Haworth College of Business

Career Pathway: Finance

What can you expect from a finance degree from Western Michigan University? In this program, you will develop a broad understanding of financial decision making. Case studies, internships and study abroad opportunities will enable you to learn the skills necessary to become a leader in the financial industry. You will gain real-world experiences to build your skills and competitive advantage.

Our finance major is recognized by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute University Recognition Program.

Where do I start for a career pathway in finance?

Start by making an appointment with the Zhang Career Center, which can assist you in discovering your career interests and values. The financial industry includes employees who tend to be investigative, conventional and enterprising. They value achievement, recognition and independence according to O*Net. Find out if your work preferences match careers in finance by taking the Focus2 assessment.

What is finance?

What skills are finance employers seeking?

Technical skills are part of the proficiencies that are required for a job and may be developed in your major coursework. Finance-oriented technical skills desired include experience with communications server software, archival software, call accounting software, Linux, Microsoft Suite and Windows, UNIX, virus protection software, web design software, and network management software.

Interpersonal skills enable you to succeed and are often developed outside of the classroom. Finance-oriented interpersonal skills include active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, systems analysis, judgment and decision making, systems evaluation, attention to detail and integrity.

What careers involve these finance skills?

How can I obtain an internship?

There are many different ways to acquire an internship, online or in person. Visiting the Internship Catalog and the Career Outcomes Report can help you learn about the companies that have previously employed finance students.

Handshake is WMU’s employment website. All students should set up an account and publish a resume. Resumes made public by the student are searchable by employers.

Students use their Handshake accounts to view internship and full-time job opportunities posted by employers and sign up for on-campus interviews. For more information, visit the Zhang Career Center.

Student groups and supporting events at WMU Haworth

Financial student groups include the Financial Planning Association and Financial Services Association. Other groups include Business Association of Mentors, DECA at WMU, Delta Sigma Pi, Leadership and Business Strategy, Phi Chi Theta and Women's Business Network.

Events supporting the finance major include the following:

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cup
Chartered Financial Analysis Institute Research Challenge
ENGAGE® International Investment Education Symposium
The Foundation for Financial Service Professionals Industry Issue Competition
The Risk Management Association Commercial Credit Analysis Competition
Finance Career Night

NACE Career Readiness Competencies

The Zhang Career Center at the Haworth College of Business empowers learners to launch successful business careers by engaging them in innovative programming focused on professional readiness, while developing partnerships with global, regional and local leaders who hire students. As pioneers in career readiness programs and experts in customer service, staff members in the career center strive to meet the needs of all students and employers.

Career readiness competencies include:

Career and self-development
Communication
Critical thinking
Equity and inclusion
Leadership
Professionalism
Teamwork
Technology

Visit the NACE competencies online to learn more.

Tasks and processes in finance:

Accounts payable and receivable, balance sheets, billing cycles, client relationship management, commercial lending, cost of goods sold (COGS), dividend(s), financial statements, GAAP, inventory management, lending, markets, mergers and acquisitions, mutual fund(s), net worth, overhead, profit and loss statement (P&L), real estate, reconciliations, stock(s), tax accounting, underwriting, venture capital and more.

Careers in finance:

Credit Counselors:

Consumer credit and housing counselor
Certified credit counselor
Counseling program leader
Financial coach
Financial health counselor
Financial wellness coach

Loan Counselor:

Financial aid advisor
Financial aid counselor
Financial aid officer
Peer financial counselor

Financial Analysis:

Analyst
Credit products officer
Equity research analyst
Investment analyst
Planning analyst
Portfolio manager
Securities analyst
Trust officer

Financial Services Sales Agent:

Client manager
Financial consultant
Financial services representative
Financial specialist
Personal banker
Relationship banker
Relationship manager
Select banker

Financial Managers:

Banking center manager
Banking officer
Branch manager
Credit administration manager
Financial center manager

Personal Financial Advisor:

Account executive
Certified financial planner
Financial consultant
Financial counselor
Investment auditor

Real Estate:

Agent
Associate broker
Broker in charge
Sales agent
Realtor
Salesperson

Business Externship opportunities

The Business Externship Program provides career exploration opportunities that connect students in Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business with mentors, many of whom are WMU alumni. Current finance externship opportunities include DOW, Eaton, Greenleaf Hospitality, Plante Moran and many more. Learn more about the program.

DOW

Eaton

Greenleaf Hospitality

Plante Moran

Major research tools

Career Development Guide Undergraduate Finance Major O*Net Online Search Handshake

Zhang Career Center

To schedule an appointment, book with online portal or call (269) 387-2711 today.

Book an appointment