4 answers
Jacob
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
1
Question
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What are some examples of careers related to finance?
I am interested in finance but don't know many career options at the moment. I'm also wondering what college courses would be helpful in this field.
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4 answers
David Seides
Finance
4
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
Wonderful to see you have an interest in Finance. It's a great place to make a career.
There are several different routes to go in the Finance (ie Wall Street, Mergers and Acquisitions/Business Valuations, Banking, Insurance/Actuarial, Real Estate, etc.), but I'll respond with where my career has taken me: Corporate Finance, more specifically finance roles within a company. In my career, I have worked for several companies holding roles where I created budgets and helped leaders manage to them, forecasted business results, helped determine product prices, built business cases to determine where to invest money, and created models for M&A activity. Almost all businesses have needs for these types of activities, so there are opportunities for Finance professionals in almost every company.
As far as college courses, there are generally two routes you can consider: a finance/business degree or an economics degree. The Finance/Business track tends to give you more specific education on the practice of finance, while Economics track provides you more of the theory behind the practice. Personally, I think it is important to understand the theory because the practices can change over time, so maybe a major in economics and a minor/dual major in Finance would be the ideal route.
There are several different routes to go in the Finance (ie Wall Street, Mergers and Acquisitions/Business Valuations, Banking, Insurance/Actuarial, Real Estate, etc.), but I'll respond with where my career has taken me: Corporate Finance, more specifically finance roles within a company. In my career, I have worked for several companies holding roles where I created budgets and helped leaders manage to them, forecasted business results, helped determine product prices, built business cases to determine where to invest money, and created models for M&A activity. Almost all businesses have needs for these types of activities, so there are opportunities for Finance professionals in almost every company.
As far as college courses, there are generally two routes you can consider: a finance/business degree or an economics degree. The Finance/Business track tends to give you more specific education on the practice of finance, while Economics track provides you more of the theory behind the practice. Personally, I think it is important to understand the theory because the practices can change over time, so maybe a major in economics and a minor/dual major in Finance would be the ideal route.
Madi Dunlap
Forensic Consultant
193
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Jacob,
Great question! A finance degree opens doors to numerous exciting career opportunities! For instance, you can become a financial analyst, financial advisor, accountant, venture capitalist, commercial banker, or even a hedge fund manager. In essence, a finance major paves the way for a diverse range of professional journeys.
Best of luck!
Great question! A finance degree opens doors to numerous exciting career opportunities! For instance, you can become a financial analyst, financial advisor, accountant, venture capitalist, commercial banker, or even a hedge fund manager. In essence, a finance major paves the way for a diverse range of professional journeys.
Best of luck!
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
187
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Great question Jacob!
Finance is a great career and almost every business has a finance department. You could literally work in finance at any company. I think what you should also give some thought to is what industry do you find interesting? This would help you "narrow down" your career pertaining to finance.
Some college courses that you will need to take are below. This may not be all your core courses but this list is a good start.
1. Micro/Macro Economics
2. Intro to Accounting
3. Financial Accounting
4. Business Statistics
5. Managerial Finance
Also, don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide right now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it! (fraud & operations)
Lastly, I know it may be easy to get discouraged but just know your not the only person that feels this way. Many other people are going through the same process. You are not alone. Good luck on the journey!
Finance is a great career and almost every business has a finance department. You could literally work in finance at any company. I think what you should also give some thought to is what industry do you find interesting? This would help you "narrow down" your career pertaining to finance.
Some college courses that you will need to take are below. This may not be all your core courses but this list is a good start.
1. Micro/Macro Economics
2. Intro to Accounting
3. Financial Accounting
4. Business Statistics
5. Managerial Finance
Also, don't let people put pressure on you that you have to decide right now on the rest of your work life. I had a teacher in high school tell me that I would be a failure if I did not know what degree/career I wanted by the time I graduated high school. Well, I did not by graduation but decided a year later on what I wanted to do and absolutely love it! (fraud & operations)
Lastly, I know it may be easy to get discouraged but just know your not the only person that feels this way. Many other people are going through the same process. You are not alone. Good luck on the journey!
Carrie Reyna, MBA
Director, Treasury Operations
26
Answers
Missouri City, Texas
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
From a large Corporate standpoint, you have Financial Reporting, Treasury, Tax, General Ledger, Financial Planning & Analysis, Account Payable, Accounts Receivable, Finance Transformation, Business Technology Finance, Credit, and Vendor Receivables. If you want to go into the Corporate side, I would recommend getting a degree in Finance or Accounting.