Finance

What can I do with a major in Finance

Finance is the study of financial markets, financial instruments and investment decision-making. Finance incorporates basic economics, accounting and statistics in simple and complex mathematical models to simplify and study the complete economic reality of financing business and investments. From planning national policy to structuring the financing of major projects to managing personal investments, financial analysts interpret quantitative and qualitative information to manage money effectively.

As a major in finance, you'll take courses related to corporate and personal finance, fundamentals of investments, global financial management, financial technology (FinTech), managerial skill development, and management policy and strategy. You will draw from fields such as economics, human resources management, social responsibility, English, psychology, and marketing. Graduates of the Bachelor of Management program majoring in Finance often pursue the Charter Financial Analyst designation or go on to complete the Canadian Securities Course, in order to become investment advisors.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Ability to Learn Quickly
  • Ability to Maintain Confidentiality
  • Ability to Recognize the Dynamics & Politics of an Organization
  • Ability to Work on a Team
  • Accuracy & Precision in Dealing with Figures
  • Analyze & Interpret Data
  • Communication Skills
  • Computer Knowledge
  • Confidence in Knowledge & Suggestions
  • Empatheic
  • Flexibility in the Workplace
  • Good Negotiation Skills
  • High Ethical Standards
  • Highly Motivated & Enterpreneurial
  • Organizational Ability
  • Persistent
  • Persuasive
  • Prepare & Organize Records
  • Reading Comperehension
  • Sharp Analytical Skills
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills

Work Environment

Finance majors have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. Graduates may find employment with/in government, large corporations, banks and securities businesses, entrepreneurial firms, or not-for-profit organizations. Recent financial graduates have accepted positions in oil companies, banks and credit unions, stock brokerages, manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses. Graduates may also find positions in private businesses, federal agencies, universities and research institutions, hospitals, finance companies, insurance firms, brokerage firms, real estate companies, investment trusts and firms, internal revenue services, and securities exchange commissions.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Estate Planning
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Investment Planning
  • Risk Management
  • Employee Benefits
  • Tax Planning
  • Financial Advising

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Assistant Credit Analyst
  • Assistant Securities Analyst
  • Assistant Trust Analyst
  • Bank Representative
  • Bank Teller
  • Bookkeeper
  • Budget Analyst Intern
  • Client Services Representative
  • Commodities Trader
  • Financial Advisor Trainee
  • Financial Representative
  • Foreign Exchange Trader
  • Insurance Sales Agent
  • Investment Research Intern
  • Junior Budget Consultant
  • Junior Credit Counselor
  • Junior Portfolio Analyst
  • Loan Processor
  • Mutual Fund Processor
  • Payroll Administrator
  • Personal Banking Officer/Trainer
  • Personal Financial Advisor

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Actuary
  • Area Manager for Business Banking
  • Assistant Comptroller
  • Auditor
  • Bank Customer Service Supervisor
  • Bank Examiner
  • Bank Manager
  • Banking Call Centre Senior Manager
  • Bankruptcy Specialist
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Chief Negotiations Advisor
  • Claim Adjuster
  • Commercial Banker
  • Commercial Loan Officer
  • Commodities Trader
  • Commodity Trading Advisor/Manager
  • Consumer Credit Officer
  • Consumer Credit/Loan Officer
  • Cost Manager
  • Credit and Collection Specialist
  • Credit Manager
  • External Auditor
  • Financial Analyst/Advisor
  • Financial Consultant
  • Financial Economist
  • Financial Planner
  • Financial Reporting & Accountability Director
  • Financial Researcher
  • Financial Service Analyst
  • Financial Writer
  • Insurance Adjuster
  • Insurance Advisor
  • Insurance Agent & Broker
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Internal Auditor
  • Investment Advisor
  • Investment Analyst/ Advisor
  • Investment Banker
  • Loan Administrator
  • Loan Administrator
  • Loan Officer
  • Mergers/Acquisitions Manager
  • Mortgage Associate
  • Mutual Fund Manager
  • Personal Loan Officer
  • Property Manager
  • Stock Broker
  • Treasury Management Specialist
  • Trust Analyst

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Assessor
  • Auctioneer
  • Chief Administrative Officer
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Collections Agent
  • Direct Seller
  • Economist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Estate Planner
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Income Tax Specialist
  • Industrial Buyer
  • Internal Revenue Investigator
  • International Trade Specialist
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Management Advisory Services Consultant
  • Management Consultant
  • Methods & Procedures Specialist
  • Professor
  • Purchasing Agents
  • Real Estate Appraiser
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Reinsurance Analyst
  • Sales Representative
  • School Business Official
  • Securities Broker
  • Special Event Coordinator
  • Statistician
  • Systems Analyst
  • Training and Development Professional
  • Volunteers Coordinator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.