Graduating from college and entering the workforce is supposed to be an exciting, momentous transition. But with today’s economy and job market, it can feel incredibly daunting. There’s no doubt it’s an uphill battle for most, but one career expert said that new graduates have more agency than they realize if they avoid a few common pitfalls.

Catherine Fisher is a career expert at LinkedIn who has also had a long and distinguished career in communications and public relations. She recently shared some strategies for the daunting task of embarking on a job search after finally tossing that graduate cap in the air.

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Admittedly, it’s tough out there in the job market. Basically, all the data says so, and feeling scared is a reasonable response. But Fisher said that over the course of her long career, which has included a ton of hiring, there are five consistent mistakes she’s seen that new graduates tend to make in their job search — all of which are thankfully easy to avoid or fix.

1. Being too rigid about titles and job types

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If you graduated with a marketing degree, you HAVE to get a job in marketing, right? Well, today’s tight, super competitive market doesn’t work that way. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream job, but staying open-minded can present you with more opportunities.

I made this mistake early in my career, insisting any job outside the entertainment industry was a waste of time. I turned down countless great opportunities, waited tables for years, then finally broke into my chosen field and realized… I kinda hated it. Oops.

Those supposedly “wrong” opportunities surprise you. Fisher mentioned a man she met who was set on being a teacher but jumped at a tech sales opportunity that came his way instead. It’s turned into a lucrative AI career that he loves, despite having nothing to do with his degree field. As Fisher put it, “great careers often start in places you never expected,” so stay flexible and curious.

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2. Downplaying your qualifications

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“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen new grads downplay what they bring to the table, saying things like I know I don’t have much experience…’ in interviews or applications,” Fisher said.

It’s a natural instinct to do this when you’re starting out, especially given all the stereotypes about Gen Z being entitled and arrogant. But the truth is, generally speaking, people treat you how you tell them to treat you. If you go in shrinking yourself, most people are going to follow suit, and move on to the next candidate.

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Most graduates, Fisher said, have “plenty” of applicable experience for the workplace, from group projects and summer jobs to things like student clubs and organizations. She said it all counts, and owning it shows that you have the confidence and competence to be coachable and moldable.

3. Sleeping on AI tools

This one is two-fold. “Reusing the same resume and cover letter for every job might feel efficient, but it’s one of the quickest ways to get overlooked,” Fisher said, and she urged new graduates to use AI tools to streamline the process of tailoring job applications, writing cover letters, and prepping for interviews.

On top of that, studies have shown that having training or certifications in AI tools on your resume is a thing employers are now looking for among young workers. The AI revolution is here, and companies want candidates who know how to leverage it. Many certifications in these tools are available online, and a lot of them are free.

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4. Leading with your major

Fisher said that new graduates tend to make their degree and field of study the sum total of who they are as a person and a professional. But it’s only part of the story. “What do you love doing? Explaining things? Asking smart questions? Keeping projects on track?” Fisher wrote. These are all strengths that can be huge assets in all kinds of fields.

“Start with what you’re good at and curious about,” she recommended, not just what you studied in school. It will help you package yourself into a more holistic picture that will uncover and highlight assets that set you apart from other candidates, and potentially reveal other niches for which you might be a good fit.

5. Taking rejection personally

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This is a natural human response, of course, especially when the noes just keep coming, as they often do these days. But attitude really is everything. That’s neuroscience, not woo, and it’s incredibly easy for these feelings to become self-fulfilling prophecies that gradually cripple your ability to effectively put yourself out there.

Fisher said to always remember: “You only need one yes.” Looking for ways to improve and refine your search and the way you’re packaging yourself is always good, but obsessing about rejection and especially viewing it as failure quickly becomes unproductive. Fisher chalked it all up to one simple piece of advice: “Keep going.” Yes, that’s annoying, but it’s also kind of the essence of most things in life, and it’s often what makes all the difference.

John Sundholm is a writer, editor, and video personality with 20 years of experience in media and entertainment. He covers culture, mental health, and human interest topics.

The field of finance encompasses a variety of jobs that require different skill sets and provide different opportunities. A degree in finance can open doors that lead to successful and lucrative careers.

The average salary for a finance major depends on the position. Broadly, entry-level job salaries can range from around $29,000 to $141,200. Certain mid-level salaries can range from $71,625 to about $131,350. And certain senior-level salaries can range from $67,240 to $203,873, and on into the millions (see more below).

Understanding the different types of positions available can help you zero in on the salaries you seek and plot the career path that’s right for you.

Key Takeaways A finance degree can open up many career paths with different salaries.

Salaries and jobs are influenced by location, education, experience, and industry focus.

Starting jobs like financial analyst or underwriting assistant are common stepping stones into a career in finance.

With growing experience in finance and advanced degrees, such as an MBA, individuals could attain senior positions such as CFO and hedge fund manager.

Entry-Level Positions and Salaries

At the start of a financial career, most individuals enter jobs that build specific skills and provide industry experience. Common entry-level positions include:

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help organizations make smart investment decisions by evaluating financial data, detailing market trends, and reviewing company performance.

They usually support senior analysts by constructing financial models, analyzing reports, and preparing recommendations.

Most financial analysts work in banks, investment firms, and corporate finance departments. Over time, they’ll specialize in specific sectors or types of investments. Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain complex financial matters are important in this role.

The average base salary of an entry-level financial analyst is $72,885. Depending on the specific job, company, and location, the salary range is $37,618 and $141,215.

Risk Management Assistant

Risk management assistants help companies identify and mitigate financial risks, whether from changing market and economic conditions, credit issues, or operational challenges.

They analyze data, prepare risk reports, and recommend strategies to prevent potential losses.

These jobs are critical in banking and insurance, where assessing and managing risk is important to business success. The job can lead to advanced roles such as risk analyst, compliance officer, or chief risk officer (CRO).

The average entry-level salary is $48,396 and ranges from $29,000 to $69,500.

Underwriting Assistant

Underwriting assistants help support the process of evaluating clients to determine whether they qualify for financial products like loans.

In such a capacity, they assist loan officers. They gather and review applications and documents, ensuring that the risk aligns with company policy.

They don’t make the final decisions but help prepare the packages for underwriters, who ultimately assess all information and make the final call. This job can eventually lead to a more advanced underwriting position or risk analyst position.

An entry-level underwriting assistant makes a median salary of $56,345. The salary range is $30,379 to $104,504.

Mid-Level and Senior Positions and Salaries

These are examples of more advanced financial positions people may move into after working for some time.

Senior Financial Analyst

Many entry-level analysts become senior financial analysts. With more experience, senior financial analysts are entrusted with more complex deals, evaluating high-level investment opportunities, and building strategic financial plans.

They are often the go-to advisors for department heads or executive teams, helping guide major decisions with data-driven insight.

In addition to analytical work, senior financial analysts mentor and guide junior financial analysts by offering career advice and reviewing their work.

Senior financial analysts are paid an average base salary of $96,995. The salary ranges from $71,625 to $131,352.

Finance Manager

Finance managers function at a very high level within a company. They make decisions that impact company-wide operations.

Their main task is to ensure the financial stability and growth of the business. Their work includes setting long-term financial goals, analyzing financial performance, overseeing budgets, and ensuring the company meets all regulatory and compliance standards.

Finance managers often lead teams, manage relationships with investors and auditors, and assist in making decisions about large company expenses and investments.

It’s a role that requires many years of experience, a strong skill set, leadership, and sometimes an advanced degree or certificate.

Finance managers earn an average base salary of $117,083. The salary range is $67,240 to $203,873.

Fast Fact You can get a finance job without majoring in finance, as many of the skills are learned on the job. However, it is good to have some related coursework, such as in economics or business management.

Factors Influencing Salary for Finance Majors

There are key factors that influence the earning potential of finance majors. These include.

Education level: Most, if not all, finance jobs require a bachelor’s degree. In addition, completing an internship is usually necessary. While a bachelor’s degree will allow you to enter the finance sector, advancement within the field usually requires a higher degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or a Master of Finance (MSF/MFin) (see the next section for more information).

Most, if not all, finance jobs require a bachelor’s degree. In addition, completing an internship is usually necessary. While a bachelor’s degree will allow you to enter the finance sector, advancement within the field usually requires a higher degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or a Master of Finance (MSF/MFin) (see the next section for more information). Geographic location: While finance jobs can be found almost anywhere, reaching the pinnacle of a career in finance, getting paid the most, and finding the most opportunities will require you to be in well-known cities such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

While finance jobs can be found almost anywhere, reaching the pinnacle of a career in finance, getting paid the most, and finding the most opportunities will require you to be in well-known cities such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Industry focus: There are a vast number of jobs in finance, and they do not pay equally. Working in a mid-level job such as credit risk management pays less than traditional front-office jobs in investment banking or sales and trading. Similarly, roles in private equity or with hedge funds pay a lot more than jobs in retail banking. Understanding specific areas of finance, career opportunities/trajectories, and compensation levels is essential before embarking on a finance career.

There are a vast number of jobs in finance, and they do not pay equally. Working in a mid-level job such as credit risk management pays less than traditional front-office jobs in investment banking or sales and trading. Similarly, roles in private equity or with hedge funds pay a lot more than jobs in retail banking. Understanding specific areas of finance, career opportunities/trajectories, and compensation levels is essential before embarking on a finance career. Experience: The more experience you have, the stronger your profile. For example, having an internship under your belt before graduating from a college or university will give you a leg up when it comes to getting hired. Similarly, the more time you’ve spent working, the deals you’ve worked on, and the successful trades you’ve made will affect how your career and salary progress.

Impact of Advanced Degrees on Salary

There are various advanced degrees for individuals who seek to increase their knowledge of finance so as to attain more senior positions.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, having an advanced degree compared to just a bachelor’s degree meant median weekly earnings of $2,261 vs. $1,770 for men and $1,703 vs. $1,344 for women.

Two of these advanced degrees are:

Master of Finance (MFin): A Master of Finance provides candidates with a deeper understanding of financial theories, quantitative methods, and market structures. Graduates can find senior-level jobs in quantitative analytics, investment management, and financial planning.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA is highly sought by those in business and finance. It offers a broad business education in areas like management, marketing, and operations, in addition to finance.

A 2024 study shows that you can expect an increase of 60% in your salary after attaining your MBA. MBA grads earn a median starting salary of $120,000 versus $70,000 for those with a bachelor’s degree.

The average MBA graduate makes $4.1 million in their lifetime.

High-Paying Finance Careers

Some finance jobs pay extremely high salaries. They include:

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): The CFO of a firm is responsible for all of the financial aspects of a company. These can include financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, financial analysis, complying with legal standards, and more. The median salaries for CFOs in the U.S. range between $300,000 and $450,000, with total compensation packages exceeding $1 million.

Investment Banker: Investment bankers help companies go public, usually through IPOs, and are responsible for advising and structuring such deals. They are also involved in completing mergers and acquisitions. Compensation varies widely, but total compensation for a managing director at an investment banking firm ranges from $800,000 to $1.6 million.

Hedge Fund Manager: Hedge fund managers run hedge funds, which are investment vehicles for the very rich and which use unique investment strategies to beat market returns. A portfolio manager at a hedge fund can earn between $500,000 and $3 million.

The Bottom Line

The field of finance offers a wide range of career paths, each with different functions, responsibilities, skill sets, and salary potential.

From entry-level roles like financial analysts and underwriting assistants to senior positions like CFOs and hedge fund managers, salaries are impacted by experience, location, and education.

Finance can be a challenging yet rewarding career for those adept at navigating the industry.

There are ways to make money without a traditional job. Some people earn with flexible side gigs or freelance work, or by monetizing their hobbies.

Whether you’re a student, an entrepreneur or unemployed, we’ve got you covered with alternative ways to make money without a job.

Nerdy takeaways:

It’s possible to make money without a traditional 9-to-5, but it will take time, effort and sometimes investment in equipment.

You may already possess skills that you can monetize.

In addition to exploring ways to earn, also take a look at your living expenses to see where you can cut or seek ways to lower your bills.

1. Participate in paid market research

Paid market research allows companies like Usertesting.com, for example, to pay participants to express their opinion on everyday items, services, brands, apps and websites. It can include taking surveys for money, participating in focus groups and taking part in medical research (being paid to give an opinion on or to help test medicine or treatments).

Opportunities differ in the amount of pay you receive — some pay participants with a point system, an hourly rate or in gift cards.

» Learn more about how to make money

2. Become a virtual assistant

Individuals, groups and businesses often need administrative support. A virtual assistant helps businesses with day-to-day tasks like email management, bookkeeping and social media from a remote location.

The average pay in 2025 for virtual assistants in the United States is about $27.47 per hour, according to job site Indeed.com.

3. Transcribe audio and video

Transcriptionists convert audio and video recordings into written documentation. There are usually typing tests and recommended typing speeds, and a decent budget laptop will help. Also keep in mind that some training may be required for certain types of tasks, like legal or medical transcribing.

The average pay for a transcriptionist is about $23.29 per hour, according to Indeed.com.

4. Sell stuff online

The first step is deciding what to sell — do you have vintage clothes, electronics or furniture no longer in use? Next comes determining the best site to use for selling. Read up on sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy.

5. Housesit

Housesitting can involve keeping a house clean and organized, taking care of pets, watering plants, bringing in mail and packages, etc.

Advantages are having flexible hours, choosing your own clients and setting your own rates. You can choose to house sit in your neighborhood, city or anywhere in the world, sometimes with free travel accommodations.

Check out websites like housesitter.com and housesittersamerica.com, but be aware that some sites charge a fee to use their platforms for finding jobs. And some house-sitting platforms focus on free accommodations in places where you want to travel, rather than paid gigs.

6. Write online reviews

Many companies that sell a product or service may pay users for feedback or reviews. Some websites pay for reviews and surveys with cash or a check upfront. Other sites have users generate points per survey completed and redeem those points for cash, checks, gift cards or prizes.

7. Start a blog

Once you begin writing quality content, you can use advertising, affiliate marketing, courses, e-books and more to profit from your blog. It’s likely you’ll have to build your audience significantly before you’re able to make money blogging.

8. Game on Twitch

Gamers can make money by playing video games on Twitch, the world’s leading livestream platform, but success and earnings vary. Check out this article to learn how to make money on Twitch.

9. Sell photography

Turn your hobby or talent for photography into income by selling your images to stock photography websites and freelance marketplaces like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Upwork and Fiverr. You can also use your portfolio to gain clients without the use of third-party websites.

If you don’t have access to a camera, consider using your phone and investing in editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

10. Pet sit

Pet sitting can make a good side hustle for college students or anyone else looking for flexible hours and rates. To get started, sign up with a pet-sitting service, such as Rover or Fetch! Pet Care. Or, you can begin watching pets in your neighborhood and grow a business through referrals. The average income for a pet sitter is about $16.44 per hour, according to Indeed.com.

11. Do freelance work

If you’ve got a skill or interest, such as writing, graphic design or coding, you can be a freelancer. You might also learn to use generative artificial intelligence tools, which can help you make money by creating or editing AI content, or teaching others how to use AI tools.

Freelancers can use Fiverr and Upwork, online marketplaces for freelance services, to advertise or create a personal website and market services using social media, email and word of mouth.

The average hourly pay of a freelancer is about $26.86, according to Indeed.com. But keep in mind that freelancer salaries vary depending on industry, clientele, schedule, economic market and more.

12. Create a podcast

Starting a podcast can be a fun way of making money. A January 2023 survey by Edison Research found 42% of Americans age 12 or older had listened to a podcast in the last month, up from 38% in 2022.

13. Become a rideshare or delivery driver

If you have the time in your schedule and love interacting with people, consider signing up through a rideshare company. Read more on how to become an Uber or Lyft driver. Also, research smaller rideshare companies like Via. Similarly, you can make money delivering food as an Uber Eats or DoorDash driver.

The pay for drivers differs by location, and expenses will cut into earnings. (See how NerdWallet writer Tommy Tindall fared when testing how much DoorDash pays.) And to compare rideshare drivers’ salaries by area, visit Indeed.com.

14. Tutor

If you’re knowledgeable on specific subjects, tutoring can be a great way to make money.

You can explore the different approaches and learn how to start a tutoring business. Options include through a franchise or a school, or teaching in your home. According to Indeed, the average salary for a tutor is about $25.87 per hour in the U.S.

15. Rent out items

You can rent out clothes, cars, homes, spare bedrooms, furniture, instruments, storage, tech equipment and other items. Particular websites often cater to a specific type of rental. A platform like KitSplit would be great for those renting out camera gear, while Vrbo could be best for someone renting their home. Also check out general websites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.

16. Use cash back apps

Who can say no to earning cash back for spending money? There are several coupon and cash back apps that allow you to link your debit card, bank account, or Venmo and Paypal accounts and then earn back a percentage of your purchases at select retailers. Sometimes you earn points that can then be converted for cash or gift cards.

17. Sell your gift cards

If you’ve received gift cards that aren’t of use to you, there are options to cash them in for real money or sell them. Gift card exchange sites like CardCash may give you up to 92% of your card’s value in cold hard cash.

18. Help out your neighbors

For decades, higher education has been regarded as the key to career success and financial security. But as industries have evolved and employers have started seeking candidates with a diverse skill set beyond just academic qualifications, a college degree alone doesn’t guarantee a high-paying job.

That doesn’t mean a degree isn’t valuable in this economy; however, the combination of relevant skills and experience truly sets candidates apart, allowing them to secure a brighter career future.

Key Takeaways Employers still appreciate candidates with a college degree, but they have become more focused on skills-based hiring,

Job seekers should consider things like upskilling, reskilling, certifications, boot camps, and additional training to stand out to employers.

Higher-paying jobs are possible without a degree, but you’ll need the appropriate experience, training, and certifications.

Why Your College Degree Might Not Be Enough

As the job market becomes more competitive, the hiring decision often comes down to education vs. experience, with employers believing that the ideal candidate is someone with a bit more to offer than academic experience.

“Plenty of employers are moving toward skills-based hiring, which can be helpful for job seekers in this competitive market. That isn’t to say a degree isn’t helpful, but it may no longer be a requirement for many jobs and is less likely to be the deciding factor,” said Christian Lovell, certified career coach and founder of Careers by Chris.

By 2031, nearly 70% of jobs will require some form of postsecondary education. But this doesn’t necessarily mean a four-year degree is the only path to success, especially depending on the field you work in. Between the two economies—managerial and professional economy and blue-collar and skilled trades economy—postsecondary education will often be required for job seekers in the managerial and professional economy, which consists of jobs in areas like STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), education, and healthcare.

Skills and Training That Employers Are Looking for Beyond a College Degree

While a college degree provides foundational knowledge, many roles now demand a combination of hard skills, soft skills, and hands-on experience.

“In today’s job market, hard skills and technical expertise are definitely important, but soft skills can be equally as important, especially in management roles. Employers are looking for skills like communication, adaptability, problem solving, the ability to lead and influence without a formal title, and other soft skills—which can be hard to convey on a resume,” Lovell said.

According to a 2024 LinkedIn survey, the most desirable skills that employers are seeking are communication, customer service, leadership, project management, management, analytics, teamwork, problem solving, and research.

As employers have shifted their focus to skills-based hiring, attitudes toward the necessity of a college degree have also shifted among those in the workforce, with 49% of Americans viewing them as less important than they were 20 years ago and 34% believing it’s possible to secure a well-paying job without a degree. Data also shows that salaries over the years have increased for young adults ages 25 to 34 without a college, while poverty has decreased across this demographic.

“Many companies hiring for project managers don’t require a degree. Instead, they might be looking for specific skills and experience such as stakeholder management, budget management, and cost management. It’s also a great career path for those without a traditional college degree because there are tons of courses to learn related hard skills and relevant certifications like CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) for those who have zero project-based experience,” Lovell said.

The average salary for a project manager position is $90,942, but it’s possible to earn over $100,000 in this role. And the field is expected to grow 7% by 2033.

“There are other high-paying careers that a job seeker can land with experience, certifications, or boot camps and don’t necessarily require a specific degree, like cybersecurity or UX,” Lovell said.

What to Do If Your College Degree Isn’t Enough

For those who feel that their degree might not be enough for employers, there are several actionable steps to take toward securing a job offer.

Upskilling : Completing online courses, attending boot camps, and earning certifications can help boost your resume and make up for any gaps in your current knowledge and skill set.

: Completing online courses, attending boot camps, and earning certifications can help boost your resume and make up for any gaps in your current knowledge and skill set. Reskilling: Learning new skills to adapt to changes in the job market, technology, or career goals is a smart way to get noticed by employers.

“If you don’t have any of the key skills, look for ways to learn and use them. There are countless low-cost or free courses online that can help you learn job-related skills. Then, take it a step further and try to apply the skills in your current job—you can even take on a ‘stretch’ assignment if you have the capacity,” Lovell said.

Internships, volunteering, and freelancing : Gain practical experience in your desired field to build up a strong portfolio that demonstrates your skills.

: Gain practical experience in your desired field to build up a strong portfolio that demonstrates your skills. Networking: Attend industry events, engage in online communities, and reach out to professionals in your field to increase your chances of landing your desired role.

“Networking is one of the best ways to land a new job in this competitive market. Having a referral or connection can get you a lot further than a cold application, so building relationships—and letting your network know that you are trying to land a new role—is crucial,” Lovell said.

Before deciding what action to take, it’s necessary to stop and consider what types of roles you’ll be applying for and what the ideal candidate looks like to employers in that industry.

“You absolutely have to know where you are going in order to make an actionable plan. Read through the job descriptions for your target roles and create a two-column list. On one side, write down the skills needed for these roles. On the other side, write down any instance where you’ve used or demonstrated those skills in your past jobs. Use this information to update your resume and LinkedIn to ensure you are showing hiring managers that, even though you may not currently hold the title, you do have the skills to do the job,” Lovell said.

The Bottom Line

In today’s economy, a college degree is a valuable asset, but it is no longer the sole determinant of career success. While certain fields offer clear pathways to success and high pay for those with a college degree, this isn’t the case for every job out there, especially since employers are starting to recognize the value of skills and experience.

Regardless of your chosen industry, to stand out as a candidate and better position yourself to secure your dream job, the best thing you can do is build a practical skill set that complements your degree.

Key Takeaways

Finance graduates earn higher starting salaries than average college graduates across all majors.

A finance degree could open doors to roles such as wealth manager, investment banker and financial analyst.

Building your network and gaining hands-on experience can help you stand out in the job market after graduation.

Finance majors graduate with a strong foundation in money management. At some institutions, finance is offered as a concentration within a broader program of study, such as business or business administration.

Here’s what to know about pursuing a degree in finance, including the career paths available and how to make yourself competitive in the job market.

Top Skills Finance Degrees Bring to the Table

Here are the technical and soft skills finance graduates typically have that make them valuable in many industries:

Technical Skills

Financial modeling

Data analysis

Excel and spreadsheet proficiency

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial reporting

Investment analysis

Accounting principles

Risk management

Valuation techniques

Understanding of financial regulations

Soft Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Time management

Decision-making

Adaptability

Teamwork

Ethical judgment

Strategic thinking

What Can You Do With a Finance Degree?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who graduated with a business degree, which includes finance major among other concentrations, were employed across these occupational groups in 2022:

Occupational group Occupational group share Management 25% Business and financial operations 23% Sales and related 12% Office and administrative support 9% Computer and mathematical 5%

Other 25%

Finance Degree Salary Outcomes

According to the 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers report, 2023 college graduates who majored in finance or financial management earned a median starting salary of $72,227, and 72% of them were employed full time. The starting salary for this major is almost $10,000 higher than the median starting salary of $63,721 across all college majors.

Note that salaries could vary depending on factors such as your location and whether you pursue an advanced degree. For example, finance majors with a master’s degree had a median starting salary of $78,660, around $6,000 higher than those with a bachelor’s degree.

Great Jobs You Could Get With a Finance Degree

Here are some common career paths you can take with a finance degree.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts help organizations make investment decisions by examining market trends and forecasts. Many work long hours for financial companies, including those in the financial services, insurance and real estate industries.

“There’s especially high demand for analysts in the real estate sector, so pursuing a minor or (Master of Business Administration) in real estate could be a smart move,” Justin Marcus, co-founder and CEO of Big 4 Talent, a platform that connects skilled professionals with employers in the accounting and finance sector, said in an email.

Learn more about financial analysts.

Investment Banker

Investment banking is one of the most prestigious paths for finance grads. But it’s hard work: Investment bankers work at the center of massive financial deals, helping companies raise capital, managing mergers and acquisitions, and providing strategic advice.

“This is a more demanding career for finance graduates, but if you are willing to work hard for at least the first three to five years, it can pay off,” Marcus said. To break into this career, he said some graduates start at a consulting firm like one of the “Big 4” – Deloitte, EY, KPMG or PwC – and transition from there.

Wealth Manager

If you’re more interested in working directly with people to help them grow and protect their money, wealth management may be a suitable career path. A wealth manager is similar to a financial advisor, but wealth managers tend to work with higher-net-worth clients and may provide a broader range of services.

“This path can be an amazing career and very different than the investment banking route,” said Brett Bernstein, a certified financial planner and CEO and co-founder of XML Financial Group. “But it can be just as competitive and rewarding.”

Actuary

Another career path worth exploring is that of an actuary. According to the BLS, employment of actuaries is projected to grow 22% between 2023 and 2033, with an estimated 6,600 jobs opening up.

These professionals use math, statistics and financial theory to assess risk. As an actuary, you could expect to work for an insurance firm, government agency or consulting firm.

Learn more about actuaries.

Financial Examiner

For those interested in regulation and compliance, financial examining could offer a stable and lucrative career path. These professionals help ensure banks and other financial institutions follow the rules, operate safely and protect consumers from risk. Financial examiners dig into balance sheets, operating income and expense accounts, and they must stay up to date on new regulations and policies to determine their impact.

According to the BLS, a financial examiner is another career that’s projected to be in high demand over the next decade, with 21% expected employment growth between 2023 and 2033.

Tips For Those Pursuing a Finance Degree

Getting a finance degree is a solid start, but it’s what you do outside the classroom that really sets you apart in the job market. Marcus suggests taking the time to learn about artificial intelligence, build your network and stay on top of industry trends. “You might also want to consider getting your (chartered financial analyst certification) and be open to roles that offer commission or deal-based pay,” he said.

Bernstein recommends trying as many things as you can early on, even if it’s just shadowing someone in a role you’re curious about. “It’s like test-driving a career before you commit,” he said. “It can help rule out jobs you thought you’d like but may realize you do not.”