What To Do With a Finance Degree in 2021

Finance is a high-paying field and offers a myriad of opportunities for career possibilities. If financial markets, investments, and stocks and bonds interest you, finance may be a good fit.

Finance graduates can pursue jobs in the corporate, public, or personal finance industries. The financial world is full of possibilities.

It's a vast industry with lots of potential for advancement in your chosen field. If you're wondering what to do with a finance degree, you should know about the various career paths you can take in this industry.

Here's a look at what you can do with a finance degree.

Financial Planner

Finance majors learn about various types of investments and the risks involved. A financial planner helps clients manage their finances, make smart investments, and plan for the future.

They work to ensure their clients' current and future finances are sound. Financial planners decipher trends in the market and apply this knowledge to manage their clients' money.

This job requires a head for numbers, strong interpersonal skills, and persuasive abilities.

Financial Analyst

As a financial analyst, you can work for yourself, a corporation, the government, or a non-profit organization. The job requires the collection and analysis of financial data to govern financial decisions.

These finance professionals are responsible for following market trends and investment opportunities and making sound financial recommendations for businesses.

This career field suits individuals who are strategic thinkers, data-focused, and computer literate. Related careers include budget analysts and credit analysts.

Financial Manager

This job often requires a master's degree in finance or banking. It's one of the most prestigious in the financial industry.

A financial manager or CFO provides financial advice and support for colleagues and clients. Businesses in multiple industries require a strong CFO to serve as the financial leader and decision-maker. 

In a large company, a CFO may have multiple responsibilities, including strategic analysis. In smaller businesses, the CFO may be responsible for managing accounts, preparing budgets, arranging financing, and more.

To become a financial manager, you'll need a relevant degree, analytical and numerical skills, commercial awareness, and strong leadership skills.

Auditor

An internal auditor works within a company to analyze financial and business risks and ensure the business is compliant with government regulations. They evaluate existing policies, identify areas for improvement, and may oversee the coordination and implementation of various improvements.

An external auditor works with businesses or individuals to examine financial data to determine their current financial status. They have the knowledge to offer recommendations for improvement.

They perform financial and non-financial audits and help companies solve their business-related problems.

Auditors can pursue a CIA or certified internal auditor credential, which is recognized internationally. This, along with a CPA license, are valuable credentials for advancement in the field.  

Actuary

An actuary evaluates and manages risks within a company. They base their recommendations on financial and statistical theories.

They design plans to reduce the possibility of undesirable events or decrease the impact of these events if they occur. Many types of companies employ actuaries, including insurance and pension companies.

Actuaries are in demand and may work long hours. Salaries are high, and job possibilities are excellent in this area of finance.

Accountant 

Accounting is a popular career for finance majors. Companies in every industry employ accountants to deal with budgeting, fraud, taxes, and analyzing profit and loss.

Accountants must be strong in math and possess excellent communication skills. They must be able to convey complex financial and business information to clients, management, and business owners.

Other related career paths include tax advisors, forensic accounting, and chartered accountancy.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts work in a variety of sectors, including business, education, government, and non-profits. They apply principles of finance to analyze new and continuing business ventures.

They analyze budgets and make recommendations for changes to keep businesses moving forward. They help companies develop sound financial plans for the future.

They must have knowledge of current financial trends and best practices along with strong communication skills for teaching and training others.

Trader or Stockbroker

A stockbroker can work for themselves or a firm. This job consists of buying and selling stocks, bonds, and various financial instruments.

This career is fast-paced and high-pressured, and suited to individuals with bold personalities. The hours are long, but many individuals love the profession and the financial rewards it can bring.

Stockbrokers need to understand the financial markets and have good instincts to be successful. It's a high-risk profession with the potential for high rewards as well.

Credit Analyst

This job requires evaluating loan prospects and the risks of offering them financing. They must be able to appraise financial viability and interpret financial data.

Credit analysts must analyze trends and understand what may affect a company's ability to generate revenue to repay its loans. They must scrutinize clients' financial information to analyze the risks vs rewards.

They must possess strong industry knowledge and strong communication skills to work with clients and convey financial analyses.

Business Teacher

Finance graduates have the knowledge and presentation skills to become business teachers. Good finance teachers are in demand at the high school and college levels.

They should have a broad understanding of business and the fundamentals of management, investments, marketing, and accounting. Finance majors with an enthusiasm for business issues and education are well-suited to this career.

Although teaching isn't the highest paying job related to finances, the rewards are great for some people. You'll need an advanced degree to teach at a community college or four-year college. 

What to Do With a Finance Degree

If you've been wondering what to do with a finance degree, you can qualify for so many jobs with a finance degree. Earning a degree in finance opens a world of possibilities for a promising career in an ever-growing worldwide industry.

Although it may take time to find your dream job, a career in finance can be lucrative and fulfilling. 

Our organization is dedicated to hard-working students and their possibilities for a successful future. Take a moment to see what we have to offer. We'd love for you to join us.