By Susan Ott
Degree Major: Finance
What is it?
Obviously finance is a major which deals heavily with numbers; it’s a more specialized business degree than accounting, but there are still many career opportunities associated with this degree. Finance programs focus on mathematics, statistical analysis, economics, technology, ethics and critical thinking skills. This degree will prepare you to deal with people and groups outside of a business or organization such as banks, government agencies, stockholders and suppliers. The main objective of finance majors is to analyze the goals and resources of a client or organization and put together a financial plan, which will facilitate financial growth.
Who should choose this major?
If you have a strong mathematical background and are also outgoing and inquisitive, finance is a major you should seriously consider. People who work in finance not only possess a deep understanding of mathematical and financial concepts, they also must be able to interpret data and devise a plan to move a company or client forward in their long-term financial goals. However, unlike other areas of mathematics and accounting, a degree in finance most likely means you will be working with people as well, which is something not everyone excels in or enjoys. But if you’re able to communicate well with others and have a strong skill set in numbers, then finance is probably a good option for you. At the more glamourous levels of finance, there are options to work on mergers, or in venture funding of new startup companies.
Which careers might you obtain?
One of the perks of a career in finance is that your options include both careers with a specific company, bank or firm, as well as freelance careers in which you start your own consulting business, which is a freedom not all business majors can enjoy. Jobs in finance include:
- Credit Analyst
- Finance Officer
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Planner
- Loan Officer
- Investment Banker
- Underwriter
- Real Estate Professional
- Money Manager
Next: Value of an Accounting Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree