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How useful is a Business major with a focus in Finance once you are done with college?

I am thinking of majoring in Business at San Jose State University but I haven't thought about how easy it is to acquire a job after college.

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Nathan’s Answer

Isaac,

If you have a business degree you open your availability to do almost anything. To get the degree, I suspect you'll have to take accounting, finance, marketing, and possibly some IT courses. While you're getting the degree, you'll be able to best determine which focus you like. For example, you may find that you like accounting more than finance and pursue a degree in accounting. Any of these paths in business will lead you to a career with many options. To find a job after college, I'd suggest an internship during the summer/winter months or when you have free time. These are ways to get your foot in the door and figure out what you like to do. When you graduate, your internship may turn into a full-time job.
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Alison’s Answer

A Business degree will serve you well to start working in almost any industry. It will provide you with sufficient breadth of knowledge for an entry level position. Highly recommend internships to help you decide other areas of interest.
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Grete’s Answer

Hi Issac,

I graduated with an undergraduate major in Finance and would say that this degree opens many different areas to explore within the business world. Universities and colleges open many doors to opportunities and my greatest advice is to pursue those opportunities outside of the regular coursework.

To land a job after college, I recommend pursuing several internships throughout your education to get a sense of what future jobs may look like. This was very helpful in understanding what paths can be taken with a finance degree.

I hope this helps!
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Katherine’s Answer

You can definitely use skills you learn for your degree...check out Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose to help figure out what you want to do with it.
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Rich’s Answer

Hi Isaac:

Definitely business major can help get business related jobs as others have listed. I also feel it’s important to realize liberal arts education can show breadth in thinking and knowledge to future employers which could make the difference in getting these jobs. So e employers even purposely want new hires without any pre conceived business ideas with a clean slate they can train from day one.

Consequently you also learn other skills and wisdom from history, arts, etc. If you have interests in any of these you’ll never have a better time to learn them than in college. I did both at my college and got so much from classes on Russian Foreign Policy, Art History etc. Some of my business classes could have been more helpful too.

Of course what you do outside of class could be most influential in your resume too so I hope this gives you a broad context . By all means trust your internal voice and you’ll be successful! Best of luck!
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Junied’s Answer

A Business major with a focus in Finance can be highly useful and advantageous once you are done with college. Here are several reasons why:

Versatility: A Business major with a focus in Finance provides a versatile skill set that can be applied across various industries and sectors. Finance knowledge is relevant in industries such as banking, investment, consulting, corporate finance, insurance, real estate, and more.

Career Opportunities: Graduates with a Finance concentration have access to a wide range of career opportunities. They can pursue roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, financial planner, risk manager, corporate treasurer, or portfolio manager, among others.

High Demand: Finance professionals are in high demand across industries. Companies, financial institutions, and organizations require individuals with financial expertise to manage budgets, analyze financial data, make strategic decisions, and optimize financial performance.

Salary Potential: Careers in Finance often offer competitive salaries and potential for advancement. Entry-level positions in finance can lead to lucrative career paths with opportunities for salary growth, bonuses, and other financial incentives.

Analytical Skills: A Finance concentration develops strong analytical skills, including quantitative analysis, financial modeling, data interpretation, and problem-solving abilities. These skills are valuable in many professional settings and are transferable to various roles and industries.

Understanding of Financial Markets: Graduates with a Finance focus gain a deep understanding of financial markets, economic principles, investment strategies, and risk management techniques. This knowledge is essential for making informed decisions in personal finance, investment management, and business operations.

Professional Development: A Business major with a focus in Finance provides opportunities for professional development and networking. Students can participate in internships, networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences to gain practical experience and build connections with professionals in the field.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Finance knowledge is valuable for entrepreneurs and small business owners who need to manage finances, secure funding, assess investment opportunities, and make strategic decisions to grow their businesses.

Overall, a Business major with a focus in Finance offers a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding career in various industries. It equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to excel in finance-related roles and make meaningful contributions to organizations and the economy.
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Jack’s Answer

I don't know much about your institution, but a business or finance degree is a great step toward a job after college. Those skills can translate to almost any industry, too. Whether you want to work in real estate appraisal, banking, accounting, contract analysis, or even in telecom. I mean, literally every industry needs people to manage money properly, and that's exactly what you learn with a focus on business. I obviously can't promise you'll get a job day 1 after you graduate, but you'll look great on paper and you would likely get interviews.
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Qian’s Answer

Hi Isaac,

For sure, it is very useful if you are interested in business/finance related career, and education is a great way for you to start to explore. The education will give you the general knowledge about professional skills, broaden your insights, and you will figure out if you are really interested in it and continue to develop it as your career.

For finance, you will have different directions while doing job hunting. For example, you may want to focus on fixed income, you may want to work as a trader, wealth management, or corporate finance. Getting a great job is always not easy, so learning more fundamental knowledge at school, make full use of the resources from school to do more internship and find out your interests are the priority things to get a great job before you graduate.

Good luck!
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Roberto’s Answer

Highly useful! A degree in Finance is still in high-demand and it opens up doors to other areas as well in case in the future you learn that you'd like to do something else (business operations, etc). Highly reccommend!
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Jonathan’s Answer

Hello Isaac,

You've asked a great question!

Indeed, degrees and concentrations can work together effectively, paving your way into Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) internships, as well as roles in accounting or financial services. My suggestion for you is to take full advantage of the career fairs at your school. Engage with the various employers present, gaining insight into the opportunities available and their specific candidate requirements. This will allow you to refine your resume, expose yourself to new learning experiences, and establish connections with numerous individuals within the finance sector.
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Kate’s Answer

Opting for a Business major with a specialization in Finance could significantly enhance your future career options, opening up a variety of potential career paths. These could include roles in banking, financial advising, consulting, and more. Earning this degree demonstrates to potential employers that you possess the ability to tackle challenging coursework, as well as the capacity for analytical thinking and problem-solving.

In my experience, pursuing a finance degree also paves the way for summer shadowing opportunities and internships. The finance field is rich with internship opportunities that can often lead to full-time employment. If you find yourself with spare time, I would also suggest pursuing additional certifications. Staying informed about current market trends can also set you apart as a unique job candidate. Best of luck!
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