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How to Become a Financial Analyst?

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Studying to Become a Financial Analyst

Recently, we explored what the finance industry is like, and we also explained whether or not finance is a good career path.

Here we’ll explore the career path of the financial analyst, and outline what steps you should take if you want to get a job serving in this exciting role.

Whether you’re just starting out in finance, or you want a more advanced career at the managerial level, this post will help you understand what you should do to build the career you want as a financial analyst.

As part of this discussion, we’ll explore whether or not you need a degree, what type of degree would best suit your specific career goals, the difference between a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Finance, and why you should consider earning your finance degree online.

So, if you’re interested in the stock market and other commodities, and if you think you would like to work directly with clients or businesses to help them make better financial decisions, then you may want to consider a career as a financial analyst.

After you’ve learned how to become a financial analyst, fill out our information request form to get more information about our 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and our online Master’s Degree in Finance. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Financial Analyst a Good Career?

Yes, becoming a financial analyst is an excellent career choice.

Financial service is a growing field, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for financial analysts are expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

In fact, BLS projects employment for financial analysts will grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the national average for all jobs.

BLS explains that the demand increase for financial analysts will be driven by an increased need for in-depth financial knowledge of geographic regions, and by a growing range of complex financial products.

If you do decide to pursue a career as a financial analyst, however, then you should know that completing an online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or an online Master’s Degree in Finance is one of the best ways to gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to secure employment.

When you earn your degree in this field, you show prospective employers that you are committed to this career and that you have studied the key theoretical concepts and technical skills involved in finance, thereby proving that you’ll be able to bring value to their organization from day one.

What Do Financial Analysts Actually Do?

Financial analysts are responsible for offering guidance to businesses and individuals as they make investment decisions.

Typically, financial analysts work alongside upper management to help them understand key financial concepts related to their business strategy, including:

  • Analyzing past and present data to identify financial trends.
  • Determining a company’s value based on financial statements.
  • Monitoring a company’s investment portfolio.
  • Making recommendations on investments or strategic purchases.
  • Communicating essential financial insights with management in easily understandable formats.

Because of the complex nature of these responsibilities, and the important role financial analysts have in maintaining the health and longevity of any organization, it’s crucial that anyone who wants to become a financial analyst first gain the necessary training needed to be successful in this challenging career.

For that reason, most if not all financial analyst roles will expect you to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, and oftentimes, you’ll need to hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

This is why we encourage anyone interested in getting a job as a financial analyst to first earn their finance degree.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Financial Analyst?

It may be possible to find employment as a financial analyst without a degree, but most financial analyst roles are going to seek candidates who have earned a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance.

Your degree may help you find employment, but there is also another reason you should consider completing a degree program: it will give you the technical skills and knowledge you need to be successful in this challenging role!

Quite simply, getting your Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance will increase the value you’re able to bring to an organization by providing you with a firm grasp of the key principles that drive financial success for businesses and organizations.

The better you do in your first role as a financial analyst, the more likely you will be able to establish a successful, long-term career in the industry.

When it comes time to choose a school for finance, you’ll find two excellent options available from CSU Global, where we offer regionally accredited, widely respected online Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance.

Which Degree Should I Get?

You should get the degree that best suits your professional needs and long-term career aspirations.

To decide whether a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree in Finance is right for you, start by reviewing your current academic credentials, your current financial knowledge, and your long-term professional goals.

If you’re brand new to the world of finance or you only have limited industry experience, and you don’t yet have a degree, then you’ll want to consider pursuing our online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

However, if you have some experience in the financial services sector or you have already earned a bachelor’s degree, then you may be better suited for our Master’s Degree in Finance.

If you still aren’t sure which degree to choose, remember that a bachelor’s degree will provide more general education and grounding in the fundamentals, whereas a master’s degree will provide a more specialized, focused education that prepares you for higher-level management or leadership positions.

And if you’d like to get advice on which degree may be best for you, feel free to reach out to one of our enrollment counselors, who can help you make the right decision.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance?

Completing your Bachelor’s in Finance will prepare you for a professional career in the field of financial services, and your bachelor’s degree can open the door to a variety of roles, including:

These are only a few examples of the many jobs you could pursue with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. In reality, there are many roles where someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance could be successful.

When you earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, you’ll be qualified for entry-level and mid-level roles across a whole series of industries, but if you’re eager for greater responsibility and especially a leadership level-role, then you’ll probably want to consider getting a Master’s Degree in Finance.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Finance?

Earning your Master’s Degree in Finance allows you to pursue management, leadership, and senior-level roles in the finance world, including positions such as:

As a graduate of a master’s program, you’ll have the credentials and knowledge required to lead teams and businesses to financial success.

If your goal is to develop a long-term career in finance, and if you aspire to leadership positions, management roles, or jobs requiring strategic decision-making skills, then you’ll want to consider getting a Master’s Degree in Finance.

Is a Degree in Finance Really Worth It?

Yes, it’s really worth getting your degree in finance.

A finance degree will help open new employment pathways for you and it’ll prepare you for a fulfilling, life-long career in the financial services industry.

Simply put, the best way for you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to achieve a successful career in financial services is to get your degree in the field.

That being said, earning a finance degree is hard work that requires dedication and commitment, but it’s completely worth getting your degree if this is the sector you want to work in.

Earning your finance degree won’t just get your foot in the door of the industry though, it’ll also provide you with the confidence you need to enter the job marketing and pursue good jobs knowing that you’re capable of delivering great results.

A finance degree program will expose you to the challenges and issues you’ll face in your future job, helping ensure that you’re fully prepared to take on this challenging role and drive success for your clients or organization.

Can I Get My Degree in Finance Online?

Yes, you can get your degree in finance online from CSU Global, a regionally accredited and widely respected public online university.

Our accelerated online degree programs offer much more flexibility and freedom than a traditional on-campus, in-person program, all without compromising on quality or academic rigor.

Our 100% online finance degree programs have been designed to offer as much flexibility as possible, including:

  • No requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
  • Monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated courses.

If you have family and work responsibilities, and you need to balance them against your educational pursuits, then getting your degree online from CSU Global may be the perfect option.

Why Should I Study Finance at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s online Bachelor’s and Master’s Finance Degree programs will prepare you to overcome the many challenges you’ll face working as a financial advisor, or in any similar role.

Both of our degree programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our Master’s Degree in Finance is also accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

These programs were designed to be completed 100% online, offering you the flexibility needed to complete your educational pursuits without sacrificing existing family and career responsibilities.

Reasons to Choose our B.S. Degree in Finance

Our Bachelor’s Degree in Finance will provide you with a solid foundation in essential financial skills and concepts, including:

  • Understanding financial risk.
  • Technological approaches to business challenges.
  • Foundations of financial management.
  • Fiscal decision-making skills.

Also, when choosing the CSU Global Bachelor’s in Finance with a Financial Planning specialization, you’ll be in one of just a few programs in the country that is recognized by the CFP Board®. Those who earn a CFP Board-recognized degree are distinguishing themselves among their peers by meeting CFP Board’s education, examination, experience and ethics requirements. Completing this program also means you’ll have met the education requirement for CFP® Certification Examination administered by CFP Board.

And with our accelerated schedules, monthly class starts, no set class times, and 100% online degree formats, this B.S. in Finance program allows you to earn your degree on your own schedule and at your own pace.

Reasons to Choose our M.S. in Degree in Finance

Our Master’s Degree in Finance is one of the best-ranked online M.S. in Finance programs available, and it offers you the chance to improve your analytical skills while also developing your leadership potential as you prepare for an advanced role in the exciting field of financial services.

Additionally, our Finance Master’s Degree program recently earned several top rankings, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Finance by Best Masters Programs.
  • A #2 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Finance Degree Programs by Intelligent.

Alumni from our Master’s in Finance program are also reporting excellent success from the real-world, with graduates one year after completing the program earning an average median salary that is 6% higher than the national average for all master’s degree holders (BLS).

CSU Global itself has also recently won several important awards as well, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

 

Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as you’re getting a degree in the desired field.

To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, or our top-ranked online Master’s Program in Finance, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form. Ready to get started today? Apply now!