What are Professional Services?

What are Professional Services?
Explore the professional services sector, from finance to creative marketing. Learn about the qualifications & experience needed for a career in these fields.
by Square Aug 27, 2021 — 3 min read
What are Professional Services?

The professional services sector consists of people selling intangible assets to help customers manage their business or improve a specific part of their business. Providers of professional services impart expert knowledge about niche business areas, such as finance or law, allowing the business owners to concentrate on delivering their core services.

Although consultants can be classed as being in the professional services sector, many professional service providers take responsibility for the end result as well as giving advice.

What are examples of professional services?

Professional service providers can be anyone who sells specialised knowledge to businesses.

How to get started in professional services

Getting started in financial services

Anyone considering a career in financial services usually comes from a mathematical background. However, it is not always necessary to achieve university-level qualifications. Many financial sector employers offer school leaver programmes for young people entering the workplace straight after Year 12. These provide practical on-the-job training and the chance to earn while you learn. University graduate-level positions typically have higher starting salaries. Certain financial careers require specific formal qualifications which can be earned while working, such as a recognised accountancy qualification. Some employers offer apprenticeships and a few allow candidates to study for a degree on the side while working.

Getting started in engineering

Engineering is a specialised sector requiring specific qualifications and experience. There are many different engineer types and each path requires a formal education in the specific area of expertise. Undergraduate degree courses include general engineering and more specialised courses focusing on one specific discipline. Engineers who wish to apply for Chartered Status will also need to complete a number of extra steps, which you can read about here. Before you start your engineering degree, it helps if you have completed 2-4 years of Maths, Sciences, and Social Studies at school.

Getting started in architecture

Architects must be licensed to be able to work and must have all the relevant qualifications and experience to apply for a license. In Australia, you need to complete a three-year undergraduate degree (usually a Bachelor of Architectural Studies or a Bachelor of Design in Architecture). You can then go on to a two-year professional masters degree. To register as an architect, each state has their own registry, however, you essentially need:

There are several roles within the legal services profession, each of which requires varying degrees of qualifications and experience. In Australia, you’ll study for a minimum of four years if you want to become a lawyer. There are two degrees to choose from: a 4-year Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) or a combined LLB, which is 5+ years. You also need to complete an approved practical legal training (PLT) course or complete a supervised traineeship at a firm.

To become a Barrister, you first need to become a qualified Lawyer and then qualify for and complete the Bar Readers’ Course in your relevant state.

Getting started in creative and marketing services

There are many different ways to get started in a career in creative and marketing services. Experience is often held in higher regard than formal qualifications. Although many employers will look favourably on those with a degree in marketing, qualifications in related subjects such as business, psychology, IT, mathematics and the arts are also valuable. Internships and entry-level positions with digital agencies provide a good jumping-off point. Many people start their careers in creative and marketing services by registering as self-employed and working freelance, building up a portfolio of work they can use to demonstrate their experience and professional expertise.

Getting started with Square

There are various tools and resources available that can help you to set up a professional services business and take payments as you go. For help with how to price professional services, Square Invoices lets you invoice clients quickly and accurately from anywhere, maintaining detailed records of all transactions. Customers receive a seamless service while you benefit from faster payments and smart financial management software.

Square Virtual Terminal allows you to take card payments over the telephone or online, turning your home computer or mobile device into a remote payment card terminal.

Square Appointments software is designed to simplify scheduling, facilitate online booking and manage availability automatically. It can also be used to maximise your point-of-sale, including sending invoices and maintaining records.

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