What can you do with a Finance degree?

First, some facts. Of the Finance graduates 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 5780 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Finance graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 70%
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, only 23% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Finance graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Finance graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from University of Oregon with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Financial Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
Jun 2022 - Jan 2024
As a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, this position directly utilizes financial knowledge and skills from the Bachelor's degree in Finance, requiring core qualifications related to financial planning and advisory.

Financial Advisor
SCS
Jan 2024 - Present
The role of Financial Advisor at SCS also requires significant application of finance principles and skills, making it relevant to the individual's Bachelor's degree in Finance.

ABOUT

Passionate Financial Advisor | Wealth Management Specialist | Committed to Helping Clients Achieve Financial Success About Me:As a Financial Advisor, my mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve their financial goals and secure their future. With a strong background in wealth management, I specialize in creating personalized strategies that align with each client's unique aspirations and circumstances. Expertise:I have successfully guided clients through various market conditions, helping them build and preserve wealth. My areas of expertise include investment planning, retirement strategies, estate planning, and risk management. Approach:I believe in fostering long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of my clients' financial objectives. By staying current with market trends and leveraging cutting-edge financial tools, I ensure that my clients receive strategic advice tailored to their evolving needs. Commitment to Excellence:I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. I am committed to continuous learning, staying informed about industry innovations, and adapting strategies to optimize returns while managing risks effectively. Let's Connect:I am always eager to connect with individuals seeking financial guidance or exploring opportunities for wealth creation. Whether you are planning for retirement, growing your investment portfolio, or navigating complex financial decisions, I am here to assist you on your journey to financial success.Let's connect and explore how we can work together to achieve your financial goals!#FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #InvestmentStrategies #RetirementPlanning #EstatePlanning #FinancialSuccess

What jobs can you get with a Finance degree?

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


The analysis of job titles held by graduates in Finance reveals a spectrum of roles across various industries, illustrating how finance degrees can both directly and indirectly influence career paths. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into positions that utilize their specific skills in financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies, showcasing the importance of a finance education in today’s job market. Common roles include Financial Analysts, Account Managers, and positions in banking that all leverage core finance competencies, underscoring that job relevance to their degrees is largely based on the specific responsibilities and industries they enter.

However, it’s also evident that not all positions held by finance graduates relate closely to their studies. Some individuals have taken on roles in customer service, sales, and operations, where finance knowledge is less central. For example, positions such as Sales Associates, Operations Managers, and Customer Service Representatives may utilize financial principles occasionally but do not emphasize them as core qualifications. These findings illustrate that while finance graduates often seek and secure positions that reflect their academic training, there remains a significant number who navigate into roles that rely more on interpersonal skills or operational expertise rather than the strict application of financial theories.

Overall, finance graduates display an impressive versatility in their job titles, with a significant majority of them entering fields that align with their educational backgrounds. As the job market evolves, this adaptability is crucial for graduates, providing them with multiple pathways to apply their skills, whether in traditional finance roles or broader business contexts. While some roles may not fully utilize their finance expertise, the foundational knowledge gained from their degrees remains instrumental in fostering a career that often merges analytical skills with practical applications in various sectors.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Finance graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Finance graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Graduates with a degree in Finance tend to have a mixed bag of career trajectories in relation to the finance industry. When examining the profiles of individuals who have graduated from various universities, we can deduce some prevailing trends regarding their career paths shortly after graduation and five to ten years later.

For many recent graduates, their first job reflects a combination of entry-level positions that are somewhat related to finance and roles that are seemingly outside the field. For instance, a significant number started as analysts, associates, or interns at various financial institutions, like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and other investment firms. Others, however, took on roles such as customer service representatives or office clerks which, while providing some relevant experience, do not seem to align directly with a finance-focused career. It suggests that while there are opportunities available for new finance graduates, not everyone is stepping directly into finance-focused positions. Some might experience difficulty in securing roles that capitalize on their degree right away, leading to broader career experiences.

As we look five to ten years later, the picture begins to clarify. A notable portion of the graduates who landed in finance-related roles initially have steadily climbed the ranks into senior analyst, vice president, and managerial positions. For example, many who began as financial analysts or assistants are now managing or directing teams at significant companies. Conversely, a portion of graduates seems to drift away from finance, moving into unrelated fields or slowly transitioning from lower-tier roles in finance to more stable, yet still lower-paying, positions outside the industry. There’s also a group that has ventured into entrepreneurial or self-employed paths, indicating a diversification in career trajectories among finance graduates. Overall, while there are many successful journeys that remain within the finance discipline, quite a few graduates seem to have found their niche in various fields, showcasing adaptability in their careers.

In summary, while many finance graduates embark on fruitful careers in finance-related roles quickly after graduation, there's also a notable number who find themselves in peripheral positions. As their careers progress, a clear divergence appears, with many solidifying their careers in finance or transitioning to other sectors entirely. The landscape suggests that a finance degree opens doors, but the path an individual takes can vary greatly based on circumstances, opportunities, and personal decisions along the way.

How hard is a Finance degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Finance can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. On one hand, if you're good with numbers and have a knack for analytical thinking, you might find a lot of the coursework pretty manageable. Topics like financial analysis, investment principles, and accounting can be a breeze if you stay on top of your studies. But on the flip side, some students find the heavier quantitative courses and complex concepts like derivative markets and risk management to be quite challenging. Overall, it’s probably around average in terms of difficulty compared to other degrees, but it really depends on your strengths and interests. Just be ready to put in the work and study hard, especially during exam season!

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 Finance.

Do Finance graduates tend to make good money?

When looking at the job histories of these finance graduates, a mixed picture emerges regarding their financial success. Many of those who graduated a while ago and have progressed to higher roles, such as managers or directors, clearly seem to be making substantial incomes. For example, graduates like those from prestigious institutions who have become Vice Presidents or hold senior analyst roles at well-known companies like Goldman Sachs or JPMorgan are likely pulling in six-figure salaries. However, some recent graduates, particularly those in entry-level positions or internships, might be earning less impressive salaries, starting closer to the lower end of the pay scale, especially if they work in roles like sales or customer service.

Overall, while there are likely varying levels of success among these individuals, those who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder in finance can be assumed to be doing quite well financially. In contrast, those in more junior or unstable job positions might be starting out with lower earnings, reflecting the typical career path in this field, where advancement can significantly impact income. Networking, experience, and strategic job choices seem key factors in determining one’s financial success in this profession.

What buzzwords do 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 Finance. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Finance?

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

College Score Count
University of Dayton 94 18
Central Michigan University 90 10
Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst 90 14
Loyola University Maryland 88 13
University of Connecticut 87 10
Seton Hall University 87 11
University of Florida - Warrington College of Business 87 14
Indiana University Bloomington 86 27
California State University-Long Beach 85 10
University of San Diego 85 11
University of Georgia - Terry College of Business 85 36
University of Wisconsin-Madison 84 13
Brigham Young University 84 19
Northeastern University 84 10
The University of Texas at Dallas 84 26
University of Illinois at Chicago 84 13
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 83 17
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 83 17
Indiana University - Kelley School of Business 83 23
Xavier University 83 11
University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business 82 14
Texas A&M University 81 64
San Diego State University 81 22
Bentley University 81 27
Rutgers Business School 81 22
Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business 81 12
University of Arizona 80 11
Miami University 80 39
North Dakota State University 80 16
University of Colorado Colorado Springs 80 11
Wake Forest University 80 10
Fordham Gabelli School of Business 80 12
University of Florida 79 43
University of Delaware 79 28
Western Michigan University 79 11
Saint Joseph's University 79 11
Quinnipiac University - School of Business 79 11
Illinois State University 78 25
Towson University 78 13
Northern Arizona University 78 10
Kansas State University 78 18
University of Notre Dame 78 20
The University of Texas at El Paso 78 10
Florida International University - College of Business 78 18
Temple University - Fox School of Business and Management 78 11
The University of Texas at Austin - Red McCombs School of Business 78 16
Colorado State University 77 13
California State University, Fullerton 77 16
Georgia Southern University 77 14
Northern Kentucky University 77 11
The College of New Jersey 77 15
The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business 77 24
University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management 77 12
Penn State University 76 62
Texas Tech University 76 13
University of Missouri-Columbia 76 22
James Madison University 75 22
Georgia State University 75 18
University of Arkansas 75 21
Baruch College 75 50
The Ohio State University 74 27
The University of Texas at Austin 74 14
Temple University 74 21
DePaul University 74 29
Wichita State University 74 15
Michigan State University 73 28
University of North Texas 73 32
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 73 15
University of Pittsburgh 73 14
West Virginia University 73 17
The University of Alabama 73 22
University of Maryland 73 10
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 73 10
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 73 11
Louisiana Tech University 73 10
Marist College 73 11
Southern New Hampshire University 72 18
George Mason University 72 11
Oakland University 72 18
University of Minnesota Duluth 72 10
Ohio University 71 10
The University of Texas at San Antonio 71 26
Oklahoma State University 71 23
University of Oklahoma 71 13
Florida Gulf Coast University 71 13
Villanova University 71 13
University of Missouri-Kansas City 71 10
University of Phoenix 70 25
The University of Georgia 70 20
University of Iowa 70 19
Kennesaw State University 70 13
Cleveland State University 70 14
Arizona State University 69 25
Louisiana State University 69 26
Rowan University 69 14
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 69 14
Ramapo College of New Jersey 69 10
Fairfield University 69 11
The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business 69 16
Kent State University 68 14
California State University, Northridge 68 11
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 68 25
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 68 13
University of Central Florida 67 56
Florida State University 67 58
University of Washington 67 13
The University of Texas at Arlington 67 30
California State University-Northridge 67 13
Monmouth University 67 10
Arkansas State University 67 10
University of Houston 66 23
Texas State University 66 27
Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business 66 12
Bryant University 66 23
The Ohio State University - The Max M. Fisher College of Business 66 10
Washington State University 65 16
Providence College 65 14
Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business 65 13
University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business 65 12
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 64 18
San Diego State University-California State University 64 15
University of Houston-Downtown 64 27
University of Illinois Chicago 64 10
Liberty University 63 17
Grand Valley State University 63 25
University of Cincinnati 63 11
University of South Florida 62 44
North Carolina State University 62 11
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 62 13
University of Kentucky 62 12
Virginia Tech 62 12
San Francisco State University 61 12
Auburn University 60 27
Metropolitan State University of Denver 60 13
University of Louisiana at Lafayette 60 11
Florida International University 59 39
Oregon State University 59 22
University of Maryland University College 59 13
Iowa State University 58 10
University of St. Thomas 58 10
San Jose State University 57 19
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 57 23
Florida Atlantic University 56 30
California State University, Long Beach 55 11
University of Louisville 55 11
California State University-Sacramento 54 10
University of Tampa 52 13
California State University, Chico 49 10
California State University-Fullerton 46 20