The need for finance and investment professionals is constantly on the rise, especially since they play a critical role in business decision-making. Finance is one of the building blocks for any organisation and this has led to a rise in the demand for skilled finance professionals. Gone are the days when finance was only a core function only for banking and finance institutions. Today, irrespective of the industry the organisation is set up in, impeccable financial operations are imperative for the smooth functioning of an organisation.

Finance as a subject, today, offers a variety of subsectors for students to venture into. Students can opt to gain expertise in investment studies or explore masters in Islamic studies, depending on their strengths and professional goals. If you are wondering what the significance of a degree in finance and investment is, this blog is for you. You’d know at the end of the article that the degree includes more than just constructing a financial planner.

Importance of a degree in finance and investment

• Diverse career paths: The finance sector has evolved to become a profession with varied facets. Many new job roles have come to the fore, thanks to the technological advancement and the inception of FinTech jobs. The diversity that a finance career offers allows professionals to dip their toes in a variety of functions and develop versatility.
• Growing opportunities: With the inception of new jobs roles and operations within the finance function, the employment opportunities have witnessed a rapid rise. More organisations are inclining towards hiring candidates with a professional qualification in finance and investment. Furthermore, having a professional degree under the belt can help students catalyse their career progression within the industry.
• Challenging profession: Finance jobs are challenging and test the professionals’ problem-solving abilities and business acumen. This not only helps finance professionals to hone their skills but also ensures that their work-life doesn’t become mundane.
• Career flexibility: Since finance jobs help professionals develop a diverse set of skills, it gives them the opportunity to explore jobs in different sectors. As a result, they acquire transferrable skills that can be applied to all industries.

Career options after a degree in finance and investment

• Financial Analyst: As a financial analyst, your responsibilities would include enhancing the financial health of an organisation by identifying and analysing market trends, providing financial and investment advice to the stakeholders of the organisation and analysing the performance of the various investment types such as stocks and bonds. The average annual salary of a financial analyst is £31,502.
• Actuary: An actuary’s job responsibilities include assessing the cost of risk, determining the possibility of a risk’s occurrence, developing policies that help businesses and organisations to reduce the cost of risk and using mathematics and statistics to assist with risk management strategies. Actuaries are, generally, employed in the insurance industry. Their average annual salary is £63,383.
• Accountant: The job responsibilities of an accountant include determining the current financial status of an organisation by gathering financial data, analysing the data to prepare account entries for assets, liabilities and capital, and auditing financial documents to substantiate transactions. An accountant’s average annual salary is £28,853.

If you have an affinity for mathematical and analytical skills, a degree in finance and investment can be a good idea. It is not only a rewarding career but also helps you to hone the skills required to scale the ladder of success. Sign up for the right finance course and seal your bright future!