If you have chosen finance as your area of postsecondary study, you have made a strong decision. What is the study of finance all about? Finance is all about the study and discipline of money, and how it is produced, distributed and consumed. Finance is a broad subject that touches into so many different areas: business, law, politics, mathematics and economics, just to name a few. Money is involved in nearly every aspect of daily life, so you can expect an academic background in finance to help you become successful in a variety different fields.
It’s no secret that business professionals and executives spend years in training and getting the right work experience. Learn how many years it takes to get started in the Finance sector.
The Best Reasons to Study Finance
What makes studying finance so attractive? Let's take a quick look.
1. Enjoy a Financially Rewarding Career
The first and perhaps most obvious reason is the prospect of having a high-salaried career. Yes, finance professionals are known for being able to generate above average income, especially if you can develop the knowledge and savvy to be successful in areas like investing, hedge funds, or venture capital. If the private sector does not interest you, finance jobs are also available in public institutions, government, schools, and other non-profit organizations.
2. Apply Your Math Skills
Secondly, finance is a great area to apply your mathematics and problem solving skills in a practical way. Mathematics is fundamental to finance, and if you are looking to pair your mathematics degree with another major, finance can be an ideal option. Those that love working with spreadsheets can see their findings come to life with actionable insights and key decision making information. Some interesting careers for math savvy finance grads include actuarial sciences, risk management, and securities.
3. Work in a Fast-Paced, Constantly Evolving Field
As you mature in your career, it's not hard to feel bored or stuck, especially after the first 7-10 years. Those that work in finance, however, have a skill set that makes it easy to transfer into new and exciting industries. You can start in an area like traditional mutual funds, for example, and continue learning in an area like tech or bitcoin. You can work in the hustle of the trading floor, enjoy the thrill of investing in futures, or be part of a team that organizes mergers and acquisitions. Finance can be one of the most exciting areas to work in!
4. A Finance Degree is Impressive on a Resume
When you head into the workforce, you will want a resume that stands out from the crowd. Having a finance or business related degree can do wonders for your attractiveness as a job candidate. If you are applying in public sector or healthcare organizations, having a finance degree demonstrates that you have the background to help the organization thrive. Money is involved in every aspect of the workforce, so even if finance is not your first interest it may support you in getting into the field you are passionate about. Of course, if you apply for a job in a finance related organization like a bank, insurance or investment firm, your finance degree will likely be prerequisite to be considered!
Interested in starting a career in finance? Find out what it takes to work in the financial sector in Canada.
Is Finance a Good Academic and Career Path?
Those that choose to study and pursue careers in finance will be rewarded with many job opportunities on top of an interesting academic pathway. To work in finance in Canada, it is important to have the right qualifications in place from respected business schools. Here is a list of some of the qualifications and degrees you can earn in business schools.
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Finance Major (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science)
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Finance
- Masters of Financial Insurance
- Personal Financial Planner
- Certificate in Financial Services Advice
- Certificate in Advanced Financial Advice
- Canadian Securities Course for Investors
Some of the Top Finance Jobs
The types of finance jobs you can access will depend on multiple factors: your academic training, certifications, degrees, and your personal and professional social network. Location can also be a factor, with many careers located in large, urban centers like Toronto or New York. The following finance jobs will typically require a university degree or master's degree.
- Actuary
- Bond Trader
- Business Administrator
- Comptroller
- Corporate Banker
- Equity Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Investment Portfolio Manager
- Public Accountant
- Statistician
- Underwriter
Will I take an Investing Course in Business School?
Finance programs, particularly at the master's level, will help you learn about financial topics including investing. Such courses prepare you for the work of managing the wealth and assets of companies and individuals. You will study financial analysis, valuation models and forecasting.
However, finance is not just about investing. It is also about managing organizations, motivating others, and making sound decisions.
What kind of salary can you expect to make as a finance major? The answer might surprise you.
Where Can I Find Tutoring for my Finance Program
In an area of study as competitive as finance, and with the top business schools demanding incredibly high tuition rates, you would be smart to make the most of your learning. One of the best ways to maximize your educational experience is to hire a tutor to help you through your programs.
A private tutor can help you by reviewing new learning with you regularly, walking you through unfamiliar concepts and scenarios. They can provide valuable feedback on your work, and see that your calculations are accurate or that you are communicating ideas as effectively as possible. If math isn't your strong suit, a tutor can do the important work of filling gaps in knowledge or reviewing mathematical concepts you may have had trouble with the first time around in high school or your undergraduate years.
Finding a tutor for your finance program is easy thanks to Superprof Canada. You can browse through plenty of finance tutors near you who have been through similar programs or even have careers in the field. To find the right tutor for you, simply use the search tool on the site and you can easily read through the backgrounds of qualified tutors. Why wait to accelerate your learning? Find a tutor on Superprof today.
There are so many career pathways you can take in finance. Learn all about the finance careers Canadian graduates are choosing.
What are the Best Paying Jobs in Finance?
Keep in mind that having a degree in finance will not automatically secure you a high paying job right after graduation. In fact, many people that work in the field will tell you that starting a career in finance starts with long hours at the office, and years learning the ropes of a specific industry.
As with any career, there are factors that impact your pathway that you may not always be able to control. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time, knowing the right people, or being at a particular place in your life can make all the difference in the trajectory of your career. What you earn will also be impacted by the cost of living where you reside, the lifestyle choices you make for yourself personally, and the value of the currency in the country you live.
That being said, you can generally count on being able to access a steady career in finance. In some moments, the job market can be volatile but you will likely always have the credentials and background to find new work when needed. You can work in a large bank or institution and work your way through the ranks, raising your salary as you increase your expertise. If you want more variety, you might choose to work in the private sector and change roles when you are ready for a new challenge or looking to raise your income level.
Here is a list of some of the most top paying jobs in finance for new graduates.
- Financial Manager
- Personal Finance Advisor
- Management Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Examiner
- Budget Analyst
- Accountant
- Loan Officer
What do Finance Jobs Pay?
Finance jobs will vary in terms of salary, depending on the company, location, and the level of education and expertise you bring in. Typically, you can expect to earn at least $60,000 but that number can increase to over $200,000 with the right career. With your own expertise, you can also make money investing your own savings, which is a big bonus to having a background in finance.
Finance professionals need a unique skill set for success. Find out what it takes to work in the Canadian finance sector.
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