What can you do with a Accounting and Finance degree from Grand Valley State University?

First, some facts. Of the Accounting and Finance graduates from Grand Valley State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 85%, Accounting and Finance graduates from Grand Valley State University have a much higher likelihood (+18%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 85%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.

See the details:

View a random Accounting and Finance graduate from Grand Valley State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 63%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and Finance. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Staff Accountant
Equity Residential
Feb 2013 - Oct 2014
As a Staff Accountant at Equity Residential, the position requires a direct application of accounting and finance principles learned during the Bachelor's program.

Senior Accountant
Equity Residential
Nov 2014 - Jul 2016
The role of Senior Accountant at Equity Residential involves advanced accounting and finance responsibilities that are closely aligned with the Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance.

Board Member
Chicago HOPES for Kids
Sep 2016 - Sep 2017
Serving as a Board Member at Chicago HOPES for Kids may involve some strategic financial oversight, but it does not primarily utilize accounting and finance skills on a daily basis.

Senior Analyst
TransUnion
Aug 2016 - Jun 2019
As a Senior Analyst at TransUnion, while some analysis skills from accounting and finance may be applicable, the role is more focused on data analysis rather than direct accounting functions.

Senior Lead
TransUnion
Jun 2019 - Present
The position of Senior Lead at TransUnion likely involves leadership and analytical skills that may relate to the Bachelor's degree, but it does not directly apply accounting or finance knowledge in a primary capacity.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Accounting and Finance degree from Grand Valley State University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career paths of graduates from Grand Valley State University who studied Accounting and Finance, it's clear that many have pursued roles that are pretty closely related to their degree. A lot of them have landed jobs as accountants—whether that's staff accountants, senior accountants, or even tax analysts—which directly require the skills they learned in school. These positions leverage their understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and analytical skills, making them extremely relevant to the coursework covered in their degree programs. Roles like Financial Analysts and Financial Advisors also pop up frequently, showing a strong alignment with finance-oriented jobs that utilize their educational background quite effectively.

However, not every job holds the same connection to Accounting and Finance. For example, some graduates took on roles that seem a bit off-course, like being a Rink Operator or World Race Team Leader, which don't really tap into any accounting or finance skills. While those positions are certainly part of their work experience, they don't showcase how their degree plays into professional life. In general, though, most of the job roles mentioned here—especially those in accounting, finance analysis, and financial advisory—demonstrate a solid relevance to their studies, indicating that the degree program at Grand Valley State University sets students up well for careers in these fields.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Accounting and Finance graduates (this is across all Accounting and Finance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Grand Valley State University):

What kind of career trajectories do Accounting and Finance graduates from Grand Valley State University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Graduates from Grand Valley State University who studied Accounting and Finance seem to carve out solid career paths after leaving college. Many of them land their first jobs in roles like accountants, financial analysts, and various entry-level positions in finance-related fields. For instance, the Class of 2011 had graduates stepping into positions as paraplanners and staff accountants straight after finishing their degrees, which is typical for those entering this discipline. These roles often serve as excellent starting points where they gain practical experience and develop a solid foundation in finance and accounting.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the trajectory looks promising as many of these alumni have moved up the ranks. Several graduates have progressed to senior roles, such as Senior Analysts, Financial Managers, and Supervisors, indicating a healthy upward movement within their careers. For instance, one graduate even transitioned from a financial analyst to a commercial finance manager over time. While a few have explored less traditional paths or taken breaks for personal reasons, the overall theme is that most graduates have found stable and relevant positions within their field. So, if you're considering a degree in Accounting and Finance at Grand Valley, it seems like a solid investment for a successful future!

How hard is a Accounting and Finance degree from Grand Valley State University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at Grand Valley State University, or really any school, can be a mixed bag—it’s definitely challenging, but not unmanageable. You'll dive into topics like financial reporting, economics, and statistical analysis, which can get pretty intense if numbers aren't your thing. The coursework often involves a fair amount of homework, group projects, and exams, so it requires good time management and study habits. While some students find it tougher than other majors, many say it’s all about staying organized and keeping up with the material. So, if you’re into math and financial concepts, it might not feel too hard—just be ready to put in the effort!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance.

Do Accounting and Finance graduates from Grand Valley State University tend to make good money?

Looking at the job trajectories of these Accounting and Finance grads from Grand Valley State University, it seems like a mixed bag when it comes to how much money they're making. The graduates from 2011, who are now in positions like Financial Advisor and Senior Analyst, appear to be doing well, likely pulling in decent salaries as they advance in their careers. On the other hand, some of the newer grads, like those who started as interns or are just entering the workforce, might still be at the lower end of the pay scale, especially if they’re in entry-level roles. Overall, it looks like those with more experience are transitioning into some solid positions with good earning potential, while the fresh grads are still climbing that salary ladder. But hey, that's how it goes in the finance world—work your way up!

What buzzwords do Accounting and Finance graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance (this is across all Accounting and Finance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Grand Valley State University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Accounting and Finance?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance (ordered by the average relevance score of their Accounting and Finance graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Indiana University - Kelley School of Business 95 14
Grand Valley State University 85 14
Indiana University Bloomington 82 14
Southern New Hampshire University 71 18
University of Phoenix 59 20