5 answers
Tanner
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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what do finance schools feel like ?
I'm really trying to get into a finance college and get successful.
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5 answers
Kumar Kanagasabai
Consulting
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kumar’s Answer
Typically in finance schools, students spend a lot of time on key concepts in accounting, math. For example, the concept of discounted cash flow, treating various line items in the balance sheet and income statement
Using those concepts students are expected to analyze real world business problems e.,g, how do you improve profitability of the company.
Sometimes you have visiting business leaders who will come and explain how the run their business etc
Using those concepts students are expected to analyze real world business problems e.,g, how do you improve profitability of the company.
Sometimes you have visiting business leaders who will come and explain how the run their business etc
Jason Ulacio
Technology Partnerships
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hi Tanner! I will answer your question in two parts 1) how to get into a top finance program at a university and 2) what will help you be most successful in landing a top finance job and having a career in finance once you've already started college.
1) Getting into a "good" finance program at a university is not that different than getting into any top university program. The most important factors are your academic performance (grades), a strong GPA and rigorous coursework, such as AP or honors classes, make a significant impact. High scores on tests like the SAT or ACT are also important. Additionally, extracurricular involvement in activities like sports, clubs, internships, or community service are all things that top universities seek in their applicants.
2) Once you are in university, some of the key things you can do are to join finance-related clubs at your school, such as investment or business clubs. These clubs will have likeminded students who will teach you more about the finance industry. Ideally you are also staying updated on financial news, market trends, and economic issues. You can do so by reading publications like Bloomberg or the Wall Street Journal. Lastly, you should look to gain hands-on experience by pursuing internships or seeking opportunities to shadow professionals that offer some exposure to financial planning, analysis, or investment management.
Lastly, I want to make sure you know that you don't have to study Finance in university in order to have a successful career in the financial industry. There are successful professionals in finance industry from all backgrounds.
1) Getting into a "good" finance program at a university is not that different than getting into any top university program. The most important factors are your academic performance (grades), a strong GPA and rigorous coursework, such as AP or honors classes, make a significant impact. High scores on tests like the SAT or ACT are also important. Additionally, extracurricular involvement in activities like sports, clubs, internships, or community service are all things that top universities seek in their applicants.
2) Once you are in university, some of the key things you can do are to join finance-related clubs at your school, such as investment or business clubs. These clubs will have likeminded students who will teach you more about the finance industry. Ideally you are also staying updated on financial news, market trends, and economic issues. You can do so by reading publications like Bloomberg or the Wall Street Journal. Lastly, you should look to gain hands-on experience by pursuing internships or seeking opportunities to shadow professionals that offer some exposure to financial planning, analysis, or investment management.
Lastly, I want to make sure you know that you don't have to study Finance in university in order to have a successful career in the financial industry. There are successful professionals in finance industry from all backgrounds.
Christopher Bain
Director, Performance Measurement (Ops Finance Related)
10
Answers
Lexington, Kentucky
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi Tanner,
For the sake of answering your question, I am going to consider any college of finance within a larger university to be a finance school. Finance school is very academic and theoretical. In this sense, it is not much different than any other degree path that focuses on mathematics, business, or other technical type work. As a finance professional, I can say there are a few differences between finance as a study and finance as an academic program. The purpose of the academic side is to teach the underlying concepts so that you can apply them later in your career.
As far as the work, you are going to want to enjoy math. If you are comfortable with ambiguity this is also very helpful both in school and later in your career. Problem solving is a necessary skill as well. If you find that you are the type of person to want to understand what makes something work, this is a good indicator that this may be a great fit. Lastly, an interesting nuance, is the ability to see "bigger picture" while still being able to go into the details.
I hope I have answered your question.
Kind regards,
Christopher
For the sake of answering your question, I am going to consider any college of finance within a larger university to be a finance school. Finance school is very academic and theoretical. In this sense, it is not much different than any other degree path that focuses on mathematics, business, or other technical type work. As a finance professional, I can say there are a few differences between finance as a study and finance as an academic program. The purpose of the academic side is to teach the underlying concepts so that you can apply them later in your career.
As far as the work, you are going to want to enjoy math. If you are comfortable with ambiguity this is also very helpful both in school and later in your career. Problem solving is a necessary skill as well. If you find that you are the type of person to want to understand what makes something work, this is a good indicator that this may be a great fit. Lastly, an interesting nuance, is the ability to see "bigger picture" while still being able to go into the details.
I hope I have answered your question.
Kind regards,
Christopher
Alex Jow
Consulting
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Very focused on teaching you the fundamentals of finance which will involve some quantitative learning. There will also be a networking component in that the school will invite employers for you to meet with to learn more about industries.
Nicole Gresham
Business Analyst
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hey Tanner! Finance programs vary by college, but speaking from my experience, the courses I took were very analytical. If you enjoy math and problem-solving, this will be a good fit for you. Often, these schools have various extracurricular clubs like investing, consulting, and entrepreneurship clubs that can help you network to find jobs. In terms of getting in to good finance programs, you should focus on your coursework and standardized tests. These programs look for high test scores and GPAs, as well as involvement outside of school. Good luck!!