How does an LIBF degree make you stand out from other banking & finance graduates?

As commencement ceremonies for universities wrap up and the excitement of graduation fizzles out, the dread of looking for employment looms for fresh graduates. This is particularly true for those in the financial sector. According to an article from The Business Times, new jobs created in the financial sector last year hit its lowest level since 2009 – a worrying trend for finance graduates.

Jobs in the banking and financial sector are typically highly sought-after in Singapore, particularly due to their conventionally prestigious status and considerably high pay. When trying to up their chances at employment, aspiring finance professionals might soon need to find alternative ways to stand out amongst a crowd of others clamouring to find a job.

Enter London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF). Established in 1879 as the Institute of Bankers, LIBF offers prestigious qualifications ranging from undergraduate and Masters to Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Graduates of LIBF can be found working with top financial services firms including Barclays, HSBC, Deloitte, Handelsbanken, and Thomson Reuters.

LIBF focuses on delivering what is essential to those looking for an intensive education track to prepare for the financial industry. Here are some reasons why:
 

1. You get better professional qualification and recognition within the community

Graduates of LIBF are awarded with the Chartered Associate (CA) Status as a mark of recognition for professional distinction in the financial industry. CA accreditation is awarded on top of the bachelor's degree, providing students with the added credentials in their job application.

In addition, LIBF has an extensive worldwide alumni network with honorable alumni from top financial institutions such as Deloitte and Barclays – such network opportunities with head honchos are crucial for any banking and finance professional.

Saziye Ibrahim, graduate of LIBF’s BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management,has this to say about the benefits that LIBF brings:

“Studying here has really opened doors for me. From securing an internship through its industry links, to graduating today, it has been an amazing experience. Knowing that I wanted a career in financial services, this university was definitely the right place for me to undertake my degree and I couldn’t imagine anywhere better to start my career.”  

2. You are trained to be specialised in finance

While local universities believe in a well-rounded education which involves learning a myriad of specialisations, this might sometimes backfire. In such a competitive workforce, it is important to measure how best your time and effort can be expended in the most suitable university that is tailored to the needs of individuals, businesses and society at large.

The names of the degrees offered (BSc Hons in Banking Practice and Management, BSc Hons in Finance, Investment and Risk etc.) reflects just how in-depth LIBF goes into imparting role-specific skills for each degree. You will be groomed into specialists with analytical skills required to assess business performance and formulate organisational and commercial strategies.

3. Up-to-date knowledge

LIBF believes in being industry-focused, ensuring that students learn practical and relevant skills. This is typically achieved by deep-diving into modern, specialised concepts, rather than exploring a variety of modules which may not be entirely relevant.

For LIBF, the institution uses a strategic three-stage process in its lesson syllabus. In stage 1, a thorough understanding of the financial sector and concepts are taught. In stage 2, the syllabus moves on to more specific and specialised understanding in subjects that students can decide to undertake depending on their career goals. Finally, stage 3 empowers students with detailed industry knowledge, enhancing decision-making ability in a future management role.

This systematic form of teaching pays off especially when one compares this to other educational institutions teaching banking and finance in Singapore. In today’s job market, you need that extra 'oomph' in order to enter the competitive finance sector (or any job for that matter).

For those of you who remain steadfast in your decision to pursue a career in this industry, consider upping your chances by enrolling into an LIBF programme. Good luck!