The term finance is often used to refer to the study of how businesses manage and use money. It also refers to a person with expertise in finances. A bachelor’s degree in finance can prepare someone for careers such as investment banking, trading, or working within a wide range of industries. Although it will not open doors into the world’s most lucrative professions, it is an ideal stepping stone toward greater career success.
Besides the general business core courses that all business degrees must include, a finance degree will also cover specific topics such as financial analysis, investment theory, capital market research, and securities trading. Depending on the particular focus of a degree program, students may also study how companies are valued, how methods such as discounted cash flow can be used to determine the most logical price to place on stock shares or options, and how international markets differ from domestic markets.
Is it worth getting a Finance Bachelor’s degree?
The choice between getting a degree in business or finance is often one of personal interest. A business degree can lead to a wide variety of careers from managerial positions in companies to entrepreneurship. However, obtaining a finance degree is more specific and will enable students to enter the financial world with skills that are directly relevant to their interests.
Rather than using the word “difficult”, it is important for students to assess the specific degree requirements of their prospective school. Those who have a passion for finance should feel confident about taking on the challenge of an undergraduate degree program in finance or any other discipline.
It is also important to note that as the field of finance continually changes, so do the educational needs of those who work in it. For example, instead of learning about how stocks are traded on an exchange through physical trading floors, students learn how they are traded online through the use of high-frequency trading programs.
No matter what field a student chooses to study, a business degree or an economics degree are both useful in a variety of industries. Also, both finance and business degrees meet a wide range of needs.
Career Options with a Finance Degree

In addition to a strong financial background, finance graduates can choose from a variety of careers that have become very popular in recent years. Marketing and business opportunities that require advanced communication and interpersonal skills are some of the key areas that graduates can enter after earning an MBA or master’s degree in finance. Business owners, consultants, and personal managers are just some examples of potential employment prospects for an MBA or masters in finance graduate with substantial experience.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are the professionals who keep the nation’s economy moving. In addition to conducting market research and making economic predictions, they analyze financial data that affects the profit margins of their companies. Financial managers rely on these predictions to determine their company’s future outlook; this in turn determines how much money is invested or withdrawn from various markets. A bachelor’s degree in finance will provide students with the necessary education to begin their careers as financial analysts. In addition, many financial analysts pursue further education through graduate programs and earn MBAs to become financial managers or corporate executives.
Corporate Trainer
A finance graduate employed by a large company will often have to teach new employees about the company’s procedures and methods. This is not only beneficial to new employees but also an opportunity for experienced employees to impart their knowledge. These trainers work closely with human resources experts and management to determine teaching requirements and curriculum development. Many organizations seek out graduates with training in finance for this position because of their extensive business experience as well as their desire to succeed within the company.
Mortgage Broker
The role of a mortgage broker is very similar to that of a financial analyst. Besides conducting market research, mortgage brokers also project future property values as well as interest rates and housing mobility. These projections are done through an analysis of property value, interest rates, and housing mobility data. A finance degree can provide the necessary skills for this position and will allow graduates to begin their careers in real estate or in related industries such as mortgage banking or investment management.
Estate Planner
An estate planner is responsible for administering the financial planning of an individual or business asset. The goal of this position is to make sure that assets are distributed in the most logical and beneficial way to beneficiaries. Because estate planning often takes place over a few decades, it requires meticulous attention to detail in order to ensure that the plan stays relevant with changing economic and legal circumstances. In many cases, professional organizations and firms employ finance graduates as estate planners because this position requires both advanced education and a strong background in economics.
Stockbroker
Stockbrokers, having licenses, are professionals who purchase and sell stocks on behalf of their clients. Generally, they work for brokerages, trading commissions, or actual stock exchanges, using their experience and knowledge to determine how much stocks are worth based on their market value and their own opinions about the firm’s future. Stockbrokers earn a good income in part because their work through the brokerage firm is pivotal to a company’s financial success. Much of this initial investment goes toward training and on-the-job training for the office staff, but experienced brokers have put in enough hours to gain expertise in a number of fields including mathematics, economics, physics, and psychology.
Trade Compliance Officer
Financial traders who deal with securities must comply with regulations set by government agencies that oversee the financial markets. These officers work within regulatory compliance departments and must be familiar with financial reporting standards, Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, international laws and various other laws that affect the financial industry. A finance degree will provide an understanding of the intricate aspects of these laws and will allow graduates to pursue this career in addition to many other positions that require a working knowledge of the financial markets.
What is the salary range for people with a Finance Degree?

The wide variety of employment sectors in which finance graduates find themselves after earning their degrees means that there is a similarly broad salary range. MBA graduates from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, for example, are reported to earn a starting salary of $120,00 per year. By contrast, entry-level positions can start at $40,000 per year, and they can reach six figures with experience. In addition to potential base salaries and bonus opportunities, many finance professionals also receive substantial stock options or company stocks. ( as part of their compensation packages).
What else should I consider?
Even with a bachelor’s degree in finance, it is important to keep in mind that “finance” is a broad term. It encompasses an array of career opportunities and potential employers. For this reason, students should focus on choosing courses that will introduce them to both the basics of the financial world as well as specific industry sectors where they would like to work.
Investment bankers should learn about mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate takeovers, while students interested in the trading industry will learn about options trading and equity trading.
What should I do if I already have a bachelor’s degree in another field?
It is important to assess the quality of a candidate’s general education before applying for a finance job. You can find finance degrees at many of the world’s leading business schools, including Harvard University, Yale University, and the California Institute of Technology. Students with advanced degrees in other fields may find it difficult to transition into finance without further instruction in the fundamentals.
How difficult will it be?
A bachelor’s degree in finance can cover a variety of topics and be structured within a number of different courses. Some schools allow students to specialize in particular areas such as financial management, investment banking, and risk management. Students interested in pursuing their education beyond the bachelor’s level will find that numerous master’s degree programs are available in fields such as finance, accounting, and business administration.
The exact course requirements for an undergraduate finance degree will vary from school to school, but prospective students should keep the following factors into consideration.
Key Factors:
- The average length of a bachelor’s degree program is four years. Although some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to earn their degrees faster than they would at other institutions. Prerequisites – It is important for aspiring finance majors to review any prerequisites that are required by their school of choice, especially those related to coursework in accounting, statistics, and economics.
- Coursework – A bachelor’s degree program in finance often includes a core curriculum that provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and financial concepts.
- A bachelor’s degree program in finance often includes a core curriculum that provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and financial concepts. Concentrations – Some schools allow students to specialize in particular areas such as investment banking, accounting, statistics, and risk management.
- Some schools allow students to specialize in particular areas such as investment banking, accounting, statistics, and risk management. Internship opportunities – A number of schools offer internship opportunities for those who have an interest in gaining practical experience before entering the workforce.
Rather than using the word “difficult”, it is important for students to assess the specific degree requirements of their prospective school. Those who have a passion for finance should feel confident about taking on the challenge of an undergraduate degree program in finance or any other discipline.
Finally,
The job market for finance students is extremely competitive. And it is possible that students could feel overwhelmed by the process. With the help of an experienced career coach, students can determine the right schools for them, how to pay for their education, and if there are any special resources available to aid them. If you represent a high-achieving student looking for a bachelor’s in finance, an admissions counselor from a top business school can help you to start on your path toward financial success.
More About Graduation in Finance
Working Conditions for Finance Graduates
Finance education is valuable for all types of positions in both the public and private sectors. These professionals work in offices, on trading floors, in insurance companies, banks, and all kinds of businesses that deal with large amounts of money every day. A finance professional may work in a single location or have to travel across different regions of the country. This is a common circumstance for high-level management positions, as well as for most financial analysts and traders. In addition, a significant number of high-paying finance jobs are located in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco.
A Day in the Life of Financial Graduates
A day in the life of many finance professionals can be hectic and competitive. On any given day, an employee will discuss clients’ financial futures as well as new market trends with other information professionals and corporate executives in his office. Depending on their position, employees may also be required to travel to various locations to conduct business meetings with company representatives or clients. Many finance professionals work long days in order to meet the deadlines set by their clients.
Some finance jobs may be somewhat more relaxed, particularly if you are a part of a team that is responsible for financial oversight. And, some roles may require professionals to manage the investments of their clients or customers.