2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç

Nothing produces more satisfaction than solving a tough problem or giving advice and perspective into a topic. If you are naturally outgoing and inquisitive, or an innate problem-solver who loves to use your analytical skills, a career in finance could be a great fit for you.

Finance majors from 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç are trained to embrace and apply their strength in logical reasoning to real-life situations and use discernment based on values and ethics to propose solutions. You'll take application-oriented courses that will introduce you to financial management, valuation, and investments, while at the same time build your communication skills as you present your analyses and conclusions. You will also gain an understanding of various topics, such as capital markets, mergers, corporate restructuring, financial planning, and forecasting, to enable you to make sound financial decisions.

"2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç has a great environment full of professors with relevant professional experience and a passion for investing in the minds of students. 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç provided a network of mentors willing to help and connect along my journey."

Sam Sadler, Class of 2015 
Assurance Associate, Ernst and Young

Additionally, student-run business clubs like the Finance and Investment Society or Microfinance Club offer you another opportunity to apply what you are learning to real-world circumstances. You will be able to connect with other passionate students in your field, establish relationships with business professionals in the finance industry, and possibly compete against other universities in the CFA Research Challenge. Overall, 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç and the Fermanian School of Business offer you many ways to get involved and pursue your passion.

Student Profile

Austin Donovan

Austin Donovan graduated with degrees in finance and accounting in 2016. Upon taking an economics course, he discovered he had a passion for finance and numbers. He realized that this fit well with his natural aptitudes, and that combined they could point toward a fulfilling career.

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For information about the courses required for the Finance, B.S. Business Administration program, view the 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç Catalog. 

2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç's finance graduates are skilled problem solvers and communicators who excel in being excellent stewards of personal and corporate financial resources. 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç cultivates these strengths in an environment centered around intellect and faith while also equipping you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in your workplace. Graduates enter a field with a wide range of rewarding career options and opportunities in corporate, public, and nonprofit organizations. Alumni have held various positions at companies like Qualcomm, Goldman Sachs, BD Medical Devices, TorreyCove Capital, and Intuit.

Majoring in finance can lead to the following careers:

• Financial analyst
• Investment manager
• Financial consultant
• Chief financial officer (CFO)
• Personal financial advisor
• Financial planner
• Finance manager
• Real estate investment advisor
• Commercial banker

What can you do with a finance degree?

Point Loma finance alumni have gone on to a broad array of employment. The following companies are just some examples of employers that 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç alumni work for: Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, Stepstone Group LLC, Lavine, Lofgren, Morris & Engelberg LLP, and Viasat. Along with a wide array of companies, there’s a versatile set of titles that 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç finance alumni hold, some of the most prominent being: tax accountants, management consultants and business analysts, financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists. 

The following are more examples of positions that 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç finance alumni currently hold:

Financial Analysis and Investment Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $83,660

Financial analysis and investment specialists’ main job is to analyze financial data and create financial models for upper management to review. They are consistently checking and reporting their companies’ financial performance and work with others to find ways to improve financial statistics. Financial analysis and investment specialists work closely with accountants to ensure accurate financial reporting. 

What it takes to be a financial analysis and investment specialist: 

• Quantitative skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Adept logic skills
• Communication skills

Credit Analysts

2020 Median annual salary $83,660

A credit analyst's main job is to analyze their clients' investments or debts to determine the potential risk for the investor or lender. Credit analysts are typically employed by commercial and investment banks, credit card issuing institutions, credit rating agencies, and investment companies.

What it takes to be a credit analyst:

• Quantitative and analytical skills
• Diligence
• Proficiency in financial software
• Ability to work under pressure

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

2020 Median annual salary $65,810

Product and marketing specialists follow and interpret market conditions to capitalize on and inform clients and organizations of potential sales of a product or service. They’re experts at understanding which products people want, the buyers of those products, and what price those buyers are willing to pay. 

What it takes to be a market research analyst or marketing specialist: 

• Computer skills
• Math and analytical skills
• Confidence
• Multitasking capability
• Interpersonal skills

Alumni listed the following skills as the top strengths they acquired as a finance student at 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç: 

• Accounting
• Event planning
• Financial analysis
• Auditing
• Financial statements
• Investments

Using your finance degree beyond university: 

This degree will prepare you with the skills needed to succeed in the global business environment. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialty in Finance also helps you form invaluable problem-solving, quantitative, and leadership skills that anyone you come across will welcome and appreciate. By studying finance at 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç, you will gain communication and analytical skills that will prepare you for a bright future on whatever path you choose to take.  

Apply to 2021¹ú²úÂ鶹¾ç today or for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

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