5 Careers for a Master’s Degree in Finances

Master’s Degree in Finance Careers

  • Financial Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Personal Financial Advisers
  • Security, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales
  • Brokers

A master’s degree in finance can lead the way to many lucrative career paths. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for financial and business careers is growing constantly due to the need for more accountants, auditors, and financial advisers. In order to obtain a degree in finance, you will need to complete the required coursework through accredited schools. The number of years that it takes to graduate will vary depending on the student and the program, but it generally takes two to four years.  You can start the process by filling out applications at your desired colleges and see which ones work best for you. Here are some of the top five jobs for a person with a Master’s in Finance.

1. Financial Manager

Financial managers responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of a business. They are in charge of producing financial reports, devising long-term plans regarding the goals of the finances for the future, and handling their investments. The financial statements they construct will give the company ways to reduce costs, take advantage of market trends for larger profits, and predict financial forecasts for them. Financial managers may oversee other employees in the financial department and act as their boss. They make sure the finances of the company remain secure.

2. Financial Analyst

A financial analyst conducts research on microeconomic and macroeconomic conditions and uses them to give recommendations for a company seeking profits. The information is also used for recommendations concerning stocks and tells them whether it is a good time to sell or buy. Many financial analysts will get a job working for investment firms and use the microeconomic and macroeconomic findings to research the stock for the in-house funds. Financial analysts can get jobs at banks, insurance companies, and investment banks.

3. Personal Financial Advisers

Personal financial advisers pretty much do what the name suggests, as they handle and advise finances for individuals or a company. They meet with clients and discuss the financial goals, educate about investment options, recommend investments, help them plan for large expenses like retirement or education, and generally monitor their finances and recommend changes if needed. Personal financial advisers are also known as wealth managers and private bankers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one in five financial advisers are self-employed, but you can also work through a company if you wish.

4. Security, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales

A security, commodity, and financial services sales connects buyers and sellers in the financial market. Some of their duties include offering advice on purchases or sales of securities, buy and sell commodities like gold, and buy and sell securities like stocks. They also research financial markets, analyze the finances of a company to determine proper recommendations for mergers or acquisitions, and contact prospective clients and try to gain their service.

5. Brokers

A broker is in charge of making business transactions for a company regarding financial deals and acting as the intermediary for the parties. They build up a rapport with customers and maintain those relationships throughout the entire deal. Brokers can also be responsible for administrative duties with their company, customer follow ups, executing sales, and overall making sure the customer is happy.

Related Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Finance Degrees

The great thing about any of these finance careers is that they all have room for growth with the company you work for. The master’s degree favors well with employers and can place you ahead of other employees who do not have a degree.  Once you have your Master’s in Finance, consider one of these five career concentrations for a great future in the industry.