What Can I Do with a Major in Finance

Finance

Finance is the field of study that focuses on managing the finances of firms, financial institutions, and individuals. The University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Finance Program provides students with the finance and general business knowledge needed to compete in today’s job market. The program also helps students develop communication, interpersonal, technical and critical thinking skills which are highly valued by organizations seeking to employ individuals with a finance background. The Accounting and Finance Department offers a comprehensive major in business finance with emphases in the following areas: general finance, corporate finance, and financial services. The department also offers a minor in finance.

What will I learn from studying Finance?

Knowledge:

The finance program at UW-Eau Claire allows students to have an understanding of: modern working capital management, the issues and skills involved in evaluating long-term investments and their financing, and the various components of the financial system.

Skills:

Proficiency in written and oral communication
Aptitude for accuracy and detail
Organize, analyze, and interpret numerical data
Explain complex financial data to others
Proficiency with computers

What are some of the interests and values related to Finance?

Understanding and interpreting financial data
Explaining financial statements to others
Confidentiality
Stability

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to a Finance Degree?

Potential Employers:

Finance graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Employers of finance graduates include corporations, firms, banking institutions, government, and colleges and universities.

Potential Job Titles:

Customer Service Representative
Personal Banker
Commercial Loan Officer
Mortgage Broker
Investment Portfolio Manager
Financial Analyst
Controller
Chief Financial Officer
Brokerage Clerk
Financial Planner
Portfolio Manager

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Finance graduates?

Credit Analyst, Associated Bank, Green Bay, WI
Associate Financial Analyst, Ecolab, Inc., St. Paul, MN
Staff Accountant, Carlson Co., Plymouth, MN
Credit Analyst, US Bank, Eau Claire, WI
Senior Underwriter, American Summit, Minneapolis, MN

How can I learn more about Finance?

Department

Contact someone in UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Accounting and Finance
Schneider Social Science 400B, 836-2184

Career Services:

Meet with a career counselor
Take interest inventories and self assessment tests
Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

Career Opportunities in Banking, Finance, and Insurance, Thomas Fitch
Careers for Financial Mavens & Other Money Movers, Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler
Careers In Finance, Trudy Ring
Opportunities in Financial Careers, Michael Sumichrast & Martin A. Sumichrast
Opportunities in Banking Careers, Adrian A. Paradis
What Can I Do With a Major in Business?, Kate Shoup Welsh

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Finance?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Finance that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships. Contact your advisor or the Accounting and Finance department chair about enrolling in FIN 398 or 498 to obtain academic credit for your internship.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in FIN 399, 495 or 499.