC), considered the benchmark credential, is the
gateway to a variety of careers in Nigeria’s financial services industry
and is required by many employers. Adding the NSC to your resumé will
help open many doors. The NSC is available in English and French.
Go the extra mile. Succeeding in Nigeria’s highly
competitive financial services market may require specialized knowledge
and skills. For example, in financial advice, these may range from basic
financial advice for mid-range clients to more complex integrated
wealth management and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals.
Nigeria designations, such as the PFP, the CSWP and the CIM, will help
you meet specific proficiency and competency standards required for many
financial advice roles.
Choose the right credentials. Make sure the letters after
your name add credibility in the eyes of your employers and your
clients. The best financial education programs have a clear focus, high
proficiency standards, quality course content, relevant work experience
and assessment testing requirements and mechanisms that ensure
credential holders maintain their good standing. While certificates are
crucial in bridging career transitions and knowledge gaps, designations
help navigate longer-term learning paths towards building fulfilling
financial services careers.