A career in finance can be a great choice for many reasons. It gives you access to senior professionals, exposes you to a variety of companies, and helps you understand how deals work. In addition, this field is an excellent option if you are interested in developing your analytical, decision-making, and communication skills.
Finance professionals work in both junior and senior roles and are expected to have a strong command of numbers. They are also expected to implement smart budgeting solutions and maximize returns on investment. A finance career can be an excellent choice for those looking for stability and job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of business and financial jobs to grow by 8% between 2020 and 2030. However, these careers can be very stressful, particularly for entry-level employees. Therefore, it is important to consider work-life balance when choosing a finance career.
Many people think of the finance industry as synonymous with Wall Street, but there are many careers outside of the investing world. For example, an equity research analyst works for a financial firm, which uses quantitative analysis and financial modeling to help individuals and institutions make sound investment decisions. This type of job requires a broad knowledge of financial concepts, as well as a high level of ethics. However, the benefits of this career are among the highest in the finance industry.
Because finance is an essential part of economic development, aspiring finance professionals should have a solid education in economics, accounting, and management. Many finance programs will provide their students with hands-on experience in a specific field. Students can even choose to specialize in a particular area of finance after completing their degree.
A postgraduate degree in finance can help students pursue certifications such as the CFA or FRM. They can also explore the field of Data Science and Business Analytics, which require a deep knowledge of financial data. Whether you want to work in a large or small financial institution, a postgraduate degree in finance will help you advance your career.
Many people begin their finance career as a financial analyst. As a financial analyst, you will analyze historical and current financial data to determine the potential of different investments. Aside from analyzing the performance of existing investments, you’ll also be researching potential investments and presenting your findings to others. While financial analysts are typically employed by large financial institutions, you can also work in other industries as a corporate financial analyst.
If you have a passion for helping people achieve their financial goals, a finance career may be a great choice. Financial planners, CFPs, and investment analysts are in high demand. These professionals require at least 6,000 hours of experience, and they must pass several exams to earn their certification. The CFP designation requires that a financial planner have extensive training and pass a two-day, 10-hour case-study exam.