A recent survey of 101 participants by the global online payments education firm PayEd, aimed to shed light on people's perceptions and interest in the payment industry as a potential career option, and the results are in: 27% of students would consider making a career in payments.

According to the survey 54.5% of participants were not even aware that payments was a career option and a pathway to playing a part in the world's growing digital payments revolution. This, despite the fact that advancements in payments have been an essential part of everyday life. 

Commenting on the findings, Irish Australian entrepreneur John Ryan, Chief Education Officer at PayEd said: "I'm encouraged that over a quarter of students are open to a career in payments.  We are already working with students who have decided that they want to select Payments as a postgraduate study option, to help educate and place them in jobs."

The study also revealed that 79.2% of participants preferred digital payment over cash, with Alipay being the most widely used payment app. This is just one example of how the payment industry is constantly evolving and offers a wide range of career opportunities, from product management to customer support, marketing, and technical roles.

38.6% of participants had a moderate interest in the payment industry, while 29.7% had a somewhat high interest. With a significant number of people interested in the industry, it is clear that it has the potential to be both challenging and rewarding.

When it comes to education, 27.7% of participants preferred online formal courses, while 41.6% were willing to pay for a class in payments. The payment industry is constantly evolving and requires professionals to be up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. That's why getting training is crucial to success in this field.

And what is a career in payments?  It's many roles, including being a head of payments within the business.  Payments can be operational, managing and reconciling.  They can also apply to marketing, sales, technical, project and product roles, where specialist payment knowledge is required.

"A career in payments offers exciting opportunities and the potential for a lucrative future," added John Ryan. "With digital payments continuing to gain momentum, now is the time to invest in yourself and start your journey towards a rewarding career in payments. Take the first step today by enrolling in an online course or getting trained in the latest technologies. The future is yours to shape."