What can I do with a major in finance?
Overview
No matter what career field you choose, it is important to gain experience through summer internships and part-time jobs. You can participate in a job-shadowing experience, or a company visit — both will allow you to take a look at finance careers.
Refers to the planning, developing and controlling the capital structure of business.
Typical positions
Financial analyst
Analyst
Strategic pricing analyst
Inventory analyst
Account receivable and credit analyst
Credit analyst
Business planning analyst
Pricing analyst
Tips for corporate finance students
- Develop strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Access and PowerPoint, as well as analytical skills.
- Pursue advanced study of financial accounting.
Refers to a range of activities including underwriting, trading securities, financial advisory services, financing of deals, and managing assets.
Typical positions
Capital markets analyst
Investment banking analyst
Private equity analyst
Valuation and business analytics associate
Portfolio manager
Structured securities analyst
Financial analyst
Private equity analyst
Private banking analyst
Business development analyst
Trading analyst
Portfolio analyst
Tips for investment banking students
- Focus on academics; a high GPA is essential.
- Research financial markets and money centers. An entry-level job may require geographic flexibility.
- Apply for the Jennett Finance Scholars Program.
- Gain relevant summer experiences and leadership experiences.
- Network with alumni who work in the industry.
- Be prepared to work significant overtime, start at the bottom and pay your dues.
- Develop strong analytical and communication skills.
Tips for asset management students
- Work toward CFA®* (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation.
- Focus on academics; a high GPA is essential.
- Research financial markets and money centers. An entry-level job may require geographic flexibility.
- Apply for the Jennett Finance Scholars Program.
- Gain relevant summer experiences and leadership experiences.
- Network with alumni who work in the industry.
- Be prepared to work significant overtime, start at the bottom and pay your dues.
- Develop strong analytical and communication skills.
*The CFA Institute is the administrator of the CFA Program and the grantor of the CFA designation. CFA® is a registered trademark owned by CFA Institute.
Positions available at commercial banks vary significantly according to the scope of their operations. Positions could range from sales to trading at mega-banks (such as Citibank and Bank of America), or loan officer or credit analyst at smaller, regional banks.
Typical positions
Banking associate
Commercial loan assistant
Loan processor
Controller
Financial analyst
Real estate analyst
Surveillance analyst
Credit analyst
Banking analyst
Portfolio and relationship manager
Bank sales trainee
Corporate banking credit support analyst
Tips for commercial banking students
- Get experience through internships, part-time jobs or summer employment in a financial services firm.
- Develop strong interpersonal communication and client-interaction skills.
- Consider earning KU's certificate in banking with courses exploring key aspects of commercial banking.
Real estate finance is both an industry and a career within larger financial services organizations, such as commercial and investment banks. Generating or evaluating a real estate finance deal involves many of the same types of financial analyses as a public stock offering, debt issuance, large commercial loan or merger.
Typical positions
Commercial real estate broker
Retail specialist
Commercial property accountant
Industrial broker
Financial analyst
Surveillance analyst
Investment real estate agent
Analyst
Tips for real estate finance students
- Gain relevant experience through internships, summer jobs or part-time positions.
- Research how to become a real estate broker through the National Association of Realtors.
These positions help clients make decisions about long-term financial issues. Stock brokers advise clients about investing in individual stocks and bonds.
Typical positions
Financial advisor
Investment representative
Associate brokerage service representative
Portfolio manager associate
Client solutions specialist
Financial planning analyst
Investment administrator
Tips for personal financial planning students
- Gain experience with an internship or sales competitions. Top candidates are highly motivated and entrepreneurial.
- Research the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation.
Insurance of various types underpins every aspect of modern life. Risk management is a broad field that involves identifying, assessing, and quantifying business risks. An aging workforce in the insurance industry has created tremendous demand for competitive, high-growth, challenging careers in insurance and risk management.
Typical positions
Underwriting analyst
Renewal underwriter
Personal lines account coordinator
Underwriter
Account manager
Strategic risk analyst
Insurance broker
Agent producer
Insurance agent
Commercial lines associate account representative
Tips for insurance students
- Join the KU Insurance Club.
- Consider the Jack Lockton Certificate in Insurance and Risk Management.
Refers to advising clients on financial services and decisions.
Typical positions
Business valuation consultant
Consultant
Risk management analyst
Business performance improvement consultant
Digital assurance and transparency associate
Financial services business consultant
Business technology solutions analyst
General tips for finance students
- Attend finance-specific career events and the Business and Accounting Career Fairs each September.
- Read the Wall Street Journal.
- Further explore your interests using tools such as LinkedIn Learning or Forage.
- Join a student club or organization that will facilitate career exploration, such as Finance Club, Women in Finance, Rock Chalk Investment Club, Consulting Club or others.
- Also consider joining the Jennett Finance Scholars Program.
- Network with finance professionals working in target organizations or roles.
- Develop strong analytical, accounting, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Explore various professional designations and licenses relevant to finance career paths.