So you're thinking about a finance degree? Or maybe you're halfway through and starting to sweat a little about the future. That nagging question – "what can you do with a finance degree?" – keeps popping up. It's smart to ask. College is a huge investment of time and money. You need to know what’s on the other side.

Look, I get it. When I was finishing my finance program, I felt overwhelmed. Everyone talks about Wall Street, but honestly? That path isn't for everyone (it definitely wasn't for me long-term). The good news is, a finance degree is way more versatile than you might think. It’s not just about crunching numbers in a dark room. It opens doors in almost every industry you can imagine.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We'll dive deep into the actual jobs, the real salaries (based on what I see in the market today, not outdated stats), the skills you *really* need, and even the downsides nobody likes to talk about. By the end, you should have a crystal-clear picture of where that diploma can take you. Let's get into it.

The Core Finance Paths: Where Most Grads Start (But Not All Stay)

Okay, let's start with the obvious stuff. When people ask "what can you do with a finance degree?", these are the careers that usually come to mind first. They're popular for a reason – they directly use the core skills you learn in school and often offer solid earning potential right out of the gate.

Financial Analyst (The Classic Launchpad)

This is *the* quintessential first job for many finance grads. You're analyzing financial data, building models (think Excel spreadsheets on steroids), creating reports, and helping companies or individuals make investment decisions. It's foundational.

• Where You Work: Corporations (FP&A - Financial Planning & Analysis teams), investment banks, mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies.
• Early Salary Range: $60,000 - $85,000 is typical for entry-level roles in most US cities. Big finance hubs like NYC or SF can push $70,000 - $100,000+. Bonuses vary wildly.
• Skills You Use Daily: Deep Excel proficiency (VLOOKUPs, PivotTables, modeling), understanding financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow), basic accounting principles, presentation skills.
• The Upside: Great training ground, builds core finance muscles, necessary step for many higher-level roles. You see how businesses really work.
• The Downside (My Take): Can get repetitive. Lots of reporting cycles (month-end close, budgeting season). Sometimes feels like you're just explaining the past rather than shaping the future. Hours can be long, especially in banking roles.

Honestly, I did this for two years. Learned a ton, but knew I didn't want to be building the same budget models forever. It's a stepping stone for many.

Investment Banking Analyst (The Grueling Grind)

The infamous path. High pay, high stress, long hours. Investment bankers help companies raise capital (like issuing stocks or bonds) and advise on mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

• Where You Work: Bulge bracket banks (Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley), elite boutiques (Evercore, Lazard), middle-market firms.
• Early Salary + Bonus: Base salary ~$100,000 - $130,000 is typical now. Total compensation (with bonus) often hits $150,000 - $200,000+ in the first year. Yeah, it's high.
• Skills You Use Daily: Intense financial modeling (DCFs, LBOs, M&A models), creating pitchbooks (PowerPoint decks), valuation analysis, insane attention to detail, stamina.
• The Upside: Unparalleled training, exit opportunities are fantastic (Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Corporate Development), high compensation fast, prestigious (if you care about that).
• The Downside (Brutal Truth): Expect 80-100 hour weeks regularly. Your social life often disappears. High burnout rate. Can feel like glorified PowerPoint/Excel jockeying sometimes. Culture can be intense.

I have friends who did this. Some loved the challenge and exited to great PE jobs. Others were shells of themselves after two years and switched to tech. Know what you're signing up for.

Commercial Banking / Corporate Banking

Less flashy than IB, often more stable. You're working within a bank, lending money to businesses (corporations, mid-sized companies) rather than individuals. Analyze loan requests, manage relationships with business clients, assess credit risk.

• Where You Work: Large national banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo), regional banks.
• Early Salary: $65,000 - $85,000 base. Bonuses smaller than IB, maybe 10-20% of base.
• Skills You Use Daily: Credit analysis, understanding business models and industries, financial statement analysis, relationship management basics, loan structuring.
• The Upside: Better work-life balance than IB (usually 45-60 hours/week), stable career path, client interaction, learn how different industries operate financially.
• The Downside: Can feel bureaucratic within large banks. Compensation growth is steady but not explosive early on. Deals are smaller scale than IB.

This is a solid path if you like analysis but want more predictability than Wall Street offers.

Wealth Management / Financial Advisor

Helping individuals manage their money – investments, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance. Can be very rewarding if you like people.

• Where You Work: Wirehouses (Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley WM), independent RIAs (Registered Investment Advisors), boutique firms, banks.
• Early Compensation: Highly variable! Often low base salary + commission/bonus. First years can be tough as you build your client book ("eat what you kill"). Top advisors earn millions; many struggle and leave the field. $50,000 - $70,000 total might be realistic year 1-3 at a decent firm with support.
• Skills You Use Daily: Deep investment knowledge, financial planning software, relationship building, sales skills (crucial, even at fee-only firms to attract clients), communication, empathy, understanding tax implications.
• The Upside: Directly help people achieve goals, potential for very high income long-term, entrepreneurial feel (you build your practice), flexibility later in career.
• The Downside (Be Warned): Early years involve intense prospecting and sales, even if labeled "relationship management." Building a client base takes time and grit. Compensation is uncertain initially. Requires licenses (Series 7, 66, etc.).

My cousin is successful in this, but his first three years were a slog of cold calls and networking events. He loves it now, but it's not a passive path.

Public Accounting (Finance Focused)

Wait, accounting? Yes! While often associated with accounting degrees, finance majors can land roles in large accounting firms, especially in advisory or consulting services related to finance.

• Where You Work: The Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or other large national firms.
• Roles: Financial Due Diligence (FDD), Valuation Services, Forensic Accounting, Risk Advisory (Financial Risk).
• Early Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 in major metros. Big 4 pay scales are fairly standardized.
• Skills You Use Daily: Accounting principles (you'll learn fast!), financial analysis, data analysis, attention to detail, report writing, working in teams, managing client requests (sometimes unreasonable ones!).
• The Upside: Excellent training, strong brand name on resume, clear promotion path (if you survive), broad exposure to different companies/industries.
• The Downside: Can involve travel. Busy seasons mean long hours (though often not as brutal as IB). Work can be audit-adjacent and detail-heavy. Requires getting a CPA eventually for top advancement (which means extra accounting credits).

I almost went this route. The exit ops after 2-4 years are strong into corporate finance roles.

Beyond Wall Street: Unexpected & Exciting Finance Careers

This is where the "what can you do with a finance degree?" question gets interesting. Your skills are valuable far beyond traditional finance hubs.

Corporate Finance (Inside a Company)

This is massive. Almost every company, from tech startups to manufacturing giants to hospitals, needs finance professionals to manage its money internally. Roles include FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), Treasury, Internal Audit, Strategy.

Salary ranges are estimates for mid-career professionals (3-5 years experience) in major US metros. Entry-level will be lower.

I moved into corporate FP&A after my analyst stint. It felt more connected to the actual business outcomes than my previous role. Seeing a product launch you helped fund succeed is pretty cool.

Consulting

Management consultants solve business problems. Finance grads are highly valued for their analytical rigor and understanding of business drivers.

• Types of Consulting: Strategy (McKinsey, BCG, Bain), Operations, Financial Advisory (Deloitte Advisory, PwC Advisory), Tech Consulting.
• Early Roles: Business Analyst, Associate Consultant.
• Early Salary Range: $90,000 - $110,000+ base at top firms, plus bonuses. Total comp can approach IB levels at MBB.
• Skills You Use Daily: Problem-solving, data analysis, financial modeling (often simpler than IB), PowerPoint, communication, working in teams, rapid learning about new industries.
• The Upside: Incredible learning curve, exposure to C-suite problems, travel (can be a pro or con!), strong exit opportunities, high comp.
• The Downside: Long hours (though often different flavor than IB), frequent travel can be draining, project-based work means constant context switching, "up or out" promotion culture.

It's intellectually stimulating, but the lifestyle isn't sustainable for everyone long-term. Great launchpad.

FinTech (Financial Technology)

A booming area! Finance majors are crucial at companies building apps for payments, lending, investing, blockchain, personal finance, etc. You understand the finance *and* the customer.

• Roles: Product Manager (Finance products!), Financial Analyst (FinTech FP&A), Operations Analyst, Strategy & Business Development, Data Analyst (Finance focus), Compliance Specialist.
• Early Salary Range: Varies hugely by company size/stage/location. Startups might offer $70,000 - $90,000 + equity (high risk/reward). Established players (PayPal, Stripe, Square) pay more like $85,000 - $120,000+ base.
• Skills You Use Daily: Core finance knowledge, understanding tech implications, data analysis, agile methodologies basics, customer focus, adaptability.
• The Upside: Fast-paced, innovative environment, working on cutting-edge products, often more casual culture than traditional finance, potential for equity upside.
• The Downside: Startups can be risky (runway, funding), roles can be less defined, constant change, lower starting comp than IB/MBB sometimes (though equity bridges gap).

FinTech is exciting because it's reshaping finance. You're not just working *in* finance; you're helping *build* its future.

Real Estate Finance

Finance underpins the real estate world. This isn't just about selling houses; it's about analyzing deals, securing financing, managing property investments.

• Roles: Real Estate Financial Analyst (REITs, developers), Commercial Mortgage Broker/Analyst, Acquisitions Analyst, Asset Manager.
• Early Salary Range: $65,000 - $85,000+ base, plus potential commissions/bonuses depending on role.
• Skills You Use Daily: Real estate-specific financial modeling (cash flow projections, cap rates, IRR), market research, understanding debt structures, negotiation basics.
• The Upside: Tangible asset class, deals involve physical locations, combination of finance and market understanding, strong industry network.
• The Downside: Highly cyclical industry (sensitive to interest rates/economy), can be relationship-driven, requires niche knowledge.

Want to understand cap rates and NOI? This path answers that part of "what can you do with a finance degree" involving physical assets.

Government & Non-Profit Finance

Making an impact matters. Governments (federal, state, local) and large non-profits need sharp financial minds to manage budgets, grants, investments, and ensure compliance.

• Roles: Budget Analyst, Grants Manager, Financial Analyst (Government Agency), Investment Officer (Pension Funds like CalPERS).
• Early Salary Range: Generally lower than corporate/private sector: $50,000 - $75,000 starting. Government roles have defined pay scales and excellent benefits (pension, healthcare, stability). Non-profit comp varies more.
• Skills You Use Daily: Budgeting, forecasting, compliance (strict rules!), grant management, reporting for public accountability.
• The Upside: Mission-driven work, strong job security (especially government), good benefits, defined work-life balance.
• The Downside: Lower compensation than private sector, bureaucratic processes can be slow, less focus on pure profitability.

The sense of purpose here can be huge. The trade-off is usually in the paycheck.

Essential Skills: What You REALLY Need to Succeed (Beyond the Textbook)

Your finance degree gives you the foundation. But landing the job and thriving? That takes more. Here’s what actually matters:

Technical Skills: The Non-Negotiables

• Excel Mastery: This isn't just knowing formulas. It's speed (keyboard shortcuts!), building robust, scalable models, understanding financial modeling best practices. VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, SUMIFS, PivotTables are baseline. Macros/VBA is a big plus.
• Accounting Fluency: Seriously. You must speak the language of the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. Understand debits/credits, accruals vs. cash accounting, how transactions flow through statements.
• Basic Financial Modeling: Building DCFs (Discounted Cash Flows), understanding valuation multiples (P/E, EV/EBITDA), scenario analysis. Don't panic – entry-level roles won't expect perfection, but you need the concepts.
• Data Analysis Basics: Tools like SQL (for querying databases) and data visualization (Power BI, Tableau) are increasingly essential. Python/R for finance is becoming a major differentiator, especially in quant roles or FinTech.

Soft Skills: The Career Accelerators

• Communication (Written & Verbal): Can you explain complex financial concepts clearly to someone who *isn't* a finance person (like a CEO, client, or marketing manager)? This is critical. Practice presenting.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Finance isn't just about numbers; it's about interpreting them. What story does the data tell? What are the risks? What options exist?
• Attention to Detail: Small errors in finance can have BIG consequences. Double-check your work. Triple-check models.
• Business Acumen: Understand how businesses actually make money, what drives their industry, who their competitors are. Finance doesn't exist in a vacuum.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: Markets change, regulations change, tech changes. You need to keep learning continuously.

Leveling Up: Certifications & Advanced Degrees (Are They Worth It?)

Thinking beyond the undergrad degree? Here's the lowdown on common paths:

Costs are estimates for exams and prep materials. Fees vary by region/provider. Time commitment is highly individual.

Don't rush into expensive certifications. Get some work experience first to see what path you're on. An MBA straight after undergrad often makes less sense than working 3-5 years first (and having an employer help pay for it!).

Your Degree is Just the Start: Building Your Career

• Internships Are King: Seriously, the single best thing you can do while in school. Aim for relevant ones (even if unpaid initially – but paid is better!). Shows initiative and gives you real-world talking points. My analyst job offer came directly from my junior year internship.
• Network Authentically: Not just collecting LinkedIn connections. Talk to alumni, professors, professionals. Ask smart questions about *their* jobs (specifics!). "What's a typical Tuesday like?" is better than "Any advice?". People remember genuine interest.
• Craft a Skills-Based Resume: Don't just list courses. Highlight projects (that group valuation project? Put it on there!), specific software mastered, relevant club leadership (Finance Club VP? Great!). Quantify achievements if possible ("Modeled cash flows for 5 potential acquisitions"...).
• Target Your Job Search: Spraying generic resumes everywhere is ineffective. Research companies and roles. Tailor your resume and cover letter (yes, still write them!) to highlight why YOUR finance skills fit THAT specific job. Mentioning the company's recent earnings or a deal they did shows you care.
• Prepare for Behavioral AND Technical Interviews:
  • Behavioral: "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge..." Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice common ones.
  • Technical: Brush up on accounting concepts (debits/credits), basic valuation (DCF steps), financial ratios (current ratio, debt-to-equity). For IB/PE, expect intense modeling tests. Know your resume cold – they'll drill into anything you list.

Common Questions About What You Can Do With a Finance Degree (FAQ)

Wrapping This Up: Your Finance Degree is a Powerful Tool

So, what can you do with a finance degree? Honestly? Almost anything that involves making decisions about money, resources, or strategy within an organization. From the high-octane world of Wall Street deal-making to the meticulous planning inside a tech startup or the impactful budgeting of a non-profit, your skills are in demand.

The key is understanding the vast landscape. Don't get boxed in by the most hyped paths. Think about what environment you thrive in (fast-paced vs. steady?), what kind of work energizes you (deep analysis vs. client interaction?), and what compensation/lifestyle balance makes sense for you.

Your degree is the foundation. Your internships, networking, continuous learning (both technical skills and soft skills), and targeted job search will build the career you actually want. It's not always easy, but understanding finance gives you a powerful lens to see how the world works.

Now go out there and start building your path. You've got this.