Finance
Master the language of capital markets and corporate value creation
Finance is the engine behind every business decision involving money. From valuing companies to managing investment portfolios, finance professionals sit at the intersection of risk, strategy, and mathematics. With the rise of fintech, algorithmic trading, and ESG investing, the field offers both stability and cutting-edge innovation.
A typical day for a junior finance professional starts with reviewing market data and financial news. You might build or update a financial model in Excel, prepare a client presentation, attend deal team meetings, and analyze quarterly earnings reports. Investment bankers may work 60-80 hour weeks during deal sprints, while corporate finance roles offer more predictable 45-55 hour weeks.
Salary Progression by Role
Job Growth Projection (2024-2034)
Strongest Dimensions for This Major
Quantitative
Avg: 4.2/5.0
Risk Tolerance
Avg: 3.9/5.0
Strategic Vision
Avg: 3.8/5.0
Finance Knowledge Quiz
Test Your Finance Knowledge
8 questions covering core concepts, terminology, and real-world applications in finance.
Top Employers for Finance
Entry-Level Roles
Entry-Level Roles
Entry-Level Roles
Entry-Level Roles
Entry-Level Roles
Key Skills to Develop
Internships & Opportunities (8)
Support M&A and capital markets teams with financial modeling and client presentations.
Assist with financial modeling, market research, and client reporting.
Shadow credit analysts and learn loan underwriting processes.
Assist financial advisors with client portfolios and market research.
Teach financial literacy to younger students in your community.
Research and present an equity valuation to a panel of industry professionals.
Support FP&A team with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Assist credit risk team with portfolio monitoring and stress testing models.
Recommended College Programs (18)
McCombs School of Business consistently ranked top 20 nationally.
Mays Business School with strong alumni network and career placement.
Cox School of Business with strong ties to Dallas business community.
Jones Graduate School and strong undergraduate business minor. Top ROI in Texas.
Bauer College of Business with strong business management and supply chain programs.
Scheller College combines tech and business for exceptional ROI.
Kelley School is a top 10 undergraduate business program.
McIntire School of Commerce with elite undergraduate business education.
Warrington College offers exceptional value with low in-state tuition.
Gies College of Business with top 3 accounting program nationally.
Wharton School - the gold standard in undergraduate business education.
Stern School of Business in the heart of Wall Street.
Ross School of Business - world-class action-based learning.
Haas School of Business with a focus on innovation and social impact.
McDonough School of Business with unparalleled access to policy and government.
Excellent business foundations with transfer agreements to Texas universities.
Transfer agreements with University of Houston and other Texas 4-year institutions.
Largest community college in Texas with strong transfer advising and business coursework.
Ready to explore more pathways?
Take the full 30-question Major Match Quiz to see how you fit across all 8 business majors.