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First, some facts. Of the Finance graduates from North Dakota 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 80%, Finance graduates from North Dakota State University have a much higher likelihood (+13%) 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 0% 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:
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Relevance score: 80% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2016 from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONBank Examiner North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions Jun 2016 - Jul 2019 Acting Supervising Examiner North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions Jul 2019 - Feb 2021 Supervising Examiner North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions Feb 2021 - May 2021 Credit Officer  Western State Bank May 2021 - Present ABOUTIm an experienced banking professional that has worked in the banking industry for 7 years in different roles. I investigate, evaluate, and underwrite large dollar loan transactions, which mainly includes commercial and commercial real estate requests from $250k to $15 million. Analysis includes in-depth collateral, cash flow, and sponsor/guarantor details. Im well-versed in analyzing capital, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk. I have great experience presenting to high-level executives and writing full reports of examination. I have conducted numerous credit reviews at many different institutions. The reviews include analyzing the collateral position of the borrower, their ability to service debt through financial statement analysis, and determining if credit underwriting and administration is appropriate.My supervising experience has proven that good communication and strong relationships provide a great environment to work in. Please reach out if youre interested in learning more! |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job titles of graduates from North Dakota State University who earned a degree in Finance, it's clear that a significant number of them have stepped into roles that are closely tied to financial services. Many alumni have landed positions in banks and financial institutions, such as Loan Officers, Credit Officers, and Bank Examiners. These roles involve concrete financial responsibilities like evaluating loans, overseeing payments, and managing financial regulations, which directly make use of the skills learned in their finance studies. For example, positions like Assistant Vice President or First Vice President in banks highlight advanced financial expertise, which is definitely a good fit for someone with a finance degree.
However, not every job aligns perfectly with a finance background. Some grads have taken on roles like Merchandise Planner or Business Development Representative, which, while they may include a sprinkle of financial know-how, don’t necessitate the deeper financial insights typically associated with a finance degree. Additionally, some graduates have even had positions like Housekeeping Helper that seem far removed from their education altogether. Overall, while many jobs are certainly relevant to finance, there’s a mix of positions that are not fully utilizing the financial concepts from their studies. It’s a varied landscape, showing both the demand for finance experts and the broader possibilities that exist beyond strictly financial roles.
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 North Dakota State University):
Graduates from North Dakota State University (NDSU) with a degree in Finance generally follow a path that keeps them fairly aligned with the finance industry. For many, their first jobs after graduation often land them in roles like mortgage specialists or credit assistants, which are great entry points into the banking and finance world. A notable trend is that by around five years out, many of these individuals tend to climb the ladder into positions such as supervisors, analysts, or even managerial roles within financial institutions. For example, someone who started as a mortgage specialist may find themselves as a first vice president or a credit officer a few years later.
Looking at the longer trajectory of about ten years post-graduation, several graduates have moved into high-level positions like Chief Financial Officers or have become comptrollers at various organizations. It’s clear that the finance program at NDSU prepares its students well for a variety of roles that are not only relevant to finance but also offer solid opportunities for career advancement. While there are a few exceptions, such as those who’ve shifted to roles that seem less related to finance, such as marketing or customer service, the majority seem to be thriving in paths that build on their finance education. Overall, it looks like these graduates generally do well in their careers, maintaining a strong presence in the finance world.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at North Dakota State University (or anywhere, really) can be a mixed bag—it really depends on your strengths and interests. Finance programs generally cover a lot of ground, like investments, financial markets, and risk management, which can be pretty challenging if numbers and analysis aren’t your thing. But if you’re into math and enjoy digging into data, it might feel more like a fun puzzle than a headache. NDSU's program is likely on par with what you'd find at other universities, so while it might not be super easy, with some organization and determination, you'll probably do just fine!
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 North Dakota State University, it seems like many of them are on solid financial paths, especially those who landed roles in banks and financial institutions early in their careers. For example, the graduate who became a First Vice President at a bank in New York probably earns a really good salary, while the one who moved up through the ranks at the Air National Guard to become a Comptroller likely has a decent paycheck too. Others, like the Credit Officers and Analysts, are also likely making good money as they gain experience. That said, not everyone has had a meteoric rise; some switched jobs frequently or started in lower-paying positions, but it looks like they’re gradually advancing. Overall, it’s fair to say that most of these grads are well-positioned to earn a decent living, especially as they gain more experience in the finance field.
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 North Dakota State University). 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:
