Show
Careers in finance are highly sought-after due to their high pay and high growth potential. Jobs for financial analysts alone are expected to grow by 11% through 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But with these desirable positions comes a fiercely competitive field. The key to a successful finance career starts with getting your foot in the door—which means securing an entry-level position. In this aricle we’ll help you identify promising entry-level jobs for finance degree holders, and give you insight into how you can take your career to the next level once you’ve landed an entry-level job. Career Paths for Finance Degree HoldersThere are two primary career paths for finance graduates: financial management and financial planning. Managing corporate or government finances and investments Financial management professionals can expect to work for corporations and conduct financial analysis for the company or work in the investment world. They may also work for the government to manage budgeting and analysis of spending. Managing personal wealth and estates Financial planning professionals work with individuals and families to manage their finances at the personal level, such as tax planning, debt management, investment strategy and more. Within these general career paths are a multitude of jobs. Finding a position starts with knowing what job titles to look for. Let’s take a look at the most common entry-level positions for finance graduates and the types of employers who hire them. When it comes to paying for school, grants are among your best options. But do you know how to find them? Remove the guesswork by downloading this free guide.5 Entry-Level Jobs for Finance Graduates—Even if You Don’t Have ExperienceFinancial Analyst Financial analysts guide businesses and individuals in making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds, and other types of investments to help maximize returns for their employers and clients. Average Entry-Level Salay: $57,728 (Payscale.com) Personal Financial Advisor Personal financial advisors work with individuals to provide holistic advice on investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings, estate planning, taxes, and retirement to increase wealth and plan for the future. Average Entry-Level Salary: $50,351 (Payscale) Loan Officer Loan officers function as the go-between for financial institutions and borrowers, helping evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of loan applications for individuals and businesses. Average
Entry-Level Salary: $42,132 (Payscale) Budget Analyst Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances by evaluating budgets and determining the financial impact of institutional spending. Average Entry-Level Salary: $53,421 (Payscale.com) Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales AgentsThese professionals connect buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies in search of investors, and conduct trades. Average Entry-Level Salary: $58,535 (Payscale.com) Strengthen Your Skills By Getting Your CFP ®While you will spend a few years in an entry-level finance position, there are ways to advance your career while getting on-the-job experience. One key way is to prepare for and pass finance industry certifications. Now considered the minimum standard for finance professionals, getting the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation is essential for increasing your job prospects at leading companies. To become a CFP® you must meet the standards set by the CFP Board:
The CFP designation shows your expertise, but it doesn’t help you stand out as much as it once did. Now, many finance professionals are looking to specialty certifications to distinguish themselves, especially if they are looking to advance their career in a specific financial field. For additional ways to break into the finance industry as a new graduate, Investopedia offers great insight into entry-level opportunities and how to get your first job in finance. Deeper Training to Find Your Niche in the Finance IndustryDepending on your career aspirations and desired workplace, the next step for many finance professionals after getting their CFP certification is to demonstrate their subject matter expertise through additional education and certifications. Here is a list of respected certification options that can help you advance your career. General Financial Planning Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) Wealth Management Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CWPA) Investment Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) Insurance Certifications Chartered
Life Underwriter (CLU) Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Retirement Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) Focus on constructing income strategies for clients into retirement, looking at a wide range of approaches—from portfolio-based strategies to annuities and other guaranteed products. Estate Planning Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) Taxation Enrolled Agent (EA) Certified Tax Specialist (CTS) Get Your Finance Degree for a Successful Start to Your CareerThere are multiple options for undergraduate finance degrees, including the B.S. in Financial Planning and the B.S. in Financial Management. Franklin University offers CFP-certified curriculum in both of these degree programs, providing best-practice education from industry professionals that will prepare you for a successful career—whether you want to work in the corporate world or directly with individuals and families. |