The types of jobs available with a finance degree can be found in all industries. Today’s employers consistently prefer graduates with expertise in specialized business areas, and those who have majored in finance often find jobs in career categories with favorable growth rates and high earning potential. Finance degree programs typically offer students more rigorous academic course loads than their peers receive from many other business concentration areas or general business administration programs. Subsequently, high performing finance graduates from top tier business programs traditionally land the best internships and are heavily recruited by high profile financial services companies. Here are some examples of careers that are available for finance graduates who attended any four year, accredited degree program.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts evaluate the fiscal data of companies and markets to produce forecast and trend information. They often create, modify and implement financial models to produce the information that supports company decision makers. The work products of financial analysts help corporate leadership to decide which investments to purchase and those to divest. Financial analysts who are able to pass the tough Charter Financial Analyst exam and credential requirements generally have access to the best career options. However, financial analysts who obtain technical certifications in enterprise resource planning systems can also improve their chances of finding meaningful employment in a number of industries.
Corporate Financial Manager
Corporate financial managers support the strategic and daily financial operations of companies of all types. These financial professionals are responsible for submitting input to master budgets, creating spend plans and performing cash flow management activities. They oversee the financial analysis that helps companies to maintain adequate cash and creditworthiness levels. Corporate financial managers are well versed with the regulatory environment in which they operate, and they make certain that the companies for which they work are in legal compliance. The skills of corporate financial managers are becoming increasingly in demand for businesses that want to operate as international or multinational companies.
Financial Risk Manager
Financial risk managers assess the fiscal landscape of the companies and industries in which they work and create risk indicator models that help companies to survive and even thrive under challenging economic conditions. These financial professionals also evaluate corporate internal controls and policies relating to how companies respond to risks. Financial risk managers are employed directly within corporations, government agencies or as consultants with companies like Accenture or Price Waterhouse Coopers. The position is a highly competitive one, and graduates who have the interest and the aptitude for the job should prepare themselves by gaining as many relevant internships as possible. Joining a professional organization like the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) or the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association can provide career development training and networking opportunities for finance graduates who want to enter the financial risk management career field. Also, finance graduates who meet the requirements to become certified Financial Risk Managers through GARP gain decided competitive advantages over their uncredentialed peers. This career path can lead to challenging and well paying jobs in industries like energy and construction.
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Conclusion
While the field of finance is known to offer qualified business graduates a number of career options that accommodate many professional interests and abilities, these new professionals must do their homework on various industries and be flexible to stay employed in the new economy. Today’s graduates may find fewer opportunities in traditional finance settings because of volatility in world financial markets, but unconventional career paths in multiple industries may be available to them as hiring managers recognize the value of their analytical and quantitative skills. Subsequently, the types of jobs available with a finance degree depend on the skills of finance graduates and their ability to readily demonstrate those skills to hiring managers.