The Northern Ireland fintech industry is booming, presenting a wealth of career opportunities for students eager to enter the world of financial technology. As the UK government highlights fintech as a key driver of future economic growth, one of Northern Ireland’s leading price comparison platforms, CompareNI.com, has launched its fifth annual Fintech Scholarship to inspire the next generation of industry professionals.
The UK stands as Europe’s leading fintech hub, with more than 2,500 companies employing 76,500 people – a figure expected to grow to 105,500 by 2030. Northern Ireland, in particular, is a rising fintech powerhouse, with one in five professionals working in finance or technology-related roles, totalling over 7,000 high-paying jobs.
Scholarship to Bridge the Skills Gap in Fintech
Despite fintech’s rapid expansion, the industry faces a significant skills shortage, posing a challenge to its continued success. To bridge this gap, CompareNI.com’s scholarship aims to introduce more students to the possibilities within fintech – from marketing and business management to software development and client relations.
The 2024 scholarship was awarded to Bronagh Cassidy, an Economics student at Ulster University, who secured a £1,000 bursary to assist with her studies. This year’s scholarship offers another student the same financial support, along with the opportunity to gain work experience at CompareNI.com.
Government and Industry Support for Fintech Careers
The UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has recognised fintech as a key pillar of economic growth and an essential sector for job creation. Entry-level salaries in fintech are 60% higher than the average graduate salary, making it an attractive option for students across various academic backgrounds.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com, emphasised the importance of fintech in Northern Ireland’s economy and encouraged students to explore the sector’s diverse career paths:
“The fintech industry is thriving, offering competitive salaries and exciting opportunities for graduates. Whether you have a background in coding, business, or marketing, there’s a role for you. I personally started with a Master of Engineering degree from Queen’s University Belfast and have built a rewarding fintech career.”
How to Apply for the CompareNI.com Fintech Scholarship
The application process is simple – students must complete a short online form detailing their thoughts on how the fintech sector can improve recruitment and tackle current challenges.
The selected winner will receive a £1,000 bursary to support their education and gain first-hand industry experience with CompareNI.com. This hands-on exposure can be invaluable in securing future fintech roles.
With fintech continuing to shape the financial landscape, now is the perfect time for Northern Ireland students to step into this dynamic sector and carve out a future in one of the UK’s most promising industries.
