Finance Major Career Planning Options
Finance is the study of the assets of corporations and/or individuals. This concentration examines how these assets are acquired and financed. Students will acquire a solid background in financial principles and practices which enables them to interact with a full range of business professionals. Areas of study include financial instruments, institutions, and markets associated with business. Finance students develop a wide array of analytical skills, attain a thorough understanding of the finance function in various organizations, and sharpen their awareness of how financial institutions and markets function in a global environment. While helping students build a well-rounded foundation of knowledge and skills enriched by liberal arts education, the major offers intensive instructions and training in different areas of finance. The major also offers students opportunities for specialization and career focus through a wide range of electives and faculty-supervised internships and independent study projects that enhance individual learning experience.
Rivier University offers finance majors the option of earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance as part of the Undergraduate Department of Business Administration. Questions related to a major in finance should be directed to the Business Administration Department at 897-8237. Visit Rivier's Business Administration Department for additional information on degree requirements and course offerings.
Finance Major Skills
| Organization |
Construct cash budgets |
| Analytical ability |
Calculate portfolio expected returns |
| Sound judgment |
Estimate the cost of short/long-term funds |
| Interpret numerical data |
Communication of financial information |
| Accuracy |
Understand business management |
| Strong mathematical aptitude |
Forecasting future financial needs |
| Independent thinking |
Understanding of financial structures |
Career Paths in Finance
Careers for new finance graduates are diverse and dependent upon one's interests, abilities, work values, academic emphasis, and practical experience in the field. An education in finance prepares for career opportunities in securities and credit analysis, corporate finance, financial planning, money management, insurance and banking. The program also prepares for graduate work in finance, economics, management, accounting, law and other related disciplines. In today's competitive global market, companies search for competent business and financial leaders to make the right decisions promptly and effectively to achieve success. Acquire a solid background in financial principals and practices that will ultimately enable interaction with a full range of business professionals. Develop a broad array of analytical skills, gain a thorough understanding of the finance function in different types of organizations, and sharpen awareness of how financial institutions and markets function in a global environment.
Finance graduates may work as…
(The following are titles from across the industry. Some of these jobs may require education or experience beyond a bachelor's degree.)
| Accountant |
Internal Auditor |
| Actuary |
International Trade Specialist |
| Appraiser |
Inventory Control Specialist |
| Bond Manager |
Inventory Data Manager |
| Budget Analyst |
Investment Broker |
| Business Credit/Loan Specialist |
Investment Researcher |
| Claim Adjuster/Examiner |
Management Accountant |
| Collection Agent |
Market Research Analyst |
| Commodities Trader |
Marketing Representative |
| Consumer Credit/Loan Officer |
Pension Fund Manager |
| Credit Counselor |
Portfolio Analyst |
| Customer Service Representative |
Property Manager |
| Estimator |
Public Practice Accountant |
| External Auditor |
Rate Analyst |
| Financial Analyst |
Real Estate Developer |
| Financial Economist |
Real Estate Salesperson/Broker |
| Financial Planner |
Securities Analyst |
| Financial Economist |
Securities Broker |
| Financial Planner |
Special Agent |
| Government Official |
Systems Analyst |
| Industrial/Institutional Buyer |
Treasury Management Specialist |
| Insurance Agent/Broker |
Trust Analyst |
Finance graduates may work within…
| Banks/Financial Institutions |
Investment Firms |
| Brokerage Firms |
Non-profit organizations |
| Corporations |
Private Business |
| Foundations |
Real Estate Agencies |
| Government Agencies |
Schools/Universities |
| Hospitals |
Sole Practitioners |
| Insurance Agencies |
|
Ways to Increase Employability
The following suggestions will enhance your leadership skills and workplace qualifications, while promoting networking relationships with fellow professionals:
- Pursue elective course work or additional training related to one's professional field of interest.
- Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.
- Become an active student member of university, community, or professional organizations.
- Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through relevant part-time, full-time, and summer job or internship positions.
- Develop aptitude in computer technology.
- Develop cross-cultural skills for the global market.
- Use every opportunity in & out of the classroom to practice group teamwork skills that will be invaluable in the business world.
Sources of Information on Majors, Careers and Employment in Management
- Rivier University Faculty Advisors, Academic Advisors, & Business Administration Department Resources
- Professionals Working in the Field
- Professional Organizations
- Rivier University Career Development Center Counseling Staff, Website & Office Resources
Rivier University's Career Development Center Resources
Effective career decision-making evolves through a process of gathering accurate self-knowledge and significant information about the major or career being explored. The Rivier University Career Development Center offers individual counseling and career resources regarding self-assessment, career exploration, gaining practical experience, and job searching skills. For more information, contact us at 897-8246. The following is a partial list of career resources, available in our office, which may be of interest to Finance Majors:
- Careers in Finance
- Career Opportunities in Banking, Finance and Insurance
- Opportunities in Financial Careers
- Discovering Your Career in Business
- Great Jobs for Business Majors
- What Can I do with A Career in Business
Professional & Rivier University Organizations related to Finance
Career Related Websites for Finance Majors