Best entry-level jobs for finance majors

Best entry-level jobs for finance majors was originally published on College Recruiter.

Having a degree in finance can take you in many different directions, each rewarding and fulfilling in its own way. Whether you want to end up as the head of finance for a major corporation or build your own empire as a financial analyst or consultant, the possibilities are endless and can vary depending on what your aspirations are.

Another great thing about being a finance major is that, like business majors, you have an understanding of money and business to a point where you can better advocate for yourself if you need to ask for a raise or negotiate a better starting salary.

If you’re looking to break into the world of finance after you’ve completed school, there are some great entry-level opportunities available for finance majors that can help set you on the path toward a successful and rapidly-growing career. Here are just a few excellent ideas for those looking for some guidance:

Best entry-level jobs for finance majors:

Personal Financial Advisor

A personal financial advisor advises people on money matters by keeping track of their budget and spending and helping them plan for their future. Planning for the future is a key part of being a personal financial advisor, as you help clients with investments, estate planning, retirement, etc. A personal financial advisor also helps with preparing for tax filing. In this role, you can make upwards of $80,000 per year.

Tax Associate

An up-and-coming finance professional can gain invaluable experience and insight as a tax associate. The primary responsibilities of someone in this role include helping people file their taxes and analyzing their deductions and spending for the year to help minimize what they owe. A tax associate sometimes works for a firm, but they can also be freelance. If you’re interested in having a career in accounting or taxes specifically, working as a tax associate is an especially great way to get your foot in the door. The average pay is around $85,000 per year.

Compensation and Benefits Specialist

This is a great role for someone looking to be part of a startup or a larger corporation, as it requires working with businesses to analyze their compensation and benefits packages to ensure that they are offering the best coverage at the lowest possible cost to them. You’ll gain experience exploring and reporting on the insurance and employment marketplaces, which you’ll need to do to help companies stay competitive and provide the best possible packages for their employees. The average salary for this position is upwards of $60,000 per year.

Investment Banking Analyst

Being an investment banking analyst is something you can do for both companies and individuals, helping them raise capital through investments, issue debt, sell equity, and complete financial transactions. You’ll have to have an understanding of risk with certain potential investments and financial endeavors, but if you’ve got a passion for investment banking then this would be a great starting point for you. The average salary for this role is around $98,000 a year.

— Article by Sean Kelly. In addition to being an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter, Sean Kelly also co-founded a nonprofit local news publication in Savannah, GA called The Savannahian.

By College Recruiter
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