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Finance

What can I do with this major?

Complete a related internship.
Develop strong computer skills, including spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
Sharp analytical skills are crucial in this industry.
Earn an MBA to reach the highest levels of corporate finance.

Develop a solid background in business including marketing and accounting.
Get experience through part-time, summer or internship positions in a financial service firm.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to work well with a diverse clientele.

Complete an internship with an insurance agency.
Talk to professionals in the industry to learn more about claims, underwriting, and risk management. Many good, entry-level positions exist in these areas.
Initiative and sales ability are necessary to be a successful agent or broker.
Develop strong communication skills, as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to explain information clearly and concisely.
Take additional statistics classes to prepare for a career in actuary science. Prepare to take the first in a series of actuarial examinations.

Obtain sales experience through part-time, summer or internship positions.
Research how to become a real estate broker through the National Association of Realtors.
Develop an entrepreneurial spirit.
Research apprenticeships in appraisal.

Investment banking firms
(Changes in laws have created a fluid situation in this industry; Mergers and acquisitions continue to take place.)
Financial services firms
Insurance firms
(The Gramm Leach Bliley Act of 1999 allowed financial services firms to acquire or build investment banking subsidiaries and vice versa.)

An M.B.A. is required to move beyond the entry-level analyst position in investment banking. Investment banking is highly competitive.
Be prepared to work many hours of overtime per week, start at the bottom, and pay your dues.
Develop strong analytical and communication skills.
Cultivate personal ambitiousness.
Obtain a Series 7 License for both institutional and retail broker sales positions.
Work toward the CFA designation.

Most positions require an advanced degree in economics, finance or business and many years of financial experience.

Sometimes opportunities in accounting exist in government and corporate settings for finance students.
Take more than the required amount of accounting classes to supplement finance curriculum.
Maintain a strong g.p.a.
Complete an internship in a government agency and become familiar with the government application process to work in the public sector.

Quantitative skills are extremely important. Take additional courses in math, statistics, and accounting.
Many positions in finance require the ability to analyze and interpret data.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Cultivate an eye for detail.
Gain experience through internships, summer and part-time positions.
Read the Wall Street Journal and other financial news magazines to stay abreast of current events and to learn more about the industry.
Join student professional associations in the field of finance.
Several professional designations and licenses, e.g. Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner, are available to finance professionals working in a particular area. Earning these designations may help one obtain advanced positions.

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