The Best Finance Jobs for Graduates
College graduates with degrees in finance have a variety of field for which they would be suited in the financial industry. From accounting, advising, investing and risk management, financial specialties have traditionally been valued and often high-paying.
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Accountant
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Graduates with a bachelor's degree in accounting can expect a decent wage and good job outlook as of 2011. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for accountants in 2009 was $60,340, and employment in the field is expected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. There is also room for advancement for entry-level accountants; after a few years at a typical accounting firm, a public accountant may move on to managerial positions or even become a partner. To become a certified public accountant, a bachelor's degree in accounting is required, as well as passing the exam set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for the state where you'd like to practice.
Financial Adviser
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According to the U.S. Labor Department, as of 2008, financial advising is expected to be one of the fastest-growing careers over the next 10 years, with growth as much as 30 percent between 2008 and 2018. The median annual salary for financial advisers in 2009 was $68,200, according to Forbes Magazine online. There are several career paths available to graduates; one can move up the ranks within a financial organization or become an independent adviser and set up a private practice. To become a financial adviser, a bachelor's degree is the first prerequisite. Forbes recommends aspiring financial planners to obtain the certified financial planner designation on their degree, as well as a membership in the Financial Planning Association or other financial planning or advising groups.
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Actuary
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Actuaries, who assess financial risk, are in great demand because of the unstable nature of the current economy, according to James Miles, a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Right out of college, an entry-level actuary can expect a starting salary of $50,000 as of 2011. To continue work as an actuary, you must continue your education and training by passing required examinations, which can take four to eight years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook 2010-2011. Most actuaries are employed by the insurance industry.
Loan Officers
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The 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook predicts that loan officer positions will increase 10 percent from 2008 to 2018, with college graduates leading the pack for best opportunities. Loan officers are employed by banks, financial institutions and real estate agencies, and help people obtain loans from lending institutions.
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