What else can you do with a finance degree out of undergrad?
I'm interested in doing Asset Management eventually, but it's not entirely realistic coming from a non-target. What other paths are there with a finance degree besides the typical IB/PE/AM/HF/ER/S&T/VC kind of things? Is corporate finance the only other option? I'm not giving up, but I'd still like to know what my backups are if I'm not able to break in.
How difficult is it to get into IB or PE at local firms? Anywhere near the same difficulty as the BB firms? Is this a feasible backup?
GS OPS/COMPLIANCE -> MEGA FUND OPS/COMPLIANCE -> SEC
You can work the cash register at McDonalds
Joking aside, you're a 100% right in that unless u go to a target, majoring in Finance alone does zero for you. I always recommend people to double with accounting, so you have that option to take the CPA. Then, if you're not a good enough networker, "at least" you have accounting jobs to pursue.
Case in point, know someone graduated Baruch finance, ONLY wanted a finance job, even bak office. It's now 2 years, he's unemployed/volunteering for a community outreach center (but still trying for finance). Is thinking MBA now. Its sad, but reality. Wall Street is not a sprint, it's a marathon.
wouldn't go as far as saying it does ZERO for you. i majored in econ at a non-target school that is ranked in the top 10 among publics but didn't have a finance major. some of my buddies at a completely unranked state school that had an established business program were getting better interviews than me in F500 finance type roles.
to OP: F500 finance is not the end of the world and if you work at a bigger company it looks great for a top Bschool.
you can work at a bank like retail/commercial bank. Still considered front office.
Mortgage banking or credit lending work your way up.
Just curious, how much of a non-target would you guys say Rutgers is? I would be fine with corporate finance, but my goal as of right now would be ER. I'm NOT shooting for Investment Banking.
I've asked a similar question on here but I'm just looking to get some other opinions.
There is always F1000
What to do with my finance degree other than IB/PE? (Originally Posted: 11/05/2012)
Hi,
I'm graduating in May '13 with a finance degree from an unknown state school. I haven't had any internships, and will be coming out with around a 3.5 GPA.
It seems like most of the information and discussions I find online talk about the world of IB or PE. This seems like a virtually impossible industry to break into in my current position.
What options do I have, what's out there? I have found my coursework interesting and would be willing to do just about anything other than 100% commission insurance sales.
I understand that networking is the most important tool for me at this point, but without even understand what options I have it's harder to focus my efforts.
Are there any viable financial positions outside of IB/PE or should I switch majors to accounting while I still can?
I'm located in the north west (Portland,Seattle) and will be turning 24 in August.
Any advice would be most welcome.
Work in the finance department of XYZ corporation.
i was a finance major and went on to a financial analyst role at a tech company. helped raise capital, did investment analysis, annual budgeting and expense cutting recommendations, sales forecasting and analysis, valuations, credit analysis, prepared financial statements, along with a whole host of other functions. Every company will structure the role differently. i was expected to know alot of accounting.
My experience and degree will pretty much allow me at least in the conversation for a finance/accounting job at any company in america. If you're going that route you'll find that there are A LOT more options if you focus on accounting. Take as many accounting classes as possible (i only did 3), ideally enough so that you;re close to qualifiying for a cpa. you can get controller positions, ect. The other option is to work on the finance side for a few years then get an MBA, which is usually required for the higher level corporate finance roles.
the best combo for the most options...get a CPA and an MBA in finance. Even in down times, you'll be able to find a job.
djc225, thank you for your valuable input. What you described sounds infinitely times more interesting to me than IB/PE. Sounds like switching to accounting and later on getting an MBA in finance may not be such a bad idea?
If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you a couple more questions. Would you mind if I emailed you or sent you a private message?
Thanks
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