Finance
Finance is the study of how organizations acquire funds and use them in ways that maximize their value. It explores how financial decisions are made and the way financial markets perform. Majors learn about risk management, credit extension, investment analysis, regulatory requirements, and raising capital.*
Sample Occupations
- Banking
- Sales Manager
- Credit Manager
- Auditor
- Commercial Banker
- Loan Officer
- Wealth Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Corporate & Public Finance
- Accountant
- Manager/Executive
- Treasurer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Investment Banker
- Stockbroker
- Investment Researcher
- Marketing Executive
- Budget Analyst
- Personal Financial Planning
- Portfolio Manager
- Financial Planner
Types of Employers
- Commercial Banks
- Financial Services Firms
- Internal Revenue Service
- Insurance Companies
- Investment Banking Firms
- Real Estate Companies
- Corporations—any industry
- Brokerage Firms
- Federal Reserve
- Accounting Firms
Preparing for your career in
Banking: Develop strong statistical, analytical and marketing skills, hone your communication skills to be able to work well with diverse clients, join a professional student organization or serve as treasurer to develop leadership skills and networking contacts, gain marketing or sales experience through part-time employment or volunteer work, consider taking additional courses in accounting for certain positions
Corporate & Public Finance: Consider developing a strong foundation in accounting, spreadsheets, databases, and public speaking, join a professional student organization and obtain a leadership position such as treasurer, complete a finance-related internship, develop sharp analytical skills, learn another language to be marketable for international opportunities, earn an MBA to reach highest levels of management
Personal Financial Planning: Gain experience in sales, demonstrate strong self-motivation and entrepreneurship, develop a large personal network, pursue the Certified Financial Planner designation
Investment Banking/Securities: Develop strong analytical, persuasion, and communication skills, pursue an MBA since it is required to move up in this competitive field, be prepared to work many hours of overtime and start at the bottom, join a campus-based investment organization, obtain a Series 7 License
Insurance: Complete an internship with an insurance agency, develop initiative, communication, and sales ability, take additional statistics classes
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.