There are many different international financial markets based here trading everything from commodities like coffee and oil to precious metals and foreign currencies. London is also home to the London stock exchange, which allows companies to raise investment by selling shares.

London is a large international banking centre; there are almost twice as many foreign banks with offices in London as New York. London is also a major centre for accountancy and insurance. Many of these financial companies are based in the City of London, sometimes referred to as the Square Mile, but many companies are also located in other parts of Greater London, including the Docklands and Croydon.

This sector is London's most important economically, by some margin, and as well as the large number of people directly employed by these organisations, many more work for supporting services, providing technical support, information, expertise and administrative assistance. There are a huge number of opportunities to work in this area, for every different type of financial organisation.

Most employers in this industry will expect potential employees to have a solid grasp of the key skills including good interpersonal, numeric and IT abilities. Because the many jobs in finance vary considerably, each of them has different requirements. To progress to the most senior positions you will usually find you need to have studied a related subject to a high level. However, there are also opportunities for students who have not taken this route.

One of the attractions of working in finance is that successful individuals can earn more than they might expect to earn in other comparative industries. Given the frequently large figures involved, talented employees are in constant demand and companies compete to offer the most lucrative packages to the very best workers. However, it is not only those in the top positions that can expect their employers to reward good work, and junior staff often receive attractive benefits as well as good training and promotional prospects.

London is a centre for many companies involved in the Internet, IT, business to business trading and providing information networks.

The UK has been uniquely placed in the development of the Internet, pioneering much of the technology as well speaking the language that has come to dominate it.

Companies in this area include Internet service providers, digital marketing companies and firms specialising in designing and constructing websites like this one. There are many other companies that offer traditional services such as banking and financial products, travel and flight bookings, over the Internet.

London and the surrounding region is also a centre for software design and development. This includes everything from creating operating systems for handheld and wireless computers to computer games and special effects for Hollywood films. London is also constantly improving and investing in its network of cables, optic fibres, mobile masts and telephone wires as businesses and consumers demand more all the time.

There are also many jobs that involve specialised computer use such as maintaining databases and administering networks, as well as companies building and servicing computers.

There are many opportunities for trained IT workers in this industry and whichever part of it interests you, there are colleges offering courses in every area of the subject.

Social care provides support to people who need help coping with living their daily lives. Social care includes care at home, day centres, residential or nursing homes, meals on wheels for the elderly, home help for people with disabilities, and fostering. These services are provided by local authorities, as well as private and voluntary workers.

To find out about some of the jobs those are available in health and care before planning your career path. Jobs are described in detail, giving you advice on what qualifications are required, where to find courses, how to apply for and find jobs, where to get financial help and further sources of information, so you can find out more if you need to.

Comprehensive information on the range of careers offered by the NHS, and the requirements for entry into these professions.