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Treasury analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected treasury analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 31,900 new jobs for treasury analysts are projected over the next decade.
Treasury analyst salaries have increased 9% for treasury analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,802 treasury analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,817 active treasury analyst job openings in the US.
The average treasury analyst salary is $72,667.
Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
---|---|---|
2021 | 6,802 | 0.00% |
2020 | 5,433 | 0.00% |
2019 | 5,447 | 0.00% |
2018 | 6,908 | 0.00% |
2017 | 6,604 | 0.00% |
Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
2025 | $72,667 | $34.94 | +2.6% |
2024 | $70,807 | $34.04 | +1.7% |
2023 | $69,645 | $33.48 | +1.6% |
2022 | $68,540 | $32.95 | +3.1% |
2021 | $66,474 | $31.96 | +1.8% |
Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 492 | 71% |
2 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 912 | 23% |
3 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 657 | 23% |
4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 185 | 19% |
5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,417 | 17% |
6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,073 | 16% |
7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 124 | 16% |
8 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 884 | 15% |
9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 808 | 14% |
10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 707 | 13% |
11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 866 | 12% |
12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 700 | 12% |
13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 350 | 12% |
14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 88 | 12% |
15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 77 | 12% |
16 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,355 | 11% |
17 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 141 | 11% |
18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 118 | 11% |
19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 66 | 11% |
20 | New York | 19,849,399 | 2,080 | 10% |
Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Redwood City | 4 | 5% | $98,540 |
2 | Marlborough | 2 | 5% | $73,842 |
3 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $75,561 |
4 | Arlington Heights | 2 | 3% | $64,042 |
5 | Bartlett | 1 | 2% | $63,828 |
6 | Billerica | 1 | 2% | $73,762 |
7 | Brentwood | 1 | 2% | $68,218 |
8 | Boston | 8 | 1% | $73,993 |
9 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $70,203 |
10 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $70,000 |
11 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $59,149 |
12 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $73,940 |
13 | New York | 7 | 0% | $90,343 |
14 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $64,178 |
15 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $66,014 |
16 | Houston | 2 | 0% | $65,655 |
17 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $67,930 |
18 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $76,246 |
Manhattan College
Fairfield University
Siena College
Lynn University
Ferrum College
University of Akron
University of Oregon
Stonehill College
King's College
American University
Albion College
Cedar Falls
Southwestern College
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Lawrence Technological University
Keith Kerr Prof.: There are two approaches to maximizing your salary potential, but only one approach that is completely under our control. While we can learn the best ways to approach employers to advocate for raises and promotions, the outcome of this is dependent on many external factors. What you can control, however, is how you manage the money that you do make. Taking the time to make a detailed budget of your income, expenses and debts allows one to find ways to control their spending, thus generating extra cash for saving and investing each month.
Keith Kerr Prof.: There are two basic ways that most people in the US find financial success: Either find a job that pays a high salary, or find a career that you love, regardless of the salary, and make a habit of saving and investing part of your income each month starting with your first paycheck.
If you invest only $90 a month starting at 21 and ending at retirement, you would have a bit over 1 million dollars (assuming a 10% annual gain). Wait just 5 years and start doing this at 26 and your 5 years of time will have cost you $400,000 by retirement. This is the power of compounding. Start early and even with a lower salary, you still can find financial success while pursuing careers that are meaningful to you.
Keith Kerr Prof.: Grant writing is perhaps the most important skill for sociology majors to acquire. Not all sociology programs offer such skills (luckily my department at Quinnipiac does), but all sociology programs offer courses in research methodology. These skills are all skills that are needed to successfully write grants.
More so, with the research skills and practice in grant writing, one is in a position to approach potential employers as a hire that will more than pay for itself in the grant money that the potential employee can bring into the organization.
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: First, learn everything about the company you just started working for - its historical path, management, the way it's dealt with crises, etc. Second, learn everything about the specific industry the company belongs to and see how the company has developed relative to the development of the industry domestically and internationally. Third, always be extremely alert to notice new opportunities and be prepared to take calculated risks. That is, actively look for opportunities to complete as many and diverse tasks as possible, and volunteer to complete any type of work regardless of whether it seems relevant to your assigned job or not. Opportunities to learn, grow, and improve and thus to maximize your income, will only come up if you are exposed to diverse situations.
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Be open minded. Finance is the broad definition of an industry which provides opportunities for careers in financial consultancy, financial analysis, stock brokerage, foreign investment, modeling, exchange rate forecasts, and many more. While most of those careers are attributed to the banking industry, you can find those and others in other sectors of the economy, such as insurance, technology, health care/medical, government, and so on. So, be open and look beyond the banking sector, examine the current and predicted trends in the economy to hunt for exciting career options.
Dr. Natalia Boliari PhD: Skills in research, programming, and modeling. Research skills are difficult to develop and many students don't have the patience or even the desire to acquire them. But they are critical for careers in finance and remain a top set of skills for employers. Programming and modeling helps with decision making by reducing (potentially) the degree of economic and market uncertainties as well as with forecasts. So definitely invest time in learning and continuously developing research and programming skills in the career niche you are pursuing.
John McDermott Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, keep learning, investing in your human capital, and expanding your capabilities. Learn as much as you can about your new position and industry, work with a variety of people at your firm, and seek opportunities outside your comfort zone. Your salary potential will increase as you are recognized as a capable and hard working colleague.
John McDermott Ph.D.: Be enthusiastic, work hard, and treat every assignment as a chance to learn and showcase your abilities. Seek out new and exciting opportunities, this will provide you the opportunity to expand your skill set and above all to help your company move forward.
John McDermott Ph.D.: I believe communication, technical, and interpersonal skills will always be important to young graduates in finance. Over the next few years, being able to harness the power of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Large-Language Models will become increasingly important.
Siena College
Finance And Financial Management Services
Feng Dong: First of all, it’s challenging to be a finance analyst now. The increasing complexity of the financial markets has raised a high demand for finance analysts, and the integration of advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning in finance creates new opportunities for finance analysts who are proficient with these technologies. However, this requires much more effort than before to gain those skills, especially since much of the knowledge is not fully included in the current finance major curriculums. Second, finance analysts have various career options in many different areas in the future, such as investment analysis, risk management, corporate finance, or financial planning, and there are clear career progression paths from entry-level roles to senior positions, such as finance manager, director of finance, and CFO.
Feng Dong: As an entry level job, a junior finance analyst’s work primarily involves supporting senior analysts and managers through various tasks. This includes gathering and organizing financial data from multiple sources, conducting preliminary analyses based on the financial tools and software, and preparing the reports and presenting them to the senior analysts. Meanwhile, the job also requires some administrative tasks such as organizing financial documents and routine works such as maintaining some basic financial models. The main purpose of this position is to help the junior analysts develop their knowledge and skills within some specific industries/areas, get familiar with the financial regulations and market trends, and generate enough practical experiences.
Feng Dong: Finance analysts often appreciate the clear career growth and opportunities in the field. There are well-defined paths for advancing to senior roles like Finance Manager, Director of Finance, or CFO. You can work in different industries and specialize in specific areas, which opens up a wide range of career options. You get to shape your career based on your interests and strengths. Plus, the pay is quite competitive. Finance analysts usually receive high salaries, benefits, and performance-based bonuses. Also, finance analysts are getting to work with advanced financial software, data analytics tools, and cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning. It keeps the work interesting and innovative. However, the pressure can be intense, with tight deadlines and the huge impact financial decisions can have on a company's performance. It can be especially tough for newcomers. And the long hours are a common complaint. During critical financial reporting periods, work-life balance can take a hit with extra hours, including evenings and weekends. Some roles and industries are particularly demanding during budgeting and auditing seasons. On top of that, technical issues with financial software and tools can be a major headache. And with technology constantly evolving, you need to keep up and keep learning, which can be demanding.
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Entering the profession of a finance analyst is particularly promising at present due to several global economic factors. The increasing complexity of financial markets, coupled with regulatory changes and technological advancements, creates a strong demand for skilled analysts who can navigate and interpret these dynamics. Furthermore, the growth of big data and advanced analytics tools has expanded the scope and depth of analyses possible, making this role critical for companies looking to leverage data-driven strategies for competitive advantage. Finance analysts are essential in crafting strategies that mitigate risks and maximize returns, which is pivotal in today's volatile economic environment.
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: On a day-to-day basis, a finance analyst typically engages in activities that revolve around the analysis and interpretation of financial data to inform and guide strategic business decisions. This involves collecting data from various sources, including market reports, financial statements, and other relevant documents. The primary task is to model financial scenarios using this data, providing insights into business performance, market trends, and investment opportunities. For those new to the field, the day often includes rigorous training in data analysis tools, attending meetings with senior analysts and mentors, and developing detailed reports that summarize financial findings. New entrants often focus on supporting specific projects or segments of the financial analysis process, gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience and expertise.
David Spohn DBA, MBA, MJUR, CWM®: Likes:
- Intellectual Stimulation: Many finance analysts enjoy the challenge of solving complex financial puzzles and deriving insights from data. The role often requires staying updated with the latest economic trends and financial theories, providing continuous learning opportunities.
- Impact on Decision-making: Analysts often take pride in the fact that their work directly influences strategic business decisions. This can be highly rewarding, especially when their recommendations lead to successful outcomes.
- Career Opportunities: The field offers numerous pathways for career advancement. Analysts can ascend to roles in senior management, specialize in particular sectors such as fintech or healthcare, or move into investment roles.
Dislikes:
- High Pressure: The role can be highly stressful, with tight deadlines and significant implications tied to their analyses and recommendations. Financial markets are dynamic, and the pressure to provide accurate, timely insights can be intense.
- Monotony in Initial Stages: New entrants might find the work initially repetitive as they learn the ropes of data collection and basic analysis techniques. The intellectual rewards and more engaging tasks often come with increased responsibility.
- Work-Life Balance: Depending on the employer and the state of the market, long hours can be common, especially during financial reporting periods or significant market changes, which can impact work-life balance.
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: To be successful today requires essentially the same basic skills and behaviors that made people successful in the past. It’s a lot about who you know, not what you know. Having some basic skills is a necessary condition but it’s not sufficient. You have to be a good communicator, have to be likeable and be a good team player. And to do those things, you need to be around people enough, develop the most important social skills and remember the important things you learned in kindergarten. Show up on time, do what you say and not say what you do and be nice to people. Essentially the golden rule: “Do unto others…” But there are also some important practical things you should do. Think about getting a CFA license or others like CAIA, CMA, CPA, FRM etc. These professional designations won’t hurt you, they can be a requirement in some jobs or at least a differentiator as you apply for jobs. You can also take the Securities Industry Examination as a precondition to getting the more recognized Series 7, 63, 65 etc. But also consider some very easy things like getting certified with the Bloomberg Market Concepts. If your business school has a Bloomberg terminal (we’re lucky because we have 4 terminals), it’s a self-paced exam that’s free on the Bloomberg terminal. Also think about joining some associations to help with getting to know people in positions. You have to network every day and keep on working that network constantly. Lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Yes, it is a competitive industry and there’s always more than just a handful applying for a position but you should know your worth. While you’re networking and having conversations with executives through your network, find out what reasonable expectations should be for the work being delivered.
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: In the past five years, almost every conversation I had with executives looking to hire new finance graduates included the word Python. A couple of decades ago it was all about Excel skills, Pivot tables, and SQL but the expectation today is that finance graduates have some basic skills in statistics and data science and know Python. And the most popular and widely accepted programming language today is Python (and R depending on who you talk to). It may be something else in five years but for now, learn Python. And it’s been easier than ever before to get a basic grasp of the important elements of this language with a tool that is free, as opposed to many other tools like SQL, SAAS, Matlab, and Stata that cost money and have a declining adoption in the industry. With a wider adoption of AI, it is increasingly about efficiency. How can you create a financial model for a project faster than before? What took 8 hours to write the code for a sophisticated model, might only take 30 minutes or less today. Learning how to use AI as an efficiency and productivity tool will be essential. And lastly, you still have to understand concepts well and use your critical thinking skills to be successful in any field. Let’s not forget, ChatGPT is not intelligent, it’s just a probability box that’s all; but it can help a knowledge worker to be incredibly efficient and productive.
Clemens Kownatzki PhD, MBA: As a beginner in any field, it pays to listen more than to talk. Be humble, pay attention, be nice to folks and probably most helpful is having a mentor who can guide you along and show you some best practices for navigating your career. You should take advantage of your education, not just to show a piece of paper that says you graduated but think of every single project, essay or paper that you write as part of a portfolio that demonstrates your skill sets. Especially in finance where we can sometimes be enamored with the beauty of a mathematical model, think about how any model should be applied in the real world. In some cases that might mean that you have to “get your hands on the wheel and learn how to drive.” I am not suggesting that you should put all your savings at risk and buy the next iteration of the latest cryptocurrency, but If you’re interested in a career in investing, put a small amount of money at risk and trade a stock, or if you must trade a few dollars’ worth of Bitcoin or Ether – as much as you would risk for a movie ticket seems reasonable. There are lots of virtual trading apps where you can trade with paper money, but there’s nothing like understanding risk when your own dollars are at stake, even if it’s just a few dollars. You should also absorb all the workshops, seminars and resources available out there. Follow Prof. Aswath Damodaran who has a YouTube Channel and hundreds of spreadsheets with financial models, all for free! Also follow some good content providers on various channels to get additional insights – in the field of finance, you need to be up-to-date on all events because those influence markets and the economy. Be ready to continue learning and update your skills and understanding while you’re working. Education doesn’t end after you finish your degree. All successful people are life-long learners.
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Research the company well for your first job as it will impact the way you feel about full-time employment. -Your first job won't be your last job. Use it to learn about yourself and an environment you can thrive in -Don't be afraid to move for a job opportunity or a second one for the first few years. Because if you want a spouse/partner, children, pets and a home it will be harder to explore the world with all those responsibilities. -If you want to work 100% remotely that can be good/flexible for a young professional, but you make yourself vulnerable to layoffs and disconnection. Having face time with management and coworkers builds an important rapport. Hybrid is better than remote
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Understanding finance and how it impacts the operations of where you work, can help you have great insight into new opportunities or see the writing on the wall in tough times. -Don't be afraid to learn new technologies, especially ones that collect data. Enhance your tech-based skills as that will increase your value to the organization where you work and the business community at large. -Learn Spanish. While globalization may have you think about learning an Asian language, the Spanish speaking market is the faster growing in the US and has been since 2010.
Timothy Egan M.S. Marketing: -Under promise and over deliver. -Know your value, self-assess your skills, your knowledge and your role. Understand when and when not a company can give increases. -Build an internal support system. Make sure you have people who will go to bat for you when you want to move up internally. -After succeeding don't be afraid to ask for an increase. -And remember, stay humble. The minute you think you know everything; you haven't learned anything.
Ferrum College
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
Dr. Karen Carpenter: Strong foundation in the science of Exercise Science will make a better fitness professional. Students will develop an expertise that will drive the skill sets needed. This could be Personal Training the general population or diseased populations, Wellness and/or Performance Nutrition, Strength & Conditioning (working with athletes), Sports Psychology, or Sport Coaching or Operations.
Dr. Karen Carpenter: Certifications!!!! Depending on the population you want to work with align yourself with a reputable organization. We are educational partners with ACE and NSCA and teach their curriculum as part of our program courses. Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches are in high demand across the country, if athletes are your target population. If you are working in a fitness or rec club and have both the Personal Training and Group Fitness certifications you will be able to earn at a higher rate teaching and taking clients. Sport Coaching is another option that has tremendous opportunity, our program leans on Internship experiences to assist in introducing promising coaches to potential jobs.
Dr. Karen Carpenter: This field is wide open. Decide the population you want to work with and what space you want to be in. Certifications are very valuable to get employed immediately virtually anywhere in the country. Our discipline has the power to save lives. It is an extremely rewarding profession.
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: The finance industry is a very competitive industry to compete for jobs in even when graduating with an undergraduate degree in Finance. Fresh graduates beginning their career in finance should focus on the following areas to give them a competitive advantage on other job market candidates: 1. Develop your professional skills to include communication, networking, and social skills. 2. Develop analytical skills and learn the tools used for analyzing financial data. 3. Continue to develop and expand your financial knowledge. 4. Work towards obtaining a professional certification that are highly valued in the finance industry. 5. Being open about career paths is recommended.
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: Skills that are necessary for graduates to obtain to enjoy a successful career in the finance industry include data analytics and digital proficiency skills. Jobs in private equity, private credit, and other private financial markets are becoming the most competitive jobs to obtain in the finance industry. Developing a very deep knowledge of how these private markets work compared to public markets is essential for those interested in entering this realm.
Eric Brisker Ph.D.: Focusing on developing skills in communication, networking, social skills, analytical skills, financial knowledge, and obtaining professional certifications can help maximize salary potential in the finance industry. Developing these skills and following the advice provided can lead to opportunities for higher salaries.
University of Oregon
Finance And Financial Management Services
Z. Jay Wang: Students who have a history of doing work in the field outside the classroom either through internships, industry projects, or school-sponsored clubs managing financial decisions are better poised to maximize starting salary potential. Starting early to secure internships with top companies will also position students well for higher earning potential. Most top banks and firms will post internships from April/May to August, and close by the end of September for the following summer. They are also rolling, so may fill the roles by as early as June of the sophomore year for the following summer after junior year. Finally, networking with industry and alumni professionals in the companies, firms, banks prior to applying for an internship or full-time position will have an impact. The candidate will learn more about the opportunity and company culture for their resume and potential interview, and most top companies in finance will have a referral program. If the candidate impresses the internal connection with excellent questions and strategic answers, they may get a referral that moves them up in the stacks of applicants.
Z. Jay Wang: As you onboard into your first roles in finance, a great work ethic and strong technical skills are obviously important for your long-term success. Moreover, your human skills will be as important as your technical skill. Ensure you practice and develop your communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills. In terms of technical skills attention to detail, use of data analytics tools, and visualization will be very valuable. Another often overlooked skill is written communication. Many students fail to realize the importance of effective communications.
Z. Jay Wang: Big data analytical and quantitative skills have become increasingly important in the past decade. Moreover, AI will be a part of how you work. Understand and practice how this tool can help you solve simple tasks, and do research and assessment of data efficiently and strategically.
Dr. Wayne Durr: Maximizing your salary potential starts with understanding your value. What skills and
capabilities can you articulate to a prospective employer? The ability to articulate these skills
and what you bring to that company can be challenging. Think of your resume like an artist
thinks of their portfolio. What projects or analysis have you worked on? You cannot articulate
the value you will bring to that prospective company without the ability to articulate your skills
and capabilities. Do your research to determine what other employers pay people with the
same abilities. Ask employers what the salary range is and use that as your baseline. As you
get close to graduating, your classmates talk about the job offers they receive and most likely
share the salaries they are being offered. Listen and use this as a baseline. All this gives you
an idea of your value. Your first job isn't always the place where you'll be able to maximize your
earning potential. Think of your first job as where you will get the work experience to maximize
your future earning potential. Look at this as the place where you will sharpen your skills and
develop new ones. This first job will be where you fill out your resume and either have an
opportunity to maximize your earning potential there or elsewhere in the future.
Additionally, think about passive income and the "side gig". If you don't feel like you're
maximizing your earning potential at that first job, think about how you can make money on the
side. I believe we now live in a society where truly maximizing your earning potential comes
from more than your current employer. The ability to earn money from a side gig is more
prevalent than ever before. I think every student should take an entrepreneur class. Think
about your skills, which one could make you some side money. Don't dismiss jobs you did
growing up, like delivery service, landscaping, etc. There are so many apps and websites that
people and companies are looking for anything from an hour to a couple of days worth of work.
Take that first six months on the job to get settled in, and then start thinking about that side gig.
Dr. Wayne Durr: My advice to a graduate beginning their career in Finance is don't stop learning. You've spent
the last four plus years grinding through the required academics to graduate, but how much did
you learn? Most students spend most of their time "memorizing" the content necessary to pass
their exams, but memorizing isn't learning. Employers aren't as patient as in years past and
want new graduates to jump in and be productive. Employers aren't spending money and
resources on long training periods for new graduates. This doesn't mean you must return to
college or spend money on additional courses. Once you've landed that job that begins your
career in the world of Finance, find ways to increase your knowledge of the tasks assigned to
you by that employer-great sites like Coursera, Udemy, etc. Find current books related to the
topic, use audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, etc. These can all be ways to update your learning in
a simple and shorter time frame. You might find listening to an audible book or podcast more
enjoyable without memorizing the content to pass an exam. Even contact a former professor for
recommendations. Many of your former professors do the same thing to stay current in their
field.
Dr. Wayne Durr: In the next 3-5 years, I anticipate the continuous evolvement of Finance and soft skills.
Financial technology is rapidly changing, and current CEOs, CFOs, and other leadership levels
assume that new college graduates are all tech-savvy. This doesn't mean a minor in computer
science, this means the current leadership isn't going back to school to learn new technological
advances in the world of Finance, and, frankly, may still be afraid of new technology. New
graduates have spent the majority of their lives embracing new technology and are more
advanced than they realize. Continue to explore the new technologies being created in the
world of Finance, even if your current role doesn't use it. One day, there may be a meeting
where leadership asks, "Has anyone ever heard of this technology?" Be that person that can
say "yes." It doesn't mean you're an expert, but being familiar with that technology will go a long
way.
Soft skills, like time management, working independently, and problem-solving, will become
even more important. We have a job market that has been doing well but can change quickly.
Employers will be looking to do more with less. Those employees who can work independently
on multiple tasks without constant oversight will be more valuable in the future. The ability to
problem-solve without the need for guidance will also be valuable and secure your future in that
organization. The industry loves maximizing the work they can get from salaried employees, so
time management is very important to the business world and to ensure the worklife balance.
King's College
Economics
Peter Ibbott: Advanced methods in Econometrics and Data Analytics are particularly valuable. In particular, experience with R, SQL, Python, Excel, and STATA are currently in great demand. There is growing evidence that a deep familiarity with AI tools (like ChatGPT) is increasingly important - particularly around using effective prompts to increase research productivity.
Peter Ibbott: Optimizing your LinkedIn profile and CV are the most basic steps to increase salary potential at the start of your career. For students who do not have the grades to pursue graduate or professional studies, there is another path for post-graduate acquisition of valuable career focussed skills. Most universities offer post-graduate diploma programs through their schools of continuing studies. Community colleges also offer similar post-graduate diploma programs aimed at providing industry certification and essential career oriented skill development. These programs can open doors to more specialized and lucrative careers in business and finance.
Peter Ibbott: If you are considering a career in economics or finance, it is best to get an MA in Economics or a Masters in Financial Economics. If you are considering a career in Business or Finance, it is best to develop your experience through work, while seeking additional educational opportunities throughout your career. Many find that accumulating micro-credentials can be useful. A more valuable path is to work towards obtaining a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. For strong students, taking a break later in your career to pursue an MBA or Masters of Finance can be useful in advancing your mid-career prospects.
American University
Finance And Financial Management Services
Octavian Ionici PhD: The right education and training along with solid interpersonal skills should be at the top of their skill set. With those skills they can navigate potential disruptions to the workforce, future business trends and emerging technologies.
Hard core financial modeling skills are a must for finance, especially now with algorithmic business applications multiplying with the emergence of AI. Knowing how to develop a model that will answer multiple what-if scenarios for allocating resources, securing funding, managing risk, developing future plans, and making smart decisions overall.
Because AI, chatbots, blockchain and other "robots" will help companies simplify the workflows (preparing the reports and processes) faster, people will need to understand how to apply these technologies in order to analyze the results and to make decisions in real time.
People will also need to monitor the AI models and to constantly check for accuracy and biases. A big emphasis will be on collaboration of interdisciplinary teams of professionals working in IT, finance, accounting, HR and leadership. This means that companies will value employees that know how to find business information and deliver answers across functional areas proactively.
Finally, as they are working in a global interconnected world, they need to understand different cultures, regulations, and societal norms, so that they can respectfully communicate their ideas in cross-cultural situations. Along with the necessary technical skills, having an open mind and strong customer service focus will benefit them as the field continues to evolve.
Octavian Ionici PhD: The finance profession is lucrative, rewarding and very competitive. Graduates should do their research about the organization they are interviewing with and be able to discuss how their skills can contribute to the business. They should also know if they would rather interact with people and clients or if they are drawn to intellectual pursuits such as analysis. Do they value power, prestige status, risk, or something else? Ultimately our core values, personal goals, interests, aptitudes, and personality will shape our career paths.
Being able to articulate what sparked their interest in the financial field and why they are interested in a chosen role will be an advantage during the hiring process. While still in college, students should join a professional association like the Financial Management Association to give them more access to that broad network, as well as access to career development resources that can set them apart from the crowd.
It's also critical to get an internship (paid or unpaid) in order to show some real-life experience. They can do this while they are still in college, during the summers, or even afterwards, to get a foot in the door.
Reading the WSJ and FT daily, and listening to Bloomberg, or other financial programs as a regular practice will help them to have fluency in the language of our profession. Because the finance sector is heavily regulated and changes occur due to changing economic and political conditions, they will need to stay updated with those changes. Financial media sources will help bring them that context to stay up to date on all of these moving parts.
Octavian Ionici PhD: Try to understand what your boss or your company needs, then see if you can fill that gap with your skill set and work ethic. Finance constantly evolves. A career with lifelong learning will help keep you employable. Investing in continuous learning and skill development can increase your income potential down the road.
Plus, don't underestimate the power of a positive attitude and strong work ethic. You may not be an expert at the beginning, but you can take on every challenge given to you, work hard and try to turn it into a success for your organization. Each win will build your reputation and your portfolio of skills which you will then bring with you to your next job. As you do this, you will inevitably acquire specialized skills.
Noah Alatza: As you begin your career, there are two areas that are critical to your success. First, it is essential that you commit to continuous learning. Strive to become knowledgeable on a wide variety of issues and developments in the financial sector, and set yourself apart by becoming an expert in a few key areas of interest. Secondly, actively build your professional network. Always take the opportunity to make new connections, and commit dedicated time each week to building and maintaining those relationships.
Noah Alatza: Prior to graduation, gain as much relevant experience as possible through internships. Having multiple internships where you've proven yourself to be successful and hardworking is essential to getting the best offers for full-time roles. In the early years of your career, take note of the qualifications of your next promotion and proactively take steps to ensure that you achieve those qualifications. Finally, make sure to do your research on salary levels for similar positions and don't be afraid to ask for an increase when your work performance and data support that request.
Noah Alatza: Effective communication skills and the ability to quickly adjust to changing conditions will become even more important in the next few years. Technology is changing rapidly and financial professionals can enhance their success by learning to utilize those new tools to their advantage.
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Finance majors will also be valued for their analytical skills, but more and more soft skills will be valued into the future. Communicating your analysis in a manner consistent with your audience will make you a valued person in the field. Students who were forced to navigate learning along through COVID will need to be able to re-engage in person-to-person professional relationships, even when those meetings are remote. Clear writing is essential today and may not have been stressed in your curriculum. There are many opportunities to continuously upskill, take advantage of those courses.
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Dr. Kimberly Gaither: Maximize your salary potential by asking questions and learning as quickly as possible. Be a good communicator with those above and below you as well as your peers. Be dependable. Persons who show up early and work hard will be valued and rewarded.
Albion College
Economics
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: Do not underestimate the importance of your GPA. Work hard in every class to get a 4.0. An increasing number of employers are requesting students with at least a 3.7 or 3.8 GPA. Also, set yourself apart. Add some skill that distinguishes you from the huge number of other finance graduates.
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: Offer the employer something that helps their company. What can you do for them? I had one successful, recent graduate who has a successful investment banking career who said "learn Excel like you life depended on it". Take something to the table.
Dr. Jon Hooks Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: I encourage all my finance students to double major or minor in data analytics, computer science, or math. The top jobs are increasingly quantitative.
Cedar Falls
Finance And Financial Management Services
Brett Olsen: This question is not as simple as it appears. Companies across different industries have job titles labeled "Finance Analyst," yet the job duties can differ. In other words, this is a very company-specific position. If we take a step back and examine this position from a broader perspective, we could describe the Finance Analyst as one who identifies a problem related to financial cash flows, obtains the data and information to assess the problem, performs quantitative and qualitative analysis, develops a proposed solution to the problem, and communicates the proposed solution to the concerned party. "Financial Cash Flows" could describe internal funds for projects, compensation packages, customer investment funds, taxpayer dollars, etc., that may be historical, current, or future (potential) in nature.
Brett Olsen: Every business, every institution, every family, and every fund deals with cash flows. Being able to evaluate, understand, quantify, analyze, compute, and communicate the flows of cash is necessary and cannot be avoided. This is a good profession at any point in time. The use of cash is ubiquitous.
Brett Olsen: To succeed as a Finance Analyst, one needs to be interested in math, willing to solve problems, and driven by both. Those who dislike math or problem-solving may find the career challenging.
Southwestern College
Finance And Financial Management Services
Kevin Alston MBA: Ensure that you are marketable and are considered a commodity. What that means is the firm that you are interested in joining should consider your skills and knowledge an invaluable commodity. One who stands head and shoulders above the competition.
Kevin Alston MBA: Crypto Currency and AI. These two are the most impactful variables associated with the Financial Industry.
Kevin Alston MBA: Acquire any many Industry Certifications as possible. Attend seminars and workshops to stay current within our industry.
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Finance And Financial Management Services
Dr. Adam Stivers: Getting a degree from a top business school is a big factor, and master's in finance programs can help as well to maximize salary. Certifications are becoming increasingly important for those starting their career. The CFA and CFP certifications are a great way to distinguish yourself from others. There are many other certifications that would help as well. Finally, most college graduates have a specific region in mind where they want to live, but being as flexible as possible can open up opportunities that can increase one's salary potential.
Dr. Adam Stivers: Try different things to figure out what fits you best. It doesn't have to be moving between different firms, but trying different things and learning how things work in different departments within a firm is a valuable experience. Joining a firm that has a rotational program would be highly beneficial. Also, learn how to use R or another similar software. Become familiar with how to best use AI tools.
Dr. Adam Stivers: AI prompt engineering will likely become increasingly vital in finance. However, while AI tools will likely be able to handle a lot of quantitative tasks in the financial services industry, professionals will still need to be able to interpret and explain its output to others. That means communication skills and other soft skills will be important, but you still need to understand the quantitative aspects.
Lawrence Technological University
Architecture And Related Services
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Maximizing Salary Potential: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Important Skills for the Next 3-5 Years: Digital fluency in accounting software and data analytics, strategic financial planning capabilities, in-depth knowledge of regulatory and compliance issues, and expertise in sustainability accounting will become increasingly important.
Matthew Cole Ph.D.: Specializing in high-demand areas like tax or forensic accounting, demonstrating strong technology skills, negotiating based on industry salary standards, and pursuing professional development and additional credentials will maximize salary potential.