At the University of Mount Union, we see every student’s path into finance as both practical and purposeful. If you are focused on getting a job in finance, start by building the right mix of education, skills, experience, and a thoughtful search plan. Whether you envision investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, or fintech, this guide explains how to get a job in finance. From rigorous coursework and internships to networking and interview preparation, our hands-on approach helps you stand out.
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Education That Opens Doors
Most entry-level roles in relevant industries favor a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, mathematics, or data analytics. At Mount Union, you’ll gain a well-rounded foundation through courses in financial practice and theory, plus the opportunity to invest real funds with our student-run Investment Team. For specialized tracks, graduate study can accelerate progress. An MBA program often prepares students for investment banking and leadership roles, while master’s programs in finance, accounting, analytics, or financial engineering ensure students are ready for quantitative careers.
Targeted credentials strengthen your profile as you pursue jobs you can get with a finance degree:
- CFA for investment analysis and portfolio management
- CPA for accounting, audit, and controllership
- FRM for financial risk management
- FINRA licenses (SIE, Series 7, Series 63) for securities roles
Relevant coursework matters. Prioritize financial statement analysis, corporate finance, investments, accounting, statistics, and Excel and programming for finance. Case competitions and modelling courses offer hands-on practice in valuation, forecasting, and budgeting. These experiences translate directly to finance degree jobs.
Understanding the Finance Industry
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Commercial and retail banking
Relationship management, credit analysis, and small business lending
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Investment banking
Mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and deal execution
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Asset and wealth management
Portfolio analysis, research, and client advisory
- Personal financial advisors are growing much faster than average at 10% growth through 2034 (BLS.gov) and have a median annual salary of $102,140.
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Corporate finance
FP&A, treasury, investor relations, and controllership
- BLS reports 6% job growth for financial analysts through 2034, with a median annual salary of $101,350 in May 2024.
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Insurance
Underwriting, actuarial analysis, and risk management
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Fintech
Payments, digital lending, analytics, and product operations
- Analytics and related financial tech jobs are slated to grow an incredible 34% through 2034, with a median salary of $112,590. (Capron, 2025)
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Public and nonprofit finance
Budgeting, grants management, and reporting
Technology and regulation continue to reshape teams. Skills in data interpretation, automation, and analytics add immediate value, while demand remains strong for compliance, audit, risk, and cybersecurity. Sustainable finance is expanding, fueling roles in ESG analysis and impact investing. Typical career paths begin with analyst or associate positions and advance to senior analyst, manager, and leadership roles, with movement across sectors common.
Skills Employers Value
Technical fluency sets you apart. Build proficiency in Excel (including pivot tables, lookups, Power Query, and Power Pivot), financial modeling and valuation, and systems such as QuickBooks, Oracle, or SAP. For analytics roles, learn SQL, Python, or R, and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau. A confident grasp of financial statements, budgeting cycles, and key performance indicators is essential across functions.
Strong candidates pair technical ability with communication and collaboration. Translate financial insights for non-finance audiences, manage time under deadlines, and demonstrate attention to detail and professional ethics. Client-facing roles call for relationship building, active listening, and polished presentations. These abilities help when getting a job in finance and growing into leadership.
Experience That Gets You Hired
Internships and co-ops are the most reliable paths to jobs in finance. Target corporate finance, audit, banking, or analytics roles, and consider rotational programs to explore multiple functions. Apply early, track deadlines, and prepare for both behavioral and technical assessments. At Mount Union, internships with regional firms and project-based courses give you an edge.
Networking unlocks opportunities that never reach job boards. Connect with alumni, join finance and investment clubs, attend industry events, and take part in professional associations. Use informational interviews to learn about unposted roles and refine your preparation. Share a concise story, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up with genuine thanks.
Along with obtaining an internship in finance, you can build experience through projects. Analyze a company’s 10-K and create a three-statement model, volunteer as a treasurer for a student organization or nonprofit, and compete in case challenges or stock pitch competitions. Publish your work in a portfolio or GitHub repository to showcase skills to employers.
From Internship to Career
Mount Union finance alumnus Marcus Walker '23 got an internship that led to his current career as a senior tax associate with the same company. Discover how he was set up for success.
See Marcus' Spotlight
Resume and Cover Letter Essentials
Tailor your resume to each role. If you are early in your career, lead with education and relevant coursework, followed by internships, projects, and certifications. Emphasize quantified results, such as increased forecast accuracy, reconciled accounts, or budgets managed. Include a skills section that highlights Excel, SQL, and Power BI.
Use your cover letter to connect your background to the job description. Open with a clear value statement, reference targeted responsibilities, and include brief examples with outcomes. Demonstrate knowledge of the employer’s business and recent news to show genuine interest. Clear, clean formatting and careful proofreading are non-negotiable when working toward a job in finance.
Mount Union offers several job interview preparation resources through its Center for Student Success.
Interview with Confidence
Expect both behavioral and technical questions. Be ready to discuss deadlines, data discrepancies, influencing decisions, and conflict. Prepare STAR-format stories that show impact. Technical topics often include the three financial statements, DCF valuation, and scenario analysis. Markets-focused roles may ask about current economic trends and implications.
Turn preparation into practice. Review financial statements, refresh core concepts, and rehearse mental math. Build a simple DCF or budget model from scratch. For analytics-heavy roles, practice basic SQL queries and Excel or Python tasks. Send timely, personalized thank-you notes that reference specific points and reaffirm your fit.
Advance Your Career with Mount Union’s Finance Degree
From corporate finance and risk to wealth management and fintech, the opportunities are extensive with Mount Union's finance degree. If you are researching how to get a job in finance, the best practice is to combine classroom learning, hands-on projects, and professional connections. With Mount Union’s practical experiences—from our Investment Team to internships—and guided by expert faculty, you will be prepared to pursue a job in finance with confidence.
Sources:
- “Financial Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 Aug. 2025, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/financial-analysts.htm.
- “FRM® Exam, Financial Risk Manager Certification.” GARP, www.garp.org/frm. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
- On Your Way to Becoming a CPA - Guide, ohiocpa.com/future-cpas/becoming-a-cpa. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
- “Personal Financial Advisors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 Aug. 2025, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/personal-financial-advisors.htm.
- “Qualification Exams.” FINRA.Org, www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
