Major

Careers

Finance - General Finance

Related Skills

  • The skills you learn as a Finance major prepare you to work in many careers that require strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.  Other characteristics of a graduate in finance include
    • Curious, motivated, research oriented, and creative.
    • Analytical, logical, and highly motivated.
    • High ethical standards with an appreciation for accuracy and detail.
    • Logical thinker, quantitative, and comfortable with technology.
    • Works well alone and with others.
  • Graduates of the Finance Major will have the needed continuing education in a competitive, rapidly paced, and dynamic field.
  •  

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Kristy DeWall
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

Christopher Tamm
(309) 438-8430
SFHB 328

Being Successful in the Field

  • Finance majors can explore diverse subdisciplines by connecting with industry professionals through activities sponsored by registered student organizations or by participating in mentorship programs.  These experiences will help identify the specific skill set required for each unique role in finance.
  • You can increase your employability by pursuing professional designations related to finance (such as Chartered Financial Analyst or Certified Financial Planner) or by pursuing internships to build experience.
  • Alumni may continue their education through either a professional designation, or to graduate school for a Masters of Business Administration, or explore advanced degrees in related disciplines such as accounting, business analytics, or economics.

 

Related Fields

Virtually every organization involves some aspect of money management (e.g., cash management or fundraising), most organizations have a need for some financial expertise. In terms of employers, finance is generally applied to three distinct areas: personal finance, corporate finance, and public (government) finance.

And while finance tends to focus on future fiscal needs, financial projections are often derived from historical accounting data and based on current economic conditions.  As a result, finance is closely related to both economics and accounting.

Employment in Corporate and Public Finance

  • Budget Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Capital Budgeting Analyst
  • Cash Management 
  • Commodities Trader
  • Cost Estimator
  • Credit Analyst
  • Employee Benefits Specialist
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Reporting
  • Investment Management
  • Investor Relations
  • Payroll
  • Risk Management

Employment in the Financial Service Industry

Banking

  • Bank Manager
  • Bank Officer
  • Cash Management
  • Commercial Lending
  • Credit Analyst
  • Credit Counselor
  • Financial Examiner
  • Loan Officer
  • Mortgage Loans
  • Trust Management

Personal Financial Planning and Wealth Management

  • Financial Advisor
  • Fixed Income or Equity Analyst
  • Pension Fund Manager
  • Personal Financial Planner
  • Portfolio Manager
  • Registered Investment Advisor
  • Securities Broker

Investment Banking

  • Business Valuation
  • Corporate Financial Analysis
  • Currency or Derivatives Trading
  • Institutional Bond and Equity Sales
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Retail Bond and Equity Sales
  • Underwriting
  • Venture Capital

Insurance

  • Actuary
  • Claims Analyst
  • Commercial Insurance Broker
  • Insurance Agent
  • Loss Control Specialist
  • Risk Manager
  • Underwriter

Real Estate

  • Appraiser
  • Property Management
  • Residential or Commercial Brokerage
  • Real Estate Portfolio Management

Other Professions

  • Financial Accountant
  • Financial Economist
  • Fundraiser