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Huge career growth and salary potential for master’s in finance grads

After completing the MS-FIN, starting a lucrative career is certainly within reach. You’ll be qualified for many different roles in the financial industry, including corporate finance, risk management, management, financial planning, investment banking, consulting, or even real estate.

Madeline Sargent

After completing the MS-FIN, starting a lucrative career is certainly within reach. You’ll be qualified for many different roles in the financial industry, including corporate finance, risk management, management, financial planning, investment banking, consulting, or even real estate.

Explore career paths in finance

With an advanced degree in finance, graduates have options. A well-known path is that of a financial analyst. If you step into this role, you can earn a median salary of $80,310 per year, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Analysts’ projected salary can be upwards of $94,450 if they decide to specialize in investments such as commodities, contracts, and securities. Some master’s programs in finance, including the W. P. Carey MS-FIN at Arizona State University, offer the extra perk of preparing you for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam as part of the curriculum.

A financial advisor is another potential career path. This role works with individuals rather than corporations, and uses expertise to construct personalized financial plans that aim to achieve the financial goals of clients. These plans include not only investments but also savings, budget, insurance, and tax strategies. The median salary is $89,160, the BLS reported.

If you are setting your sights on a management position, a financial manager is one of the highest paid positions in the industry. This role requires a combination of experience, knowledge, and leadership skills. Various management positions include titles like treasurer, controller, and chief financial officers. Usually, these roles work to maintain the big-picture financial health of the company or organization. Managers can earn between $117,990 and $148,990.

Beginning your career after graduation

Plan your career moves by looking for employment where your targeted education will be appreciated. According to the U.S. News and World Report, if you are looking for jobs in environments like commercial banks, investment banks, and accounting firms, you will give yourself more stability: The majority of Fortune Global 100 and 500 companies in the energy and utilities sector plan to hire Master of Finance graduates.

Popular companies to consider include:

  • J. P. Morgan Chase & Company
  • Fidelity Investments
  • Ernst & Young
  • KPMG
  • Northern Trust Company

Take the next step

Pursuing an MS-FIN at W. P. Carey can lead you to a successful career where job satisfaction currently sits at 4 out of 5 stars. As an alumnus of a top-ranked business school, you’ll graduate with a foundation in finance and will have access to personalized career resources.

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