Are you pursuing a degree in finance? If you answered yes, it is important to research your career options before you get out of school. As a graduate, you may have the degree that you need to enter the field of your dreams, but you will still need to gain experience and climb your way up the ladder if you want to build a reputation in the field.
In the finance sector, you will need to show your worth and skills by applying for an entry-level position first. There are plenty of different areas of finance for new grads, and you will need to decide which area of finance offers you the future you are looking for. Here are some of the top entry-level finance jobs to consider during your job search:
Budget Analyst
All small businesses and major organizations in the nation have a budget. A budget is set because of financial limitations, and if you are good at allocating how to use a limited amount of resources, you may want to consider becoming a budget analyst. Your salary as a budget analyst will be based on the size of the organization you work for, whether you work in the public or private sector, and the geographic region.
Insurance Underwriter
The insurance industry offers a wide range of different finance positions for entry-level applicants and experienced professionals. With a degree in finance, you may have the skills needed to be an entry-level underwriter, who works directly with actuaries, to issue policies and calculate insurance rates. It is also the underwriter’s job to determine whether or not to decline insurance applications or non-renew a policy because of the policyholder’s driving history. Underwriters are reported to make an average salary of $59,290, and salaries can rise with experience.
Junior Tax Associate
There is a growing demand for life insurance, commercial loans, and asset management services. Because demand in these industries is high, the demand for junior tax associates is growing as well. If you want to gain valuable experience in the area of taxation, becoming a junior tax associate is a good option. You can earn a salary of $50,000 or more, and learn about reporting systems and legislation so that you can build knowledge and advance.
Financial Auditor
Some positions will offer short-term growth potential, but there are other positions that have the potential for long-term growth. If you want to be involved in international auditing, you can review a company’s financial statements and scrutinize these for errors or false statements. An auditor will either work for the company, for the government, or as a third-party. As you gain experience, you can work your way up in this sector of finance to help fight tax fraud on a corporate level.
Finance may be about numbers, but there are many different aspects of finance. You can become a rate setter in the insurance industry, a tax specialist, or even an auditor who works to spot fraud. Choose which path you want to walk down, and select an entry-level position that will put you on the right path.
