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What is Finance?
Are you interested in a career in finance? With the right education and training, you can become an expert in this field. Pursuing a degree program at one of the many finance colleges available will give you the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
Finance colleges offer degrees ranging from associate’s to doctoral levels. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can choose from Accounting, Business Administration, Banking and Financial Services Management, and more. In addition to traditional college settings, there are also online programs available for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment.
No matter which program you choose, studying finance at a college or university will give you access to practical experience through internships as well as important connections with industry professionals that can help launch your career path. There are plenty of Idaho schools that offer finance degree programs and business courses: Idaho State University, Brigham Young University Idaho, University of Idaho, and private schools in Idaho such as Northwest Nazarene University.
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Online Finance Education in Idaho
A finance professional is a person who specializes in managing money and investments. They are experts in understanding financial principles, analyzing data, and predicting trends within the economy. Finance professionals use their expertise to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions regarding their finances.
Finance majors typically attend college to pursue a degree that focuses on accounting, economics, marketing, statistics, international finance, or business management. Common career options for finance graduates include positions as financial advisors or analysts for banks or investment firms. Other roles may involve working with government agencies or large corporations to provide advice on strategies related to budgeting and forecasting. Those who work in this field often have advanced degrees such as an MBA or CPA designation and participate in continuing education courses to stay abreast of changing trends in the profession.
Online Associate Degree in Finance (AS)
An associate degree in finance is a two-year program that prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the finance industry. Students learn about investing, economics, accounting, and other topics related to financial management. Those with an associate degree often pursue careers as loan officers, budget analysts, or bookkeepers.
Finance colleges offer a variety of courses to help students gain an understanding of the fundamentals of finance. Courses may include taxation, financial statement analysis, and investments. Other topics, such as risk management and international finance, may also be covered. With this education, graduates will have the knowledge needed to enter the field as well as understand any new regulations that may come into play in their career path.
By completing an associate degree program in finance, students can open up many different opportunities within the industry, while also gaining valuable experience that employers look for when hiring candidates.
Online Bachelors Degree in Finance (BS or B.Fin.)
A Bachelor of Finance (BFin) is a great way to start a career in the ever-evolving financial services industry. By studying finance at the undergraduate level, students develop an understanding of business practices and decision-making processes. They gain skills that will help them become successful financial professionals, such as financial analysis and problem-solving abilities.
Colleges and universities offer various finance degree programs that can be tailored to fit individual interests or career goals. Many of these programs provide students with a technical background in areas such as accounting, economics, banking, investments, and securities trading. Additionally, courses may cover topics like financial planning and management, business law, and taxation. Graduates can find jobs at banks or investment firms right away or pursue further studies at the graduate level for advanced education in finance related fields.
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Online Masters Degree in Finance (MS or M.Fin.)
A Master of Finance (MFin) can be the perfect way to advance your career in this field. Financial professionals who endeavor to earn a master’s degree gain an edge in their industry that can help them secure job promotions and command higher salaries. With a wide array of finance colleges and university programs offered, students have the ability to tailor their education to meet their professional goals. From tuition and fees, program length, and curriculum design, there are many components to consider when selecting the right school for pursuing a master's in finance.
Studying at a college or university with a top-notch finance program allows students to learn from experts in the field who share valuable knowledge about real-world practices. Programs vary greatly from institution to institution, so it’s important for prospective students to keep an open mind when researching which program best meets their needs.
Online PhD Degree in Finance (PhD)
The pursuit of a PhD in finance opens a world of possibilities for those interested in an advanced degree meant to move their career forward or into a new path. With many colleges and universities offering this type of program, it’s important to understand the various degree programs available, their requirements, and the potential career options they present.
A PhD in finance can be earned from multiple sources. Most commonly these include top research universities or business schools that offer specialized finance degrees as well as traditional MBA programs with concentrations in finance. Aspiring students should consider all available options when evaluating what school best suits their needs and objectives. In addition to researching the coursework offered by each institution, students should also assess which school provides them with the greatest opportunity for networking and building professional relationships with successful industry leaders.
Online Finance Certifications
Finance certifications are an excellent way for finance professionals to stay ahead in their field and for them to move into new roles. From the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) program, these certifications can provide individuals with an edge in the job market. For those already working in the finance industry, certification is also a great way to demonstrate expertise and enhance career advancement opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or just want to brush up on your financial knowledge, there are numerous programs available that will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of finance. Many organizations offer courses that cover topics like investment banking, portfolio management, financial analysis, and more. With so many options to choose from, it may be difficult to decide which program is right for you.
Become a Finance Professional in Idaho
The role of the financial professional has drastically changed over the years as technology and economics have evolved. Today’s finance professionals must possess both hard analytical skills, as well as softer skills like strategic thinking, communication, and project management to help organizations effectively handle their finances. Here are some steps to take if you’re ready to become a finance professional.
Step 1: Earn a Degree in Finance
Undergraduate and graduate degree programs related to accountancy, business administration, and finance can provide hands-on training and valuable knowledge critical in becoming more profitable as a financial professional. Degrees also qualify job candidates for high paying jobs at banks, investment firms, or insurance companies.
Step 2: Get Certified or Licensed
Most states require some form of certification or license prior to offering any type of financial services advice. To become certified or licensed, applicants must pass an exam administered by the appropriate regulatory agency that covers topics like tax law, legal requirements, and ethical standards in the field. All certifications come with continuing education requirements, which must be fulfilled on a regular basis in order for professionals to keep current licenses active.
Step 3: Gain Further Experience and Expertise
Experience is critical when it comes to becoming proficient in all aspects of personal finances and managing investments wisely over time. Experienced pros typically have firsthand knowledge from helping clients make sound decisions regarding specific investments throughout various market cycles over time. Additionally, gaining CFA status (Chartered Financial Analyst), CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation, or passing Series exams can certify a level of proficiency that many employers will find attractive.
Step 4: Network and Promote Your Business
To get your name out among potential clients, you'll need an effective network strategy so that employers can view you as an expert within your specialize areas. There are various tools, as well as professional associations, that you can use to network, promote yourself within your field, or find new job options.
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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Finance?
A bachelor's degree in finance can open many doors to a successful career. It is an ideal choice for those who are looking to gain the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the financial industry. With a bachelor's degree in finance, students have numerous options when it comes to choosing which type of finance career they’d like to pursue. From becoming a financial analyst or investment banker, to working as a controller or risk manager at large companies, there are numerous paths one can take with this degree. For those interested in continuing their education further, many universities offer advanced degrees that will further strengthen their ability to excel in the field of finance. By obtaining an MBA or master's degree in finance, students will learn more about economics, investments, and banking strategies - all essential components for any finance professional.
Potential Careers for Finance Graduates
- Credit Counselors:
A credit counselor provides advice and assistance to individuals and businesses on managing and improving their credit.
- Bachelor's degree in finance, economics or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Excellent communication skills
- In-depth knowledge of finance, lending, and budgeting principles
- Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a simple, understandable manner
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- The mean annual wage for credit counselors in the US in 2021 was $50,430
- The mean annual wage for credit counselors in Idaho is $41,930
- Chief Financial Officer
A chief financial officer, or CFO for short, is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of a company. CFOs are the senior managers who manage and lead their organization's financial strategy; they create and maintain financial policies, guidelines, and plans. They supervise the work of accounts teams, ensure accurate accounting records are kept up to date, and coordinate with other departments to ensure that day-to-day business performance is being managed according to plans.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
- 8+ years of experience in a finance-related role
- The median annual wage for financial managers in the US in 2021 was $131,710
- The mean annual wage for financial managers in Idaho is $108,210
An actuary is a business professional who uses mathematical and statistical methods to analyze risks and uncertainties in the insurance and finance industries. Actuaries evaluate complex financial problems, such as determining how high the premiums for life insurance policies need to be to ensure that there will be enough money in the fund to pay for future claims.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, mathematics, statistics or a related field;
- Professional certification from a recognized actuarial organization;
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills;
- Proficiency in computer software used in actuarial calculations
- The median annual wage for actuaries in the US in 2021 was $105,900
- The mean annual wage for actuaries in Idaho is $101,130
- Claims Adjuster, Examiner, or Investigator:
A claims adjuster is an expert in researching customer complaints and assessing their insurance coverage levels against those claims. Adjusters typically gather documents related to an incident, interview witnesses or claimants, visit or inspect sites to determine cause of damage or injury, calculate damages for loss recovery or potential settlement amounts, recommend cases for denial or approval by higher authorities, and contact law enforcement agencies regarding criminal activity in relation to a claim. They may also negotiate settlements between insurers and claimants.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as insurance, finance, or law
- Previous experience working with insurance claims
- Strong knowledge of insurance regulations
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- The mean annual wage for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators in the US in 2021 was $70,960
- The mean annual wage for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators in Idaho is $65,010
- Loan Officer:
Loan officers help individuals, businesses, and other organizations to obtain financial loans. They process applications, review, and analyze potential risks, ensure paperwork requirements are met, issue loan approvals or denials, and answer questions from applicants.
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Knowledge of banking regulations and laws governing loans
- Ability to interpret financial data and make sound decisions
- The median annual wage for loan officers in the US in 2021 was $63,380
- The mean annual wage for loan officers in Idaho is $65,970
- Postsecondary Professor in Business, Accounting, or Finance:
Postsecondary professors are key figures in the world of higher education, providing guidance and instruction to students seeking advanced degrees. In the business, accounting, and finance fields specifically, postsecondary professors help pave the way for successful careers by teaching methods for industry success.
- Master’s degree in business, Accounting or Finance
- Previous experience teaching at the postsecondary level is preferred
- The mean annual wage for business teachers, postsecondary in the US in 2021 was $105,720
- The mean annual wage for business teachers, postsecondary in Idaho is $90,180
- Investment Banker:
An investment banker is a financial professional who helps organizations and individuals access the capital market, providing advice on mergers, acquisitions, and other financial transactions. They typically work with large entities such as businesses, governments, pension funds, and high-net-worth individuals seeking to raise capital by issuing securities or engaging in mergers and acquisitions.
- Bachelor's degree in business, economics or finance
- Knowledge of financial markets and products
- Strong analytical, problem solving and communication skills
- Good understanding of financial regulations
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- The median annual wage for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in the US in 2021 was $62,910
- The mean annual wage for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in Idaho is $61,520
- Insurance Agent:
An insurance agent works independently or as part of an agency to help customers manage risks by creating and selling policies. They guide customers through the policy selection process, recommend coverage, and negotiate discounts. They are meant to be dedicated to finding the best coverage for customers at a competitive price.
- Degree in business administration, finance or related field preferred
- Previous experience in sales, customer service, or a related field
- Knowledge of insurance regulations and guidelines
- Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft
- The median annual wage for insurance sales agents in the US in 2021 was $49,840
- The mean annual wage for insurance sales agents in Idaho is $59,820