Career Paths

Learn about skills needed and the recommended action plan for the following career paths.

Skills Needed

  • a balanced understanding of both accounting and finance
  • interpersonal skills
  • attention to detail
  • problem-solving skills
  • intimate understanding of financial statements and the use of a pro forma
  • Excel skills
  • team focus

Recommended Action Plan at Penn State World Campus

  • finance major with a dual major in accounting OR finance major with ACCTG 310 or ACCTG 405 as a supporting course or elective
  • join the Financial Management Association
  • join the Business Analytics Team (BAT)

Skills Needed

  • interpersonal skills (including strong listening skills)
  • attention to detail
  • problem-solving skills
  • entrepreneurial mindset
  • ability to always put the client’s needs first
  • ability to network
  • ability to conduct research on options to meet a client’s needs
  • CFP® credential is highly recommended

Recommended Action Plan at Penn State World Campus

Skills Needed

  • interpersonal skills
  • attention to detail
  • problem-solving skills
  • strong analytical and quantitative skills
  • technology ability (applied to many different software packages)
  • understanding of how to use the Bloomberg Terminal
  • ability to use data to make decisions
  • the CFA® designation is the gold standard in this field

Recommended Action Plan at Penn State World Campus

The CFA Institute just released a new tool to help students explore career options in the wide world of financial analysis.

Skills Needed

  • risk management and risk assessment
  • internal controls
  • corporate compliance
  • corporate governance
  • information systems security
  • technical, decision-making, judgment
  • execution
  • financial acumen
  • problem-solving skills
  • analytical and numerical skills
  • computer programming, other quantitative skills (especially C++)
  • the GARP designation is the gold standard in this field, with the PRM™ designation becoming more popular

Recommended Action Plan at Penn State World Campus

Potential Employers

  • major financial institutions, including insurance companies
  • hedge funds and trading firms, especially derivatives
  • corporate finance and risk management departments
  • government regulatory agencies (e.g., SEC)
  • self-regulatory agencies (e.g., FINRA)
  • securities exchanges
  • consulting firms