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Every future investor has the same question in their mind.
Do I need a finance degree?
If I aim for a degree or any certificate, I will have to invest money in it. Isn’t it smarter to invest that money in stocks and gain some experience in trading? But will I be able to work for other people that way?
All those questions are valid.
Earning a finance degree seems like a glamorous idea. If you aim for Wall Street, you assume that you have to get it. But you also know that it’s a huge commitment, and you’re not quite sure if you would return the investment soon enough.
Let’s discuss the most important things you should know about finance degrees. After reading this article, you’ll be closer to making the right decision.
5 Important Things about Finance Degrees
1. A Finance Degree Is Much Different than an Accounting Degree
Anyone interested in a career in business aims for FAME subjects in university. These are finance, accounting, management, and economics. No matter what program you choose, you’ll study all these subjects if it’s related to business. But many students don’t understand that accounting is a completely different program from finance.
When you look at the top 5 universities in Australia, you’ll notice that they offer BA, MA, and PhD programs in both accounting and finance.
Accounting has a narrow focus. These programs and certifications are focused on forensic accounting, financial reporting, business strategy, budget analysis, auditing, tax accounting, risk management, and similar issues.
Finance, on the other hand, is a wide-ranging niche. It covers various specializations in banking, investment, economics, and business. The program will include courses in venture capital, private equity, international finance, financial reporting, financial planning, financial engineering, financial mathematics, corporate finance, and more.
A finance degree program is more likely to turn students to EduBirdie Australia. They might do well with financial reporting, but the niche is so versatile that they will inevitably be challenged by some of its aspects.
2. The Degree Gives You a Great Career Potential
Let’s make something clear: you don’t need a finance degree if your sole intention is to trade stocks and bonds with your own money. However, if you want to turn investing into a career and you plan to work for other people, you’ll need at least a BA degree in finance. Investment banks and brokerage agencies will make sure you have the needed education before they hire you on an entry-level position. From there on, you can make progress.
Your career opportunities will go beyond the roles of an investment banker and a financial trader. You’ll also be able to work as a quant specialist, insurance officer, hedge fund manager, credit analyst, actuary, budget analyst, investor relations associate, financial manager, financial consultant, and commercial banker.
Writing services also hire applicants with degrees. Did you know that students can buy essays here? The company pairs them with authors with relevant experience. If your intention is to trade stocks and work on a research career at the same time, you can consider that option.
3. You’ll Need an Accreditation if You Plan to Work as a Broker
Unfortunately, your exams won’t end when you earn that degree. If you want to become a broker, you’ll have to get your broker accreditation.
In Australia, you can choose from a lengthy list of aggregators. These are organizations that can support your career by providing accreditation, compliance support, business development resources, and software.
Many beginners decide to work with a mentor. This is a professional broker with years of experience behind them. They will oversee your work as a broker, and they will help you get better before you’re ready to work without supervision.
4. The Degree Program Gives You Important Theoretical Background
The finance degree or certificate is not just a piece of paper. It’s proof of your commitment to master the skills that prepare you for the responsibilities of the job.
This degree program may include several subject areas. However, it’s still very specific. It prepares you to work towards careers in investment strategy, capital allocation, risk management, and data analytics.
You’ll complete several research projects and you’ll earn a lot before you get to that entry-level job. Sure; you can rely on a service that hires more than 200 assignment helpers for your research projects. However, you’ll still learn a lot through the process.
By completing the program, you’ll also gain soft skills. You’ll learn how to adapt to a challenging environment, communicate more effectively, and collaborate towards a common goal.
5. You’ll Still Have a Lot to Learn
Don’t be tricked into believing that the degree program will teach you everything you need to know. You won’t launch yourself into the finance industry the day after you gain that degree. You’ll have more to learn.
The degree program will teach you the differences between DCF and NPV, or dividend and dilution. You’ll understand the financial language. If you work on your personal projects, you’ll gain some experience in trading, too.
However, the real world will teach you the most important lesson. Once you enter the enthusiastic environment of the finance market, nothing will ever be the same.
Is It Worth It?
Yes.
If you plan to make a career in finance, this is the most practical degree to get.
But be careful; this degree won’t skyrocket you into the career of your dreams. You’ll still have to work your way up. The average Australian finance manager earns $120,882 per year. That’s not the impressive amount that students envision.
If you’re passionate in this career, you’ll make it through the degree program and you’ll succeed.
After all, you know this for a fact: you can’t win before investing something first. You’ll invest your effort, time, and significant financial resources into a degree. But eventually, it will pay off.
BIO: Joshua Robinson likes to introduce himself as a “life-long learner.” He is passionate about learning new things, and he believes that education is one of the most important things in life. Joshua writes blog posts focused on students. His goal is to inspire them to learn more.
