Top Things To Do With Your Finance Degree

Working in the finance industry can be a lucrative career with plenty of opportunities. Contrary to what most people believe, there are many things you can do with a business degree in finance. At the undergraduate, MBA and doctorate degree levels, there are plenty of options for everyone seeking to utilize their skill sets.

The first step to deciding, “What should I do with my finance degree?” is to be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. This assessment should include your hard skills and soft skills. At one point, you may even feel like you are a physiology major taking a personality test because you will need to get intimate with yourself. That means, write down what are your strengths at work. Are you a quantitative or qualitative thinking person? Do you work well under pressure? Do you have a tough skin or easily swayed? These types of questions will help you determine what kind of finance jobs and salaries will be a best fit for you.

Without a question, finance salaries can be some of the highest paying jobs on the market. Hedge funds, private equity firms and investment banks lure the most competitive job applicants to get a piece of the action. But, they also operate with highly unique work environments that some people may find too intense or uncomfortable. Also, the culture within many of these banks are equally “unique” and should be carefully considered before diving in head first.

For example, would you fit into a company where 40% of your income depended on the performance of you versus your team members? If so, would you be able to handle daily competition? And, when the time came for bonuses, would you be prepared to end up on the short side of the stick? For most people, probably not.

But, there are many other things to do with a finance degree. Graduates can find employment in corporate companies, financing companies and commercial banks. Here, you will find a wider variety of jobs that cater to an even broader range of skill sets. That means, you can work for companies outside the financial services industry, but still use your educational background. Or, you can work in different roles within the industry like selling unsecured business loans to start ups who are on the brink of the next innovative breakthrough. The possibilities are endless if you are willing to get creative.

So, do not limit yourself to anything. Stick to your strengths and weaknesses. Then, apply away and see where you can make the biggest impact!

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