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Finance Career Pathing
Industry Areas, Concentrations, and Salaries
Alternative Investments
Alternative investment careers involve managing and investing in non-traditional asset classes that go beyond stocks, bonds, and cash. Alternative investments can include private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate, commodities, infrastructure, and other non-traditional investment vehicles.
Asset Management
Asset management careers involve the professional management of various types of investments on behalf of individuals, institutions, and other entities. Asset managers are responsible for making investment decisions, constructing portfolios, and overseeing the performance of the assets under their management.
Investment Banking
Investment banking is a segment of the financial industry that focuses on providing various financial services to corporations, governments, and institutional clients. It primarily involves facilitating capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate advisory services. Investment banks act as intermediaries between companies seeking capital and investors looking to invest in profitable opportunities.
Commercial Banking
Commercial banking refers to the core banking activities provided by financial institutions to individual customers, businesses, and corporations. It focuses on the day-to-day financial needs of customers, such as accepting deposits, granting loans, and providing various banking services.
Corporate Finance
Corporate finance refers to the area of finance that deals with the financial management and decision-making of corporations. It focuses on how companies raise and allocate capital, make investment decisions, and manage their financial resources to achieve their strategic goals and maximize shareholder value.
Financial Consulting & Advisory
Financial consulting and advisory refer to professional services provided by individuals or firms with expertise in finance, accounting, and business strategy. These professionals offer strategic guidance, analysis, and recommendations to clients on various financial matters, helping them make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals.
Financial Planning
Financial Planning careers involve helping individuals, families, and businesses develop and implement comprehensive financial plans to achieve their financial goals and objectives. Financial planners work closely with clients to assess their financial situations, identify financial needs, and create strategies to manage their finances effectively.
FinTech (Financial Technology
Fintech careers involve working in the field of financial technology, which combines finance and technology to deliver innovative solutions and services in the financial industry. Fintech professionals leverage technology to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and drive digital transformation within financial institutions and beyond
Risk Management
Financial risk management careers involve identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks within organizations to protect their financial stability and optimize their risk-return profile. Financial risk management professionals help businesses navigate the uncertainties and potential vulnerabilities associated with financial activities. Financial risk management careers can be found in various sectors, including banking, insurance, investment firms, corporate finance, and consulting.
Academic Concentrations
Alternative Investments
This concentration focuses on alternative investments such as hedge funds, commodities, financial derivatives, real estate, and private equity.
Course options include:
- Alternative Investments
- Financial Risk Management
- Options
- Advance Investments
- Capital Markets and Institutions
Corporate Finance
This track focuses on raising capital, investing in projects, and managing working capital.
Course options include:
- Advanced Corporate Finance
- Bank Management
- International Finance
- Corporate Risk Management
Financial Analyst
This concentration focuses on traditional assets such as stock and bonds. “Financial Analyst” is a function or title. Skills learned are applicable in many different industries.
Course options include:
- Capital Markets & Institutions
- International Finance
- Advanced Investments
- Fixed Income
- Business Strategy & Stock Analysis
Financial Risk Management
This concentration focuses on the risk management of financial institutions, such as large banks and insurance companies.
Course options include:
- Financial Risk Management
- Corporate Risk Management
- Options
- Fixed Income
- Bank Management
Salary
Financial Analyst
Entry Level $68 – 82K
Mid Career $85 – 105K
Investment Banking Analyst (Includes Bonuses)
Entry Level: $145 – $160K
Mid-Level: $175– 195K
Trader (includes bonuses)
Entry Level: $150 – $175K
Mid-Level: $175 – 206K
Project Management
Entry-level – $55-75K
Mid-Career – $75-100K
Financial Planner (includes bonuses)
Entry Level: $85 – $115K
Mid Level: $120 – $135K
Risk Analyst (includes bonuses)
Entry Level: $65 – $95K
Mid-Level: $97K – $110K
Commercial Banking Analyst (includes bonuses)
Entry Level: $68 – $100K
Mid-Level: $110 – $127K
Credit Analyst
Entry Level: $69 – $80K
Mid-Level: $77 – $95K
Private Wealth Advisor
Entry Level: $85 – $100K
Mid-Level: $95 – $135 K
Commercial Real Estate Analyst
Entry Level: $67 – $77K
Mid-Level: $80 – $115K
Top Employers & Job Titles
Northeast Employers
- Fidelity Investments
- JPMorgan Chase
- TJX Companies
- Citigroup
- Dell Technologies
- Goldman Sachs
- Berkeley Research Group (BRG)
- Loomis Sayles
- Liberty Mutual
- Citizens Bank
National Employers
- Wells Fargo
- HSBC
- Brown Brothers Harriman
- John Hancock
- Barclays
- Alvarez & Marsal
- Bloomberg
- Santander Bank
- Charles River Associates
- Amazon
Top Job Titles
- Financial Analyst
- Trader
- Financial Operations Analyst
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Valuation Consultant
- Equity Research Associate
- Financial Leadership Program Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Private Wealth Advisor
- Financial Representative
- Finance Associate
- Commercial Real Estate Analyst
Clubs/Organizations & Professional Organizations
Student Organizations
- Real Estate Advisors (Application only)
- Minutemen Alternative Investment Fund (application only)
- Minutemen Fixed Income Fund (application only)
- Minutemen Equity Fund (application only)
- Smart Women Securities
- UMass Blockchain Club
- Umass Finance Society
- Umass Investment Banking Club
- UMass Investment Club
- UMass Real Estate Club
General Professional Organizations
- Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)
- Financial Management Association International (FMA)
- Financial Women’s Association (FWA)
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)
- Risk Management Association (RMA)
- Women in Finance (WIF)
- 100 Women in Finance
- Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM)
- Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
- Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Network
Skills & Certifications
Hard Skills
- Advanced Excel
- Data Visualization
- Programming Skills (Pythin, R)
- Financial Modeling
- Knowledge of Accounting Software (Sage, Xero, Quickbooks)
- Cybersecurity Awareness
- Blockchain Technology
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Strategic Thinking
- Technology Skills
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Ethics & Integrity
Certifying Organizations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: CPA
- Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA): CAIA
- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards: CFP
- CFA Institute: The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute: CFA
- Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute (CCMI): CCMI
- Corporate Finance Institute (CFI): FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst)
- Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP): FRM (Financial Risk Manager)
- Financial Planning Association (FPA): FP&A
- Institute of Management Accountants: CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
- Investments & Wealth Institute: CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst)
- National Association of Real Estate Advisors: CCA (Certified Commercial Advisor)
Four Year Success Habits for Isenberg Students
Year 1
Explore Vault Guides and Lightcast Research tool on the IConnect’s OIM Major page for an overview of jobs and careers by industry related to Operations & Information Management.
Read business publications including The Wall Street Journal (some publications are free through the UMass Library!). Employers will surely ask you about your industry knowledge – so, start learning now.
Follow companies of interest on LinkedIn and other social media outlets!
Interested in INVESTMENT BANKING? Meet with a Career Coach! IB’s recruit EARLY – sophomore year – for Junior Year internships that lead to full time offers. Be engaged (Finance Society, Investment Club, Pitch Competitions, etc), seek strong academic results and understand the recruiting landscape so that you can be ready for early recruiting timeframes!
Discover and get involved in Isenberg and UMass clubs and organizations related to your major, affinity group, and interests. Join student government, residential life, or volunteer with community service opportunities.
Set your preferences in IConnect to receive tailored and relevant information including jobs, blogs, resources, emails, and event blasts based on your major, affinity group, and more!
Interested in INVESTMENT BANKING? Meet with a Career Coach! IB’s recruit EARLY – sophomore year – for Junior Year internships that lead to full time offers. Be engaged (Finance Society, Investment Club, Pitch Competitions, etc), seek strong academic results and understand the recruiting landscape so that you can be ready for early recruiting timeframes!
Get to know the Business Librarian, Allison Messier in 1:1 appointments at Isenberg or via online chats. Learn how these resources can support your future internship and job search activities.
Begin to “professionalize” your experience profile! Gain skills and work experience through a micro-internship/externship (i.e. Paragon One or Parker Dewey), or simulated work experience (i.e. Forage or Bright Networks).
Get started on writing your Isenberg Resume, developing a LinkedIn Profile and building your Competency Inventory.
Begin to advance MSExcel skills beyond the classroom. Check out LinkedIn LEarning courses and/or Youtube videos.
Learn from others. Ask an upper classman to have coffee with you, get to know your Transitions peers and TAs, or chat with a Career Peer! Practice networking in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. This success habit continues as you move through your professional development process!
Attend Finance focused club meetings! The Finance Society, Investment Club, Smart Women Securities or the Investment Banking Club!
Leverage the search terms “freshman” “freshmen and “rising sophomore” in job boards (UMass Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed.com) if seeking summer internships.
Check out events such as employer series, meet & greet opportunities like tabling in the Hub, and virtual information sessions posted on the calendar through IConnect! Event type varies between virtual and in-person.
Learn how your town’s Chamber of Commerce = Internships (Career Coaches can show you how!)
Get your recruiting feet wet by engaging with employers and recruiters tabling in the Learning Commons (in the Hub)!
It’s NOT too early to begin using the Networking and Job Search Tracking Tool! Capture employer information and key words you begin to notice from internship and even full time job postings!
Year 2
Check out how credits work for internships at Isenberg.
Learn the difference between externship, internship and co-op. Discover how a Co-op = Resume Booster! (Ask a Career Peer or Career Coach!).
Thinking of Going Abroad? PLAN NOW and meet with a Career Coach to understand how being abroad may impact internship recruiting timelines.
Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Sunday-evening Isenberg email to stay on top of career-related activities and job postings
Identify SOPHOMORE and Affinity Group focused “Summit”, “Leadership” and other early professional development engagements hosted by numerous employers.
Seek and step into committees and/or leadership positions in your Isenberg and UMass clubs and organizations to allow you to gain skills in project/event/team management.
Apply for opportunities as a Career Peer in the Office of Career Success!
Develop career readiness with the SCH-MGMT 200: Career and Professional Development course. Build your confidence about your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, interviewing skills and ability to use numerous career-focused resources.
Update your Competency Inventory with new skills and accomplishments. Bring to Career Coach appointments to help further progress!
Impress employers with your initiative outside of the classroom! Complete a LinkedIn Learning Course on Excel Skills (ex: Excel Modeling Tips & Tricks; Financial Modeling Foundations) find on IConnect/Finance Page!
Make the Networking and Job Search Tracking Tool your GO TO resource! Use this tool to gather information about different kinds of finance opportunities as you explore interests – and consider summer internship opportunities.
Sharpen focus on interests through attending industry focused sessions, speaker series via clubs and conference events at Isenberg and on-campus.
Build relationships with advisors, faculty, and staff. They can provide you with insights and understanding that could influence your choice of a major or pursuit of a career. They may also become a key part of your professional network.
Network with UMass Alumni in various OIM careers through LinkedIn or Connect UMass. Consider setting up an informational interview with them to ask questions and gain valuable advice!
Look for on campus internships or jobs on the Student Job Board and UMass Handshake. Connect with students and employers on Handshake to find out more about specific opportunities.
Realize the efficiency of using Handshake filters! You can refine your job/internship search and find opportunities that align with your preferences and qualifications. Remember to adjust the filters as needed to tailor your search to your specific needs and career goals.
Use “Sophomore” as keyword in job board searches (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed).
Participate in on-campus recruiting! Explore internship and co-op options early. For major employers and many internships in OIM, application deadlines can vary but may be as early as September. Check out postings on Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific job boards, and company web sites to learn about required skills and qualifications.
Year 3
Explore internships and co-op options early to prepare for early fall deadlines. Find postings on Handshake, LinkedIn, industry specific job boards, and direct company sites.
Make time in your weekly schedule for Career and Professional Development Activity! Another success habit to grow!
Stay Informed about Finance Industry Trends: Stay updated on latest innovations and technologies shaping the the industry. Subscribe to industry newsletters, follow relevant blogs or social media accounts, and engage in discussions with peers and faculty members.
Gain insight about Financial Advisory or Corporate Finance careers in the BIG 4 public accounting firms. Leverage resources including the Corporate Finance Institute, Mergers and Inquisitions, efinancial careers and firm websites inclusding PWC and EY.
Evolve your industry and job function knowledge to increase your internships search success and be confident in your knowledge of the difference between Corporate Finance and Investment Finance. Or what a Financial Advisor or Wealth Management professional does. Or Fintech. Or… (A career coach can help!)
Study Abroad or Experience a Domestic Exchange. Remember, you can still meet with a Career Coach virtually for any career questions and concerns!
Stay positive. Maintain a positive attitude and be flexible and realistic. The internship/co-op search can take time – Have at least one focus area, but pursue alternatives.
Identify and participate in Case and Pitch Competitions, and on campus conference events to expand your resume and skills!
Advance your professionalism – enhance communication and time management skills, practice business etiquette, seek mentorship, join a professional organization, maintain a professional online presence, and more!
Utilize your Competency Inventory and experiences to draft “STAR” examples for interview questions. Practice interviewing on Big Interview and make time to mock interview with Chase Career Coaches.
Update and refine resume and LinkedIn to amp up keywords with specific coursework and projects
Add relevant coursework to resume based on area of interest: EX: Financial Modeling (FIN 304), or Investments (305).
Attend Isenberg Career Days (September) and Career Blast (February) in addition to other OCS events for career development in your specific area of interest.
Identify and request information from alumni in target fields/companies on LinkedIn and Connect UMass. Prioritize time for building connections, networking, and maintaining relationships. Continue to collect all information in your Networking/Job Search tracking document.
Expand your network with Isenberg seniors and recent graduates to learn about possible internships/co-ops and contacts.
Pay attention to IConnect blasts in your Isenberg email to stay on top of career-related activities, events, and job postings.
Expecting an internship or early full-time offer? Learn how to manage multiple offers and offer response deadlines. A Career Coach can show you how to manage these situations.
FALL is for FINANCE internship searching! Schedule time for search activity, applications, and interview preparation in advance.
Year 4
Don’t panic if you’re still not sure what you want to do! Meet with a Career Coach for guidance!
Stay open to new possible career or employer options, continue to learn about career paths in different areas of your industries.
Considering an advanced degree after graduation? Meet with a Career Coach to discuss how this fits into your future career goals!
Maintain awareness of industry news and the financial markets! Be prepared to talk about these topics in interviews. Learn about professional certifications including the CFA, CAIA and CFP.
Seek a research project with professors to add interesting content to resume.
Celebrate and highlight leadership accomplishments in interviews and while networking such as club leadership, significant work or academic role!
Tailor resume with industry specific keywords and make sure it speaks to the job you are applying for by analyzing the job description; add major coursework and projects for depth.
Highlight Commonwealth College Thesis on resume, if relevant.
Practice and advance interview confidence! A career coach can be an invaluable asset in this activity!
Engage with corporate representatives at Business Innovation Hub events.
Expand network in specific areas of interest. Update Networking and Job Search Tracking Sheet.
Complete the Isenberg Senior Survey in the Spring semester and contribute your placement information to Isenberg’s data!
Update LinkedIn profile with accomplishments and employment news. Commit to maintaining an updated profile beyond graduation.
Be prepared for Fall Focused Full Time recruiting activity. Go beyond on campus posting to find opportunities. Leverage LinkedIn, Indeed and industry specific boards as well as networking to discover potential jobs of interest.
Regularly assess Sunday emails full of opportunities from the Office of Career Success!
Gain insight into job offer evaluation and the protocol around accepting and declining opportunities.
Add new employers to your Networking and Job Search Tracking document. Leverage your research to find the best opportunity!
Go beyond on campus postings and employers to discover additional opportunities.
