A career as finance professional today is different from what it used to be years ago. Financial planning provides direction and meaning to a person's financial decisions, which includes buying a home, saving for children's education or planning for retirement.

The study of markets, financial products and other business-related sectors are the foundation of financial activities. Stockbroker, financial planner and investment advisors are some career options in finance that one can opt.

Industry experts say that today people are looking not just at products but also at integrated financial solutions that can offer stability of returns along with security.

Anish Wig an industry expert and CEO of International College of Financial Planning says, "We at ICFP provide world-class knowledge and training to students, working executives and professionals interested in making a career in financial services in India. ICFP's courses are customised in accordance with industry requirements and, thus, assuring a secure future for students".

Wig informed that ICFP offers postgraduate diploma in financial planning (PGDFP), a one year course designed to prepare students for financial services industry and a two-year postgraduate diploma in securities analysis and trading (PGDSAT) to create trained professionals.

He said that graduates and final year students are eligible for the postgraduate diploma course, but admission will be confirmed only after the candidate completes his/her graduation. The candidates will have to appear for a written test and then an interview.

Wig adds, "The financial sector is poised for a quantum leap and the challenges are so vast that they will fulfill the aspirations of the innovators, the advisors, the financial specialists as well as researchers from all streams of the society. Those who join the finance sector in the take off stage will dominate business and trade worldwide for years to come."