AREAS
CORPORATE AND PUBLIC FINANCE
Financial Analysis
Cash Management
Credit Management
Budget Analysis
Investment Management
Investor Relations
Financial Reporting
Payroll
Benefits
Real Estate
Risk Management
EMPLOYERS
Private businesses of all sizes and types
State and local government entities
Federal agencies including: Internal Revenue Service, Treasury Department
Schools and universities
Non-profit organizations
Foundations
Hospitals
STRATEGIES
Complete a related internship. Develop strong computer skills, including spreadsheets,
databases, and presentation software. Sharp analytical skills are crucial in
this industry. Earn an MBA to reach the highest levels of corporate finance.
AREAS
BANKING
Corporate Credit Analysis
Commercial Lending
Trust Management
Capital Services and Mergers & Acquisitions
Mortgage Loans
Originations and Packaging
Branch Management
Operations
Cash Management
Credit Scoring and Risk Management
Private Banking
EMPLOYERS
Commercial banks
Credit unions
Savings and loan associations
Savings banks
Mortgage banks
Captive finance companies
Regulatory agencies including: Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, OTS
STRATEGIES
Develop a solid background in business including marketing and accounting.
Get experience through part-time, summer or internship positions in a financial
service firm. Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills in order
to work well with a diverse clientele.
AREAS
INSURANCE
Claims Analysis
Underwriting
Risk Management
Sales
Actuarial Science
Loss Control
EMPLOYERS
Life insurance firms
Property and casualty insurance firms
Commercial banks
Savings banks
STRATEGIES
Complete an internship with an insurance agency. Talk to professionals in the
industry to learn more about claims, underwriting, and risk management. Many
good, entry-level positions exist in these areas. Initiative and sales ability
are necessary to be a successful agent or broker. Develop strong communication
skills, as many positions require interaction with others and the ability to
explain information clearly and concisely. Take additional statistics classes
to prepare for a career in actuary science. Prepare to take the first in a series
of actuarial examinations.
AREAS
PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING
Sales
Customer Service
Operations
Portfolio Management
EMPLOYERS
Brokerage firms
Trust companies
Financial partnerships
Multi-line insurance firms
Sole practitioners
STRATEGIES
Gain experience in sales. Must be highly motivated and entrepreneurial.
Research how one obtains the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Develop a solid personal network.
AREAS
REAL ESTATE
Residential Brokerage
Commercial Sales
Appraisals
Property Management
Real Estate Portfolio Management
EMPLOYERS
Real estate brokers
Commercial banks
Appraisal firms
Apartment and condominium complexes
Developers
Real estate investment trusts
Mutual funds
STRATEGIES
Obtain sales experience through part-time, summer or internship positions.
Research how to become a real estate broker through the National Association
of Realtors. Develop an entrepreneurial spirit. Research apprenticeships in
appraisal.
AREAS
INVESTMENT BANKING
Corporate Financial Analysis
Mergers and Acquisitions
Equity and Debt
Underwriting
Institutional Bond and Equity Sales
Retail Bond and Equity Sales
Business Valuation
Business Sale Transactions
Currency Trading
Derivatives, e.g. options
Trading
Venture Capital Fund Management
New Venture Analysis
EMPLOYERS
Investment banking firms (Changes in laws have created a fluid situation in
this industry; Mergers and acquisitions continue to take place.)
Financial services firms
Insurance firms (The Gramm Leach Bliley Act of 1999 allowed financial services
firms to acquire or build investment banking subsidiaries and vice versa.)
STRATEGIES
An M.B.A. is required to move beyond the entry-level analyst position in investment
banking. Investment banking is highly competitive. Be prepared to work many
hours of overtime per week, start at the bottom, and pay your dues.
Develop strong analytical and communication skills. Cultivate personal ambitiousness.
Obtain a Series 7 License for both institutional and retail broker sales positions.
Work toward the CFA designation.
AREAS
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Research
Trading
Marketing
Portfolio Management
EMPLOYERS
Portfolio management firms
Commercial banks
Investment banks
Federal Reserve banks
Insurance firms
STRATEGIES
Most positions require an advanced degree in economics, finance or business
and many years of financial experience.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Quantitative skills are extremely important. Take additional courses in math,
statistics, and accounting.
Many positions in finance require the ability to analyze and interpret data.
Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills. Cultivate an eye for detail.
Gain experience through internships, summer and part-time positions.
Read the Wall Street Journal and other financial news magazines to stay abreast of current events and to learn more about the industry.
Join student professional associations in the field of finance.
Several professional designations and licenses, e.g. Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner, are available to finance professionals working in a particular area. Earning these designations may help one obtain advanced positions.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA
/ADEA Employer