Undergraduate Careers:
Finance

There is a vast array of opportunities that await you in the Finance Industry. You may choose to work in corporate finance, commercial banking, insurance, real estate, investment banking or money management. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you conduct research and self assessment as well as network with others to explore your career-related interests. Financial analysis and management have been revolutionized by technological improvements in personal computers and data processing. Knowledge of their application is vital to increased advancement opportunities.

Position Yourself for Success

Research the industry. Suggested resources include the Vault guides available through MiTRAC, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and books such as Liar's Poker and Den of Thieves.
Join related organizations such as the BSBA Finance and Investment Club or the Real Estate Club.
Attend career-related events. The FCC hosts annual finance-related events such as Careers in Finance, Roadmap to Wall Street, Demystifying Investment Banking, and Investment Banking Boot Camp, along with a myriad of employer information sessions.
The Roadmap to Wall Street packet of alumni advice and resources is available at the FCC. Please come in to obtain a copy and make an appointment with a career counselor.
The recruiting cycle for finance positions begins early. Be prepared to apply for full-time jobs as soon as your senior year begins; internship applications can begin as early as the end of the fall semester. Check MiTRAC early and often.
Finance-related positions and training programs such as those with Investment Banking firms can be very competitive. These companies generally look for strong academic performance and superior interviewing skills. Schedule a mock interview early in the semester and keep practicing.
Gain related experience through internships. There are a variety of options for both summer and academic year opportunities.
Networking is key to gaining valuable insight into the industry and advice about how to pursue your career interests. A great place to start could be talking to fellow SMG students about their internships and experiences exploring the industry.
It is important that students interested in this field establish a relationship with the FCC to create a strategy for pursuing internships/jobs in this field. Set up an appointment to meet with a counselor as a first step in that relationship building.

Sample on-the-job Responsibilities

Research and review data to assist in making investment decisions.
Monitor and remain updated on industry trends, companies' performance, and current events that could impact the market.
Write formal reports and presentations summarizing findings.
Verify information is accurate and in compliance with regulations.
Research and examine credit history.
Evaluate business and consumer loan applications.
Analyze business transactions and trades.
Use spreadsheets and computer programs to perform analysis.
Develop client relationships; identify and contact potential clients.
Review companies' financial statements and perform analysis to determine value.

Sample Entry Level Job Titles

Analyst*
Assistant Bank Examiner*
Consultant*
Corporate Audit Analyst*
Corporate Finance Analyst*
Credit Products Analyst*
Equity Research Assistant*
Financial Advisor*
Financial Analyst*
Financial Management Program*
Global Market Analyst*
Global Private Client Group Analyst*
Hedge Fund Analyst*
Investment Analyst*
Mortgage Professional Trainee*
Real Estate Analyst*
Research Analyst*
Securitization Transaction Analyst*
Structured Products Analyst*
Trade Support*
Transaction Advisory Services Associate*

* Denotes BU graduates from the classes of 2006 and 2007 with Finance Concentrations

Sample list of employers of BU alums
with a concentration in Finance

Accenture
Accredited Home Lenders
Ameriprise Financial
Bank of America
Cambridge Associates
CIT
Citigroup
Deloitte Consulting
Duff & Phelps
Federal Reserve Bank of NY
Fidelity Investments
General Electric
Goldman Sachs
HSBC
IBM Business Services
John Hancock
JP Morgan
Liberty Mutual
Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
Pantheon Ventures
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
State Street Bank
UBS

Sample Professional Salaries*

Corporate Finance Associate: $59,199
Credit Analyst: $43,531
Financial Analyst: $45,725
Investment Analyst: $57,610
Mortgage Underwriter: $42,918

*From Salary.com national average base salary data, June 2007. Salaries may vary depending upon the region, size, and type of firm. Be sure to refer to a variety of sources when researching compensation.

Web Resources

Careers in Finance: www.careers-in-finance.com
Bloomberg.com: Career Opportunities: about.bloomberg.com/careers/index.html
Financial Job Network: www.financialjobnet.com
National Banking Network: www.banking-financejobs.com
Bankjobs.com: www.bankjobs.com
American Bankers Association: www.aba.com
CFA Institute: www.cfainstitute.com
The Financial Planning Association: www.fpanet.org
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors: www.napfa.org
Investopedia.com: www.investopedia.com

For additional information and detailed descriptions of possible career options, please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, www.bls.gov/oco:

Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors
Insurance Sales Agents
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Financial Managers

Undergraduate Careers:Finance