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How to Launch a Career in Finance

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Recently we discussed what finance is, and here, we’ll review how to start a career in finance.

We’ll also explore whether or not finance careers are worth pursuing, why you should consider getting a degree in the field, what jobs you’ll qualify for with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, and why you should consider getting your finance degree online.

If you’re interested in financial services, stock trading, personal finance, or crafting policy that impacts the economy and the lives of real, everyday people, then you should certainly consider a career in this broad and exciting field.

Finance, and the world of financial services, encompass many different career paths, giving you a great deal of choice and many options in terms of what you choose to specialize in doing for work.

You could forge a career in personal finance where you help individuals understand their options for retirement, and explore ways to increase their capital.

Another option is corporate finance, where you can understand and assess risk, raise capital through stock options, or even manage an entire financial department.

Additionally, there is the option to work in public finance, in the government, assessing government spending, creating financial models for different government agencies, and even advising on financial policy.

If these career paths sound interesting to you, then you’ll certainly want to consider earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Finance.

After you’ve learned about how to start a career in finance, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our online Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and our online Master’s program in Finance. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Finance a Good Career Option?

Yes, finance is an excellent career option.

The field is growing and according to the BLS, employment in business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 476,200 new jobs.

Whether you want to work in personal, corporate, or public finance, taxes are filed every year, money is made and lost, and every industry needs knowledgeable, well-trained financial professionals to guide them through the ups and downs of the economy, so there is likely to always be an opportunity in the industry.

Finance is a challenging and complex field, with many opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Getting a degree and developing the skills and foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the industry is a great way to help get your foot in the door of this competitive industry.

What Do Financial Professionals Actually Do?

Finance careers can vary greatly, but there are a few key skills needed to find success in this field. 

If you’re looking to get into finance, we suggest prioritizing educational training and skills development in the following areas:

  • Assessing clients financial status and making actionable recommendations
  • Understanding and managing financial risk
  • Security analysis and portfolio management
  • Apply pricing and uses of standard derivative instruments
  • Gathering and analyzing data
  • Confidently present research and analysis in a logical and coherent manner
  • Development and nurturing business relationships with clients

Do I Need a Degree to Get Into Finance?

While it may be possible to start an entry-level career in finance without earning an advanced degree, earning a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Finance will allow you to pursue more exciting and advanced career paths.

Earning a Degree in Finance will give you the training you need to face the challenges of this complex and engaging industry. With your degree, you’ll be better prepared for the rigors of the workplace, you’ll be more marketable to hiring managers, and you may be better positioned to gain promotions and career advancement.

In short, earning your Bachelor’s or Master’s in Finance will ensure that you’ve developed an understanding of the critical financial concepts, theories, and practices necessary for a fulfilling career in financial services.

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

With your Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, you will be qualified for entry and mid-level roles in finance across a variety of industries.

When you consider the fact that all nonprofits, corporations, personal finance institutions, and even government bodies need professionals who understand finance, it becomes clear that a Bachelor’s in Finance can help launch an exciting career.

Here are some excellent jobs for finance majors:

Other potential jobs that may be well-suited for graduates from B.S. in Finance programs include:

  • Stockbroker
  • Personal finance advisor
  • Loan officer
  • Insurance underwriter
  • Commercial banker
  • Financial manager

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

Getting a Master’s in Finance is a great way to advance your career. This credential can open the door for advanced roles and even set the stage for future leadership positions.

Here are some of the best jobs for graduates of M.S. in Finance programs:

With additional years of experience, an M.S. in Finance can lead to leadership positions such as Director of Finance or even Chief Financial Officer.

Can I Get a Degree in Finance Online?

Yes, you can get your Degree in Finance online! In fact, you should definitely consider getting your Finance Degree online from a regionally accredited and widely respected school, like CSU Global.

Our 100% online Finance Degree programs are 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.

Earning your degree online from CSU Global is a good option for you if you have family and work responsibilities, and want a degree program that fits within your current schedule.

Why Should I Study Finance at CSU Global?

CSU Global’s online Finance Bachelor’s and Master’s programs give students the skills and knowledge required to launch exciting careers in the field of financial services.

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

These programs are also offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility you need to complete your educational pursuits without sacrificing existing family and career responsibilities.

Reasons to Choose our B.S. in Finance Degree

CSU Global’s B.S. in Finance Degree is a completely online program that will give you the academic grounding and analytical skills necessary to pursue a career in this competitive industry.

In this degree program, you’ll study essential financial topics, such as:

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

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 thanks to our accelerated schedules, monthly class starts, no set class times, and 100% online degree format, this B.S. in Finance program lets you earn your degree on your own schedule.

Reasons to Choose our M.S. in Finance Degree

Our 100% online Master’s Degree in Finance is a widely recognized program that prepares highly skilled financial professionals with analytical, operational, and leadership abilities needed to drive success and growth for both clients and organizations.

This program has also won 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.

And graduates from our Master’s in Finance program are finding excellent results once they’ve entered the workforce, reporting that one year after graduation they’re earning a median salary 6% higher than the national average for all master’s degree holders.

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!