Getting a degree in finance is a great career move, but in a competitive job market, simply having the degree isn’t always enough. To really stand out to employers, you’ll need to stack your degree with the right skills, experience, and portfolio. This article walks you through how to make your finance degree shine, so you can begin college with a clear game plan.
Build Technical Skills
Earning your degree in finance gives you a strong foundation, but what separates strong candidates are the technical skills. These are specific, job-ready abilities you can demonstrate to your employers. According to Harvard Business School Online, employers are looking for these skills in students:
- Accounting
- Analytical Thinking
- Financial Decision-Making
- Financial Reporting
- Investing
Depending on your school, your finance program might not cover all of this. Go beyond your program and take courses in financial modeling, investment analysis, or forecasting. Practice industry standard tools like Microsoft Excel or Bloomberg Terminal. The more you can show “I can do it”, the better, and your portfolio of work is great for just that.
Create Your Portfolio
Your resume is not the only place you can show off your experience. Creating a portfolio that showcases what you’ve done is one of the smartest ways to stand out. A portfolio turns your skills and experiences into tangible proof of your ability. You can find more benefits to building a portfolio in this Capella University article.
Here’s what you can include as part of your professional portfolio:
- Certificates
- Awards
- Written Proposals
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Spreadsheets
- Reports
- And more!
Creating a portfolio can make you stand out in a sea of other applicants. It not only shows off your previous work, but it lets your employer know you have the initiative and skills to do more. Practical, real-world experience can do the same thing.
Gain Practical Experience
Classes are important, but they’re only a small part of the picture. Having real-world experience can make you far more memorable to employers. Here are some ways to make that happen:
- Internships: Securing an internship is your best way to gain practical experience. You’ll be put in the path of professionals and projects that will prepare you for your career.
- Student Organizations: Join student societies and clubs on campus. They can provide you with leadership opportunities and a huge network of professionals. BYU-Idaho has a bunch of societies to choose from!
- Projects: Even if you don’t find an internship, work on real-world projects. You can reach out to small businesses in your area and volunteer your services. Or you could analyze a company’s financials and propose a hypothetical plan to do it better.
In class, problems usually have one right answer, but in the workplace, problems have layers. But real-world experience is about more than putting your technical skills to use. When you apply your know-how in the workplace, you’re also learning and developing important soft skills.
Develop Soft Skills
Your technical expertise and experience are essential, but don’t neglect the soft skills. These are the personal, communication, and leadership skills that ties your resume together. The Raymond A. Mason School of Business notes that soft skills in finance are becoming more and more important.
Here are just a few you should work on:
- Communication: This will help you interact with others so you’re productive and understand each other.
- Teamwork: Coordinating with a team can help you effectively work toward a common goal.
- Leadership: Leading a team involves communication and delegation, and leading this can make you more productive and helpful.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Solving interpersonal and professional problems will go a long way in any career.
- Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and understanding yours and other’s emotions can ensure that you respond well to any situation.
- Critical Thinking: Your employer needs you to make informed, rational decisions at work, and in your relationships with others.
Building these skills can set you apart as a candidate. You know only have the technical skills required, but you took the time to develop just as essential soft skills. Employers notice that, and they also notice when you go out of your way to earn certificates in the field.
Earn Certifications
As you progress in your career, start thinking about earning certificates to give you better credentials on your resume. It can give you an extra edge in the hiring pool. Here are a few that will benefit you as a finance major:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): This certification is a mark of distinction on your resume that opens career opportunities around the globe. You’ll need to join the CFA Institute, pass three exams, and complete some work experience, but the achievement is worth the work.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP): If you’re interested in financial planning, this is the certification for you. Getting CFP certified is a smart career move, proving to clients that you're trustworthy and ethical. Firms and clients alike are looking for CFP certified planners everyday.
- Financial Risk manager (FRM): Risk management can be a rewarding and profitable career, and if you want to prove you know yourself, then getting a FRM is your next move. This certification is proof you’re ready and able to do your job, placing you as a strong candidate for a job.
Earning certifications can give you a leg up on your resume, proving that you know your stuff and you can prove it. While most of these certifications require some work experience, earning them can advance your current career and pay. Even if you’re still a student, keeping these certifications in mind as you earn your degree can give you a head start.
Get Started!
Starting your finance degree is an exciting step, and it’s just the beginning. To really stand out, you’ll want to build strong technical skills, create a portfolio, gain practical experience, develop your soft skills, and think ahead about certifications. Each piece adds up to more than just a degree. They show employers that you’re ready to contribute from day one.
Citations
Harvard Business School Online — 7 Finance Skills Employers Look for on a Resume
Capella University — Why a Portfolio Is Important for Your Career
BYU–Idaho — Finance Student Resources
CFA Institute — CFA Program
CFA Institute — CFA Program
CFP Board — Resources for Students
Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) — Financial Risk Manager (FRM)