Finance studies broadly examine strategies to acquire and manage funds. The education is fundamental in promoting financial literacy alongside sound decision making when it comes to personal finance. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance can take up jobs at non-profit organizations, government and corporate entities. A report from the BLS shows business and financial operations occupations will grow by a staggering 10% between 2016 and 2026. According to the Purdue University career blog, the top jobs in the finance sector include:

Finance manager – the finance manager is normally assigned the task of developing and maintaining a company’s overall financial portfolio. The duties usually vary depending on the size of the company. The core areas of operation include reviewing financial reports, managing budgets, assessing investment performance and managing employees in the finance department. 

Personal financial advisor – the advisor is one of the fastest growing careers in the finance sector. Depending on the company profile, the advisor can also be referred to as wealth manager and financial planner. The advice offered by personal financial advisor essentially centers around prudent money management in areas like savings, insurance, investments and pensions. 

Financial analyst – the analyst is tasked with collating and analyzing financial data and keeping the employer informed about investment opportunities and market trends. The advice offered by a financial analyst can help a company steer away from potentially disastrous financial decisions or investments. 

Actuaries – an actuary usually offers advisory opinions, assessments and forecasts on future financial risks. The forecasts are normally based on scientifically approved probability theories, mathematical modeling techniques and statistical modeling. Most actuaries work for pension funds, banks, and insurance companies. 

The other rewarding jobs in the finance sector include credit analyst, budget analyst, loan officer and general operations manager. Because of the subtleties of the job market, you can find a finance job before or after graduating with your bachelor’s degree in finance, however a degree is often a required substitute for experience when first starting out. According to Investopedia, here are 5 tips that will increase your chances of getting a finance job:

1. Find an internship
Having background knowledge is important when applying for any job. An internship can help you gain crucial hands on experience and build a strong work ethic. The other benefits of an internship include professional referrals, ample networking opportunities and a chance to get the job you have always wanted. Although companies usually provide orientation and training programs to bridge the divide, this does not negate the importance of internship.

2. Make early moves
You can bolster your professional credentials and work experience by repeatedly enrolling in summer internships while in college. Getting a paid internship can help you offset some of your personal bills and prepare yourself for an eventful career ahead. One of the best internship positions to consider for finance students is helping at a local investment advisory center. 

3. Diversify your internship experiences
Even as you eye more internship opportunities to boost your experience and on-job placement, it is important to diversify your engagements. For instance, consider taking internships in different companies or departments to beef up your resume. Having a multi-sectorial industry perspective can also place you at an advantage during employment. Remember, the different areas or branches of finance are all interlinked in one way or the other.

4. Finance concentrations and interest
Although people with different majors may be hired to work at various finance designations, having a business oriented major like finance or economics will always place you at an advantage during the job hunt. To stay on the right track in knowledge matters, form a habit of routinely reading and following financial news. Leading financial publications like the Economist, Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal are often offered to students at the discounted rates. There are also many resourceful websites to add to your reading list.

5. Become CFA certified
The finance job market is among the most competitive anywhere. Whenever a senior finance job is advertised, it is likely you will be competing against applicants with great GPAs and professional certifications. Some of the applicants will be graduates from respected business schools. To succeed, you must find ways to stand out. One of the strategies is to obtain a CFA certification (Chartered Financial Analyst). Taking time to sit and pass the CFA exams will show employers and finance peers alike your dedication to the field of finance and professionalism. 


Wasif Vimawala is a senior year student at DePaul University in Chicago. He is majoring in Finance, which has been his favorite subject since as early as high school. The focus on finance has seen him take an interest in the stock market and participate in various debates. Outside of college, Wasif Vimawala is an avowed foodie. He also enjoys traveling and listening to music.