Earning a degree in finance can lead individuals to pursue a variety of positions within this field. Positions often involve working with numbers, being an advisor, and other money management duties. This degree often goes well with a variety of other backgrounds, including computers, or marketing. A finance degree can be applied in residential, government, or corporate settings.
In order to first begin a position in a finance-related area, individuals should first earn a degree. While an associate's degree can be earned in two years, employers typically prefer individuals who have a bachelor's degree or higher. However, if people are only looking for an entry-level position, an associate's degree may suffice. Those who hold master's degrees will often find their qualifications fit the best job opportunities. Individuals who have earned a doctorate degree in this field may also look for positions working in a business school, college, or university.
One position available to those with a financial degree background is a credit analyst. These professionals work with businesses and individuals to determine their creditworthiness. Their job is to see how likely it is that the borrower will be able to pay back a loan. Credit analysts will assess financial history and the current state of the market to see if loan repayment is viable for a particular borrower.
Another career that may be considered is a financial advisor. Simply put, these professionals provide financial services to their clients. Most often, the job responsibilities fall between a mix of financial planner and investment advisor. Almost every single person who is in this position holds a bachelor's degree. In order to fully become a financial advisor, individuals must take and pass the Series 7 exam from Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Finance officers, who are also known as financial managers, are often supervisory leaders. They often work in credit unions, finance companies, and banks. With the amount of technology being incorporated into businesses now, financial officers often work more with data analysis and are advisors to senior managers. While the responsibilities of these individuals are often the same across the board, duties may vary depending on an individual's organization. Those working in the government will most likely focus on government appropriations and the budget process, while those in healthcare should be well-versed in healthcare finance.
A loan officer will work with individuals during the loan process. Similar to a financial advisor, loan officers assess creditworthiness to see whether potential borrowers are eligible for a loan. Employers also value loan officers who are adept at working with computers and other banking applications.