10 Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

There’s a lot to be learned about the money side of any business. We’ve all participated in the economy on a local or national level: We do it every time we purchase something. How many people truly understand how money moves through an economy from consumers to business to supplier and back again?

Those with a mind for numbers and interest in tracking and analyzing financial information may consider a finance degree in college. Here are ten reasons why a bachelor’s in finance can be a great career fit and yield may benefits.

• Interesting Challenges

  Individuals who have always excelled in their studies might find themselves right at home in the world of finance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career as a personal financial advisor is ideal for those with interpersonal skills and the ability to make smart, informed financial risks.¹

• Employer Demand

  The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in business and financial occupations through 2026. This increasing demand is being attributed to globalization and greater complexity of regulations and tax laws, in addition to a growing economy.²

• Return on Investment

  Before applying to just any degree program, students should carefully consider if the degree they earn now can help them prepare to pursue career opportunities and achieve their educational goals. Of course, every person’s experience will vary based on their geographic location, amount of experience and other factors.

• Ideal for Problem Solvers

  Some people possess an inherent knack for solving problems. Positions within finance, such as a personal financial advisor, require individuals with a sharp mind and solid decision-making skills. Advisors must monitor the investments of clients and make decisions based upon market fluctuations as they happen.¹

• Career Flexibility

  Another field that’s a great opportunity where a financial background may be helpful is accounting. Businesses large and small have a need for accountants to deal with the financial side of operations. For many entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree in a financial field such as accounting or general finance may be necessary, although experience in the field can be helpful as well.⁴

• Attention to Detail

  When it comes to finances a take-control attitude and attention to detail may help students prepare to address challenges in the financial field. Financial analysts, for example, must exercise tremendous attention to detail when reviewing potential investments since issues that may seem unimportant can have huge implications for an investment’s success.³

• Roles for Extroverts

  Those who revel in the spotlight and enjoy interacting with others don’t want a career that traps them in an office by themselves poring over data all day. A bachelor’s in finance is one of many business degrees that can help students prepare to pursue extrovert-friendly career opportunities such as a personal financial advisor — a profession that requires a great deal of interpersonal skills to establish and maintain trust with clients.¹

• Roles for Introverts, Too

  On the other side of the coin are financial positions that are ideal for those who enjoy quieter, more isolated working conditions. Those in accounting jobs, for instance, often spend a great deal of time on their own poring over spreadsheets, analyzing financial data and crunching numbers.⁴

• Put Prior Experience to Work

  Prior training or educational experience may benefit those who are looking to add a bachelor’s in finance degree to their resume. Accounting, in particular, is a role where applicants can benefit from either a prior internship or a prior associate degree.⁴

• Earn an Online Finance Degree with American InterContinental University

  With business and finance careers poised to grow at a faster-than-average rate, now is a great time to learn about the finance field.² If you’re ready to learn about how you can earn a finance degree online, you can request information from American InterContinental University today.

1 “Personal Financial Advisors.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm (Visited 10/17/18).
2 “Business and Financial Occupations.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm (Visited 10/17/18).
3 “Financial Analysts.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm (Visited 10/17/18).
4 “Accountants and Auditors.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (Visited 10/17/18).

AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. For important information about the educational debt, earnings and completion rates of students who attended these programs, go to www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures.
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