Benefits of a Finance Degree: Why Major in Finance? - Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C. (2024)

Table of Contents
  1. Benefits of a Finance Degree
    1. 1. In-demand skills
    2. 2. Career growth
    3. 3. High salaries
    4. 4. Job opportunities
  2. How Hard Is a Finance Degree Program?
  3. Is a Career in Finance Right for Me?
  4. The Bottom Line
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
    1. Why major in finance?
    2. Is a finance degree only for those who excel in mathematics?
    3. What soft skills can I develop in a finance degree program?
    4. Are there job opportunities in finance for entry-level positions?
    5. What are some of the best job options with a finance degree?
    6. Is a finance degree program extremely challenging?
    7. Can I enter the finance industry without prior experience or knowledge in finance?
    8. What makes a career in finance rewarding?

If you are wondering, “Why major in Finance?” you are at the right place. Finance is an interesting and extensive field. If, when thinking about working with stocks, bonds, financial markets, and other investment vehicles, you get excited, then a career in finance is probably the right one for you.

Nevertheless,that’s not the only reason why you would want to hold down a job in finance.Read on to find out how you can benefit from adegree in Financeand what you need to advance in the field.

Benefits of a Finance Degree

Benefits of a Finance Degree: Why Major in Finance? - Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C. (1)

A finance degree is a good way to earn yourself a successful job and build a career. By getting such a degree, you can enter the finance world and grow steadily within the industry. However, it’s a “high-stakes” career, given that no one will trust their finances easily to just anybody.

A finance program is one that you can benefit a lot from. Here are a few finance advantages to look forward to.

1. In-demand skills

A finance program helps students develop finance skills that will serve them in their future finance jobs. You will get to learn all about data analysis, capital allocation, investment strategy, and risk management.

The fun doesn’t stop at technical skills, though. By being part of such a program, you will also get to cultivate soft skills like collaboration, adaptability, communication, and many others.

2. Career growth

Given that the estimated job growth for finance is higher than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a lot of potential for career advancement in the field.

There is also the possibility of working in a wide variety of jobs. Some workplaces where you can work include financial planning consultancies, the SEC, Wall Street, among many others.

3. High salaries

Why major in Finance? A lucrative job. Having a high salary is very common if you work in the finance field, even for some entry-level finance positions. For instance, the average salary of a financial analyst is somewhere around $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Even for entry-level jobs, the average is somewhere around $60,830.

Loving your job is always important, but having a stable income is also high up on the list. So, you can rest assured that you will have a well-above-average paycheck to cash with a job in finance.

4. Job opportunities

A professional with an academic background in finance can apply their knowledge to a broad range of jobs in almost any industry. That being said, you will need a unique set of skills and interests for any finance role you plan to assume. Some of the best jobs you can get with a finance degree include:

  • Financial Planner
  • Financial Analyst
  • Investor Relations Associate
  • Budget Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Credit Analyst
  • Commercial Real Estate Agent

How Hard Is a Finance Degree Program?

Benefits of a Finance Degree: Why Major in Finance? - Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C. (2)

How difficult a finance degree program is, depends on what your strengths are and how much work you have to put in. Finance got its reputation for being a hard major because many people assume it’s all math.

While a fraction of this belief is true, and finance does deal with numbers, the math implicated is not something that cannot be learned by anyone with a bit of background in working with numbers.

However, technical skills are not all it takes to make it in finance. You will also need a strong work ethic, persistence, and love for the field. If you possess these qualities, it won’t be a walk in the park, but you will find that it will be over sooner than you imagined, and you will have a whole new set of abilities by the end of it.

Is a Career in Finance Right for Me?

If you find that you’re an ambitious person with good analytical skills and willing to put the work in, it definitely is. Even if you’re not 100% there yet, you can still learn many of the said skills during your time at a university.

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However, you need to prepare yourself for years of hard work and train your willpower to go through with it. In the end, a finance program will turn out very rewarding. You can expect a stable income and many job opportunities in the industry of your choice.

The Bottom Line

Having a career in finance can be both fun and beneficial. The benefits of a finance degree are numerous, be that the high salary that comes with it, the academic growth, and a high number of career advancement opportunities.

If you see yourself in the finance industry and think you have what it takes to make it in it, you can enroll in our Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Finance program, and start from there!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why major in finance?

Choosing a major in finance can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in various industries. It equips you with the knowledge of financial management, investment strategies, and risk assessment, which are crucial skills in today’s business world. Additionally, finance majors typically earn higher salaries and have a promising job outlook.

Is a finance degree only for those who excel in mathematics?

While mathematics is a finance component, advanced math skills aren’t a strict requirement. Anyone with a basic background in working with numbers and a willingness to learn can succeed in a finance degree program.

What soft skills can I develop in a finance degree program?

In addition to technical skills, a finance program helps you cultivate soft skills like collaboration, adaptability, communication, and critical thinking. These skills are essential for success in the finance industry.

Are there job opportunities in finance for entry-level positions?

Yes, there are entry-level positions in finance with competitive salaries. For example, financial analysts earn an average of $60,850 even at the entry-level, offering a stable income.

What are some of the best job options with a finance degree?

A finance degree opens up various career paths, including roles like Financial Planner, Financial Analyst, Investor Relations Associate, Budget Analyst, Actuary, Credit Analyst, and Commercial Real Estate Agent.

Is a finance degree program extremely challenging?

The difficulty of a finance degree program depends on your strengths and work ethic. While finance involves math, it’s manageable. You can succeed in a finance program with dedication, persistence, and a love for the field.

Can I enter the finance industry without prior experience or knowledge in finance?

Yes, you can enter the finance industry without prior experience. Many universities offer introductory courses and resources to help students build a foundation in finance. Your willingness to learn and work hard is crucial for success.

What makes a career in finance rewarding?

A career in finance offers rewards such as high salaries, job security, and numerous advancement opportunities. It’s also intellectually stimulating and allows you to apply your financial knowledge across various industries, making it both financially and personally fulfilling.

Benefits of a Finance Degree: Why Major in Finance? - Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C. (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of a Finance Degree: Why Major in Finance? - Bay Atlantic University - Washington, D.C.? ›

A finance degree will give you a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, investments, and financial management. You learn to analyze financial data, read financial statements, and make informed investment decisions. You also dive into financial accounting, economics, statistics, and risk management topics.

Why did you choose to major in finance? ›

A finance degree can open doors to a broad range of dynamic professional opportunities — often with high earning potential in diverse industries. Finance majors learn fundamental business skills that can translate to careers in a variety of organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

How beneficial is a finance degree? ›

A finance degree is a good way to earn yourself a successful job and build a career. By getting such a degree, you can enter the finance world and grow steadily within the industry. However, it's a “high-stakes” career, given that no one will trust their finances easily to just anybody.

Why do you want to study finance in university? ›

Finance encompasses the management of money at the personal, corporate and public levels. Students learn the big picture of business and can prepare for careers ranging from financial adviser to investment banker.

What is exciting about a career in finance? ›

Finance degree jobs can provide relatively high pay, stability, opportunities for advancement and consistent demand projections. Careers in finance may also offer flexibility for employees by allowing them to work remotely or in hybrid environments.

How do you answer why did you choose finance? ›

"I chose finance because I've always been fascinated by the world of numbers and money management. I believe finance plays a crucial role in every aspect of business, and I wanted to be a part of the decision-making process that drives a company's success.

Why did you choose the major that you selected? ›

Detail your reasoning and goals. It's not enough to express your passion for a particular subject. You also want to describe your goals and explain how majoring in your chosen field will help you achieve them.

What is it like to major in finance? ›

In a finance major degree program, you study financial theories and how they apply in the business world to help companies and individuals make and manage money. You practice using mathematical concepts, statistics, and analytical tools to solve problems and make decisions.

Why a finance degree is better than accounting? ›

Finance professionals deal with aspects such as return on investment (ROI) and risk management, and accountants focus on items such as balance sheets and income statements. The field of finance offers more career choices but also less predictability. In some cases, careers in finance might offer higher pay.

Is finance a happy major? ›

Overall, finance students rate their satisfaction with their degree a 3.1 out of 5.

What do you call someone who studied finance? ›

Financial analyst

As a financial or investment analyst, you'll be employed in gathering and analyzing financial data to guide the investment decisions of your employer, which could be an individual, a non-profit organization, government, or other businesses.

Why should students learn about finance? ›

Students can better manage their money, avoid common financial pitfalls, and plan for long-term goals, ultimately setting a foundation for a more prosperous and independent future. It also fosters responsible financial behaviors and helps students contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.

What are the benefits of studying banking and finance? ›

Multiple career options: Studying banking and finance opens up avenues to work in different sectors such as banking, consulting, insurance, broking, and fund management. An individual with a certificate course in banking and finance can take up jobs in MNCs, financial markets and work with the government.

Why do people love working in finance? ›

Working in finance offers deep involvement in a company's future growth, providing high levels of job satisfaction due to: Close involvement in management: The finance department plays a central role in shaping a company's future through funding and budget management, offering significant satisfaction and achievement.

Why did I choose finance specialization? ›

It provides a wide range of opportunities in various fields, including insurance, banking, investment, and the stock market. The MBA in Finance is currently a well-known and favoured career option for people worldwide. An MBA in Finance can help you develop and improve your leadership, creativity, and other talents.

What are some interesting things about finance? ›

Here are some interesting facts about money and its lifespan:
  • A $100 bill lasts about 22.9 years.
  • A $50 bill lasts 12.2 years.
  • A $20 lasts 7.8 years.
  • A $10 bill lasts 5.3 years.
  • A $5 lasts about 4.7 years.
  • A $1 bill lasts about 6.6 years.
Mar 1, 2023

Why are you considering a career in finance? ›

Example answers

'Working in finance gives me a chance to learn from experienced professionals. Given this employer's experience and reputation, I know it might provide me with great growth opportunities, which I plan to use to support both the organisation's day-to-day operations and its long-term goals.

Why choose economics and finance major? ›

When pursuing economics, you will not be confined to studying the economy of one group of people, one company, or one country. Instead, with this degree, you will have an international perspective and better understand the financial issues of people living in other countries.

Why do you want to study finance personal statement? ›

My decision to apply for a degree course in Accounting and Finance stems from my research in the college library and my career aspiration to become a chartered accountant. I particularly enjoy administrative work, numerical and statistical exercises, and opportunities to work with others as a team...

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