Introduction to Employability in Financial Industries

Overview of the financial sector and key career paths
Employability skills and competencies required in finance
Personal branding and professional identity
Entrepreneurial thinking in financial contexts

Personal Development & Reflection

Self-assessment tools (SWOT, Johari Window, skills audits)
Reflective practice techniques (Gibbs’ Cycle, Kolb’s Learning Cycle)
Setting personal development goals and career planning
Ethical awareness and professional responsibility

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

Problem-solving frameworks for financial decision-making
Analytical and critical thinking skills
Teamwork and collaborative working strategies
Conflict resolution and negotiation skills in a professional context

Digital Literacy in Finance

Microcredentials Badges
Effective use of digital communication and collaboration platforms
Online research and evaluation of digital sources
Cybersecurity awareness and professional digital etiquette

Research Skills

Information gathering and evaluation for financial topics
Synthesising data and evidence-based decision making
Referencing, academic integrity, and reporting standards
Applying research findings to real-world financial scenarios

Assessment 1: Group Presentation (30%)

Oral presentation

Students will work in teams to analyse a real-world case study from the financial industry, demonstrating professional awareness, applied knowledge, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Assessment Components

Group Oral Presentation (15 minutes)
Students will:

Analyse a financial industry case study
Propose evidence-based and innovative solutions
Demonstrate understanding of professional practice, industry standards, and employer expectations
Reflect entrepreneurial thinking where appropriate (e.g. innovation, risk, value creation)

Assessment 2: Reflective Personal Development Plan (70%)

Individual submission – 2,000 words

Students will produce a reflective Personal Development Plan (PDP) focused on career readiness within the financial sector. This assessment explicitly develops awareness of professional practice, employer expectations, and entrepreneurial capability.

This must include:

A structured self-assessment of current skills, competencies, and personal attributes relevant to financial sector roles (e.g. analytical skills, digital literacy, ethical awareness, teamwork, communication).

Research and evaluation of potential early-career roles within the financial industry (e.g. banking, fintech, investment, accounting, risk, financial services entrepreneurship), including required skills, qualifications, and professional behaviours.

Evidence of careers research using employer expectations, professional body guidance, labour market information, or industry reports to inform self-assessment and development planning.

Critical reflection on employability readiness and entrepreneurial potential within the financial sector, including innovation, problem-solving, adaptability, and opportunity recognition.

Identification of development gaps linked explicitly to financial sector standards and expectations, with clear short- and medium-term actions to enhance employability and career readiness.

Analysis of financial industry roles, workplace expectations, ethical standards, and professional behaviours demonstrated within the case study.

Evaluation of relevant personal strengths and skill development using employer expectations, professional standards, or industry benchmarks.

Analysis of potential career pathways within the financial sector based on insights from the case study.

Application of innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving demonstrated during the group work.

Assessment of employability skills valued by financial sector employers (e.g. teamwork, leadership, communication, decision-making).

Students use digital tools (Word, PowerPoint, Canva, Padlet, or equivalent) to present their work clearly and professionally.

Flexible:

Teams can submit a pre-recorded video presentation instead of presenting live.
If teamwork is not feasible, each student submits an individual report analysing a case scenario, with peer feedback integrated.

The learning strategy for the module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment), comprising 72 hours of tutor-led Learning and 228 hours of independent and self-directed study.

Concepts, theories and principles will be explored, practised and demonstrated. Practical skills enhanced by recommended videos and talks. LinkedIn Learning will be used to direct self-study learning throughout the study block. Cognitive and personal skills are developed in open-ended problem-solving exercises. Oral feedback will be given during sessions. The assessment will examine the wider learning outcomes expressed in the descriptor.

You will undertake ‘formative’ assessments during the module to help you monitor your Learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, which helps you prepare for the ‘summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.

1. Reflect on personal strengths, areas for development, and entrepreneurial potential within the financial sector.

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship
Reflection

2. Work collaboratively in a team to apply basic critical thinking and problem-solving skills in developing solutions to industry-relevant financial scenarios.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

3. Utilise digital tools and platforms to manage, analyse, and communicate financial information accurately and efficiently.

Digital Literacy
Communication

4. Conduct structured research on financial industry topics, from multiple sources to support informed decision-making and professional practice.

Research Skills

In this section, you must include reference to any specialist software, equipment, databases or licences as well as access to laboratories, simulation suites, etc.

Padlet and other digital feedback mechanisms
Computer-based quizzes
LinkedIn Learning Platform
Blackboard

Aim for a maximum of 5 key texts, published within the last 5 years, where possible.

Cameron, S. (2021) The business student's handbook: skills for study and employment. 7th ed. Harlow: Pearson. ISBN-13: 9781292304595

Cottrell, S. (2021) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. 4th edn. London: Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 9781352011609

Morgan, P. (2021) The Business Student’s Guide to Study and Employability. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Gallagher, K. (2022) Essential Study and Employment Skills for Business and Management Students. 4th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198809883

Ready to build the skills that make you stand out in the financial sector?

In this module, you’ll explore how to develop your personal and professional strengths, work effectively in teams, think critically, and use digital tools confidently. You’ll also learn how to conduct research, reflect on your progress, and present your ideas clearly. These skills will help you become a self-aware, adaptable, and employable graduate, ready to succeed in the financial industry and progress in your career.