First, some facts. Of the Finance graduates from University of Phoenix 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 25 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Finance graduates from University of Phoenix have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) 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 32% 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: 25%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLead Securities Lending AnalystFidelity Investments Sep 2013 - Mar 2016 Manager - Project/Process Management Officer Fidelity Investments Mar 2016 - Nov 2018 Program Manager Fidelity Investments Nov 2018 - Dec 2021 Sr. Program Manager, Talent Acquisition Fidelity Investments Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 Director Career Programs Fidelity Investments Jan 2022 - Mar 2024 Director Enterprise Program Management Fidelity Investments Dec 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Business AdministrationUniversity of Phoenix 2012 - 2013 ABOUTI support Fidelitys Talent Development and Learning organization as a member of the Career Programs Team. I have responsibility for the development and execution of our Intern Program Experience for Fidelity's 1000+ summer interns, and the Belong Suite of Inclusion programs which includes early and mid-career programs that are focused on intentionally creating opportunities for top talent across multiple dimensions of diversity. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After looking through all these profiles, it seems like a mix of finance-related and non-finance jobs pop up for graduates from University of Phoenix with a degree in Finance. Many graduates have landed roles directly in finance, like Financial Analysts or Credit Managers, where they really get to use the skills they learned in school. These positions involve lots of number crunching, budgeting, or advising clients on financial matters. The connection is pretty clear in jobs like Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual or as a Credit Manager, where financial expertise is a must.
However, there are quite a few graduates who have taken on roles that don't utilize their finance degree as much. For instance, jobs in retail management, marketing, or even insurance seem to require just a sprinkle of financial knowledge but often focus more on operational or customer service skills. While these positions may benefit from a business or finance background, they're not primarily finance-related. So, in a nutshell, while many grads are using their finance degree in relevant jobs, there are also a good number who are in roles where that degree doesn’t come into play as much, reflecting a broad range of career paths outside traditional finance 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 University of Phoenix):
When looking at the career trajectories of University of Phoenix graduates with a degree in Finance, it's clear that they have taken varied paths after graduation. Many seem to have landed roles that align with their education, especially early on. For instance, several graduates started as financial analysts, branch managers, or credit managers shortly after completing their degree. These positions suggest a positive start, with many entering fields closely related to Finance, which is a great sign for prospective students looking at this degree. However, there are a few who pivoted towards roles in retail management or customer service, which may not utilize their Finance training as effectively.
Fast forward five or ten years down the road, and we see a mixed bag of outcomes. Some graduates have advanced significantly within the financial services sector, moving up to senior leadership roles like director or vice president at established firms. Others have shifted into operations or project management roles, showcasing an ability to adapt their skills but sometimes straying further from a strict finance focus. On the flip side, a number of individuals are still in roles that don't scream ‘Finance,’ like management support or operations positions in unrelated industries. Overall, while many alumni have progressed into commendable finance-related careers, there is a sizable portion whose paths have diverged from their degree's core focus, which might indicate that the degree's utility can vary widely based on individual choices and market dynamics.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, whether at the University of Phoenix or anywhere else, is kind of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s definitely more challenging than some degrees, especially if you're not great at math or analytical thinking. You’ll have to dive into things like investment strategies, market analysis, and financial modeling, which can feel a bit intense. That said, the University of Phoenix is known for a more flexible and accommodating approach, so if you stay organized and put in the effort, you might find it manageable. Overall, it’s a solid challenge, but with the right mindset and motivation, you can definitely handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Finance.
Looking at the job histories of these Finance graduates from the University of Phoenix, it seems like some of them have landed pretty decent gigs, while others might be struggling a bit. For example, roles like Senior Credit Manager, AVP/Branch Manager, and Controller usually come with solid salaries, indicating that those graduates are likely doing well financially. On the flip side, some folks are still in lower-paying positions like part-time roles at stores or positions that don’t quite capitalize on their degree. So overall, it’s a mixed bag—some are definitely on the right track, while others might not be raking in the big bucks just yet!
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 University of Phoenix). 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: