How to get a role in trade finance?

I'm interested in the finance sector, and I've heard about trade finance jobs. What are these roles about, and how can I prepare myself during high school and college to land a job in trade finance?

Trade finance is a specific sector within finance that deals with transactions related to international trade. These can include issuing letters of credit, factoring, export credit, and insurance, to name a few. In essence, professionals in trade finance ensure that trade transactions are both profitable and low-risk for the parties involved.

In high school, the first thing you can do is to strengthen your foundation in mathematics as finance heavily relies on mathematical applications. Try to take Calculus and Statistics, if they're offered at your school.

Next, consider clubs and extracurricular activities like a Business Club, Economics Club, or Finance-focused club, if one exists. If not, you can start one! These types of clubs can help familiarize you with terminology, concepts, and current events within the industry. They may also offer opportunities to participate in business competitions, which can be a great item to include in your college applications.

Once you make it to college, consider pursuing a major in finance, economics, international business, or a related field. These courses of study will provide you with an in-depth understanding of trade finance.

Many universities offer students opportunities to get involved in finance clubs or student-run investment funds. These can provide you with practical experience managing real money portfolios and networking events with professionals.

Securing internships during your college years, especially during your junior year, can be a stepping-stone towards a job in trade finance. Internships give you hands-on experience in the field, and often, companies offer full-time positions to their successfully performing interns upon graduation.

Building a strong professional network can also open doors into the finance industry. Many jobs are filled through referral and proving yourself to be a competent, dedicated, and hardworking individual can result in others advocating for you when hiring opportunities arise.

Lastly, it's crucial to keep up-to-date with economic and political news, particularly those related to global trade. Understanding market trends, government regulations, and international politics can give you an edge in this field.

While there isn't a singular approach to entering trade finance, these steps should provide you with a solid foundation and provide a pathway toward a career in trade finance. Good luck!