First, some facts. Of the Finance graduates from California State University, Chico 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Finance graduates from California State University, Chico have a much lower likelihood (-18%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 10% 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:
Relevance score: 75%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2020 from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONProgram Operations AnalystSanta Barbara Tax Product Group of Green Dot Corporation Nov 2020 - Apr 2021 Program Data Analyst Solar Turbines May 2021 - Apr 2023 Sr Supply Chain Coordinator Solar Turbines Mar 2023 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the jobs that folks with a Finance degree from California State University, Chico have landed, there's a mix between roles that are directly related to finance and those that veer off into different territories. From Financial Advisors to roles at banks, many graduates have indeed snagged positions that heavily rely on their finance education, making those jobs quite relevant. For instance, Financial Advisors and Financial Representatives are among the most common jobs listed, and they require a solid understanding of financial principles and investment strategies, which are definitely skills honed during their studies.
However, not all of the roles are on the money, so to speak. Several graduates have ended up in service-oriented positions—like bartending or managing bars—which don’t really engage their finance background at all. In general, while many graduates have pursued careers that align well with their degree, there's a notable chunk who’ve found themselves in jobs that are either only tangentially related or entirely disconnected from finance. Overall, if you're aiming for a career strictly in finance, it looks like you might be playing it pretty safe by focusing on roles that require that specific expertise, while other paths can lead you away from that track altogether.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Finance graduates (this is across all Finance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California State University, Chico):
The career trajectories for graduates from California State University, Chico with a degree in Finance show a mix of successes and varied paths. Generally, many graduates land their first jobs in finance-related roles shortly after graduation; for instance, graduates from 2015 and 2018 began their careers as Financial Advisors or Associates, showing a clear connection to their studies. Over time, these individuals have advanced into more senior positions like Program Managers and High Net Worth Representatives, which indicates they are building worthwhile careers in finance that are relevant to their degrees. This trend suggests that for those who stick with the finance sector, there are opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
However, not everyone follows this path. Some graduates, particularly those from the 2016 and 2020 batches, have taken on jobs that seem far from the finance field, such as bartending or working in client services. While it’s not necessarily a bad thing if someone finds fulfillment in those roles, it does hint that some may have struggled to align their careers with their finance degree or chose to pivot into different fields altogether. Overall, while many graduates seem to be successfully carving out good careers in finance, there is also a noticeable number who have taken detours, highlighting that the journey is quite varied for Chico graduates.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Finance, whether at California State University, Chico or elsewhere, can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. It tends to be more challenging than some other majors because you'll be dealing with a lot of math, economics, and analytical thinking. Courses cover a range of topics, including accounting, investments, and risk management, which can get pretty intense, especially if numbers aren't your thing. That said, if you're motivated and put in the effort, you can totally handle it. So, while it might not be the easiest degree out there, it's definitely doable with the right mindset and study habits!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Finance.
Looking at these Finance graduates from California State University, Chico, it seems like some have really found their footing and likely made decent money, while others might still be working their way up. The first grad to land roles at big names like Bank of America and now a strategy role shows a solid progression that usually comes with good pay. In contrast, the bartender and server roles don't typically lead to hefty paychecks, so it’s hard to say they’re bringing in the big bucks, even if they probably enjoyed their time. As for those sticking to finance, many of them have climbed through positions in various financial firms, which generally means better salaries over time. So, it looks like a mixed bag overall—some could be making bank, while others are still searching for that financial sweet spot.
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 is across all Finance graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to California State University, Chico). This may or may not be useful:
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: