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Jane
Student
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
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Financial analysts, what subjects did you choose in school and did they benefit you in you university studying and your career?
Financial analysis
Subjects in school
Thank you
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1326
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Future Financial Guru! 💰📊
So, you’re thinking about becoming a financial analyst? Good choice! It’s a career where you get to predict markets, analyze trends, and occasionally panic over stock crashes. But first, let’s talk about what school subjects actually help you get there (and which ones are just there to haunt you).
📚 Now firstly, subject that open Your Ticket to Success.
✔️ Mathematics 🧮 – If you hate numbers, this career might not love you back. You’ll be working with percentages, ratios, and "Wait… where did that million go?" moments.
✔️ Economics 📉 – Teaches you why prices go up, down, and sometimes sideways. Also explains why your coffee costs more every year.
✔️ Business Studies 💼 – Helps you understand how companies make money (or lose it faster than a teenager with a credit card).
✔️ Accounting 📑 – Numbers don’t lie… unless you don’t know how to read them. Accounting helps you decode financial statements like a pro.
✔️ Statistics 📊 – You’ll need to predict trends, analyze risks, and look smart while doing it.
🤔There is always the Unexpected Subjects That Actually Help
✔️ English 📖 – No one will take you seriously if your reports sound like a bad text message. Write well, and you’ll stand out.
✔️ Psychology 🧠 – Markets are run by people, not just numbers. Understanding human behavior helps you predict trends before they happen.
✔️ Computer Science 💻 – If you know Excel, Python, or data analysis tools, you’re already ahead of 90% of beginners.
They are musts but better to have. And you don't need to be a pro just know basics to intermidiate level you know.
🎓 Do These Subjects Help in University & Your Career?
Short answer: YES.
If you did well in math and economics, university finance courses will feel easier.
Business and accounting make real-world financial analysis way less stressful.
Knowing psychology and statistics gives you an edge in market prediction.
🔥 A few Tips to Become a Financial Analyst Rockstar because you need a little tips.
✅ Learn Excel ASAP – It’s your best friend… and sometimes your worst nightmare. Master it.
✅ Follow Financial News – Stay updated on stocks, markets, and why rich people are always worried.
✅ Get Certified – CFA, CPA, or anything that makes your resume scream "Hire me!"
✅ Network Like a Pro – Knowing the right people can get you hired faster than a perfect GPA.
✅ Start Investing Early – If you’re analyzing finances, you might as well make some money too.
💡 Now I know you are asking: Is It Worth It?
If you love numbers, problem-solving, and making money work for you, financial analysis is a fantastic career. Just study the right subjects, practice your skills, and don’t panic when the stock market crashes.
Now go conquer Wall Street (or at least your first finance class)! 🚀📈🔥
All the best out thereJane, hope this helped clear something's up, Be free to keep asking!
So, you’re thinking about becoming a financial analyst? Good choice! It’s a career where you get to predict markets, analyze trends, and occasionally panic over stock crashes. But first, let’s talk about what school subjects actually help you get there (and which ones are just there to haunt you).
📚 Now firstly, subject that open Your Ticket to Success.
✔️ Mathematics 🧮 – If you hate numbers, this career might not love you back. You’ll be working with percentages, ratios, and "Wait… where did that million go?" moments.
✔️ Economics 📉 – Teaches you why prices go up, down, and sometimes sideways. Also explains why your coffee costs more every year.
✔️ Business Studies 💼 – Helps you understand how companies make money (or lose it faster than a teenager with a credit card).
✔️ Accounting 📑 – Numbers don’t lie… unless you don’t know how to read them. Accounting helps you decode financial statements like a pro.
✔️ Statistics 📊 – You’ll need to predict trends, analyze risks, and look smart while doing it.
🤔There is always the Unexpected Subjects That Actually Help
✔️ English 📖 – No one will take you seriously if your reports sound like a bad text message. Write well, and you’ll stand out.
✔️ Psychology 🧠 – Markets are run by people, not just numbers. Understanding human behavior helps you predict trends before they happen.
✔️ Computer Science 💻 – If you know Excel, Python, or data analysis tools, you’re already ahead of 90% of beginners.
They are musts but better to have. And you don't need to be a pro just know basics to intermidiate level you know.
🎓 Do These Subjects Help in University & Your Career?
Short answer: YES.
If you did well in math and economics, university finance courses will feel easier.
Business and accounting make real-world financial analysis way less stressful.
Knowing psychology and statistics gives you an edge in market prediction.
🔥 A few Tips to Become a Financial Analyst Rockstar because you need a little tips.
✅ Learn Excel ASAP – It’s your best friend… and sometimes your worst nightmare. Master it.
✅ Follow Financial News – Stay updated on stocks, markets, and why rich people are always worried.
✅ Get Certified – CFA, CPA, or anything that makes your resume scream "Hire me!"
✅ Network Like a Pro – Knowing the right people can get you hired faster than a perfect GPA.
✅ Start Investing Early – If you’re analyzing finances, you might as well make some money too.
💡 Now I know you are asking: Is It Worth It?
If you love numbers, problem-solving, and making money work for you, financial analysis is a fantastic career. Just study the right subjects, practice your skills, and don’t panic when the stock market crashes.
Now go conquer Wall Street (or at least your first finance class)! 🚀📈🔥
All the best out thereJane, hope this helped clear something's up, Be free to keep asking!
Pratyasha paresh Das
Portfolio Manager
1
Answer
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Pratyasha paresh’s Answer
Hey future Financial Analyst in the making! 💼📈 You're about to dive into an exciting world where data meets strategy
Accounting – Provides a foundation for understanding financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow.
Economics – Helps in understanding market dynamics, supply and demand, and macroeconomic factors that affect financial markets.
Statistics – Useful for analyzing data, interpreting financial trends, and conducting financial modeling.
Finance – Courses in corporate finance, investment analysis, and financial management are directly relevant to a financial analyst role.
Mathematics – Helps in developing quantitative skills needed for complex financial modeling and forecasting.
Business and Management – Courses like organizational behavior, strategy, and marketing can provide broader insights into how financial analysis supports business decisions.
Information Systems – Knowledge of software like Excel, data analysis tools, and financial software is often essential for a financial analyst role.
These subjects not only benefit in university studies but also play a key role in helping a financial analyst navigate their career by providing the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions.
Did you have a specific area of finance you were curious about?
Accounting – Provides a foundation for understanding financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow.
Economics – Helps in understanding market dynamics, supply and demand, and macroeconomic factors that affect financial markets.
Statistics – Useful for analyzing data, interpreting financial trends, and conducting financial modeling.
Finance – Courses in corporate finance, investment analysis, and financial management are directly relevant to a financial analyst role.
Mathematics – Helps in developing quantitative skills needed for complex financial modeling and forecasting.
Business and Management – Courses like organizational behavior, strategy, and marketing can provide broader insights into how financial analysis supports business decisions.
Information Systems – Knowledge of software like Excel, data analysis tools, and financial software is often essential for a financial analyst role.
These subjects not only benefit in university studies but also play a key role in helping a financial analyst navigate their career by providing the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions.
Did you have a specific area of finance you were curious about?
Thank You very much 🤗, Your answer was perfect and very helpful! 🥰
Jane
David Ludwick
Business Owner
27
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Jane,
For financial analysts, the subjects they choose in school can significantly benefit their university studies and career. Here are some key subjects that are typically helpful:
1. **Accounting**: A fundamental subject for financial analysts. Understanding financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements is essential for analysis and decision-making. Accounting provides the foundation for much of what you'll do in financial analysis.
2. **Economics**: Both macroeconomics and microeconomics are vital. Understanding market dynamics, fiscal policy, and economic indicators helps financial analysts forecast market trends and make informed recommendations.
3. **Finance**: Courses in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial modeling, and portfolio management are directly relevant. These courses teach the core skills needed to evaluate investments, manage financial risk, and understand corporate valuation.
4. **Mathematics/Statistics**: Financial analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and forecast trends. Courses in calculus, statistics, and probability are particularly helpful in building analytical models.
5. **Business and Management**: General business subjects, including management, marketing, and strategy, provide a broad understanding of business operations. This context is crucial when analyzing financial data in relation to company performance.
6. **Computer Science/Programming**: Familiarity with software like Excel, financial modeling tools, and programming languages such as Python or R can be highly beneficial. Financial analysts often use these tools to analyze large datasets and automate processes.
7. **Investments and Securities**: Learning about stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other financial instruments is crucial for anyone pursuing financial analysis, as you’ll need to assess these investments in real-world scenarios.
8. **Ethics and Law**: Understanding business ethics and legal frameworks is vital to making ethical financial decisions and ensuring compliance with regulations.
In your case, if you're studying accounting, this would be an excellent foundation, as it aligns with financial analysis. Since you’re also considering a future in finance, I’d recommend pursuing courses that blend both accounting and financial analysis for a well-rounded approach. You could also consider internships or real-world projects that allow you to apply these subjects.
For financial analysts, the subjects they choose in school can significantly benefit their university studies and career. Here are some key subjects that are typically helpful:
1. **Accounting**: A fundamental subject for financial analysts. Understanding financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements is essential for analysis and decision-making. Accounting provides the foundation for much of what you'll do in financial analysis.
2. **Economics**: Both macroeconomics and microeconomics are vital. Understanding market dynamics, fiscal policy, and economic indicators helps financial analysts forecast market trends and make informed recommendations.
3. **Finance**: Courses in corporate finance, investment analysis, financial modeling, and portfolio management are directly relevant. These courses teach the core skills needed to evaluate investments, manage financial risk, and understand corporate valuation.
4. **Mathematics/Statistics**: Financial analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and forecast trends. Courses in calculus, statistics, and probability are particularly helpful in building analytical models.
5. **Business and Management**: General business subjects, including management, marketing, and strategy, provide a broad understanding of business operations. This context is crucial when analyzing financial data in relation to company performance.
6. **Computer Science/Programming**: Familiarity with software like Excel, financial modeling tools, and programming languages such as Python or R can be highly beneficial. Financial analysts often use these tools to analyze large datasets and automate processes.
7. **Investments and Securities**: Learning about stocks, bonds, derivatives, and other financial instruments is crucial for anyone pursuing financial analysis, as you’ll need to assess these investments in real-world scenarios.
8. **Ethics and Law**: Understanding business ethics and legal frameworks is vital to making ethical financial decisions and ensuring compliance with regulations.
In your case, if you're studying accounting, this would be an excellent foundation, as it aligns with financial analysis. Since you’re also considering a future in finance, I’d recommend pursuing courses that blend both accounting and financial analysis for a well-rounded approach. You could also consider internships or real-world projects that allow you to apply these subjects.
Sasha Joogoolsingh
Human Resources
56
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hi Dr H!
High School:
- Enroll in as many mathematics courses as possible to strengthen numerical skills essential for financial analysis.
- Courses in accounting, business, economics, and computer science, particularly in data science and artificial intelligence, are advantageous.
- Proficiency in spreadsheet software, especially Excel, is crucial for data management.
- Focus on research and report writing across various subjects, as these skills are vital for investment analysis and presentations.
Postsecondary School:
Obtain a bachelor's degree in fields such as accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or statistics.
- Degrees in mathematics, statistics, or engineering may also be acceptable to some employers.
- Consider other relevant majors like communications, international business, or public administration.
- Employers may hire candidates with degrees in unrelated fields if they can demonstrate strong mathematical skills.
- While not mandatory, a master's degree in data analytics or an MBA can significantly improve career opportunities.
- Stay updated on financial industry trends, including international trade, regulations, and technological advancements.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits:
- Familiarity with databases, presentation software, and spreadsheets is typically required, with some employers preferring candidates with advanced degrees.
- Internships can facilitate valuable networking opportunities and enhance job prospects post-graduation.
- Financial analysts must thrive under pressure, managing long hours and tight deadlines effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as networking at social events and conferences can lead to significant business opportunities.
Best of Luck!
High School:
- Enroll in as many mathematics courses as possible to strengthen numerical skills essential for financial analysis.
- Courses in accounting, business, economics, and computer science, particularly in data science and artificial intelligence, are advantageous.
- Proficiency in spreadsheet software, especially Excel, is crucial for data management.
- Focus on research and report writing across various subjects, as these skills are vital for investment analysis and presentations.
Postsecondary School:
Obtain a bachelor's degree in fields such as accounting, business administration, economics, finance, or statistics.
- Degrees in mathematics, statistics, or engineering may also be acceptable to some employers.
- Consider other relevant majors like communications, international business, or public administration.
- Employers may hire candidates with degrees in unrelated fields if they can demonstrate strong mathematical skills.
- While not mandatory, a master's degree in data analytics or an MBA can significantly improve career opportunities.
- Stay updated on financial industry trends, including international trade, regulations, and technological advancements.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits:
- Familiarity with databases, presentation software, and spreadsheets is typically required, with some employers preferring candidates with advanced degrees.
- Internships can facilitate valuable networking opportunities and enhance job prospects post-graduation.
- Financial analysts must thrive under pressure, managing long hours and tight deadlines effectively.
- Strong interpersonal skills are essential, as networking at social events and conferences can lead to significant business opportunities.
Best of Luck!
Thank You very much for your comment! 🥰
Jane