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What could I expect in finance, any advice would help.?
I'm a senior in high school and recently got accepted for Texas State University school of business for finance. I look forward to studying finance, how is it, what should I expect, any tips before I start my freshmen year? #fall24
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7 answers
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Congrats! I found Finance to be much more broad and interesting than Accounting. My advice is to make sure you are very comfortable with Excel. There are tons of online classes you can take, or sign up for a class at school. Good luck!
Updated
Z’s Answer
Hi Fabian,
Congratulations and what an exciting time in your life. I hope you'll learn this in school as well but wanted to highlight that there are many different fields of finance once you graduate and go into the working world. Some common tracks people tend to go into are:
1/ Investment Banking
2/ Asset Management
3/ Corporate Finance
All that's to say make sure you explore the various fields of finance and use your time in school to figure out what it is that you really enjoy doing because the hours in finance can be long :) I'd advise to reach out to your professors, alumni, friends of friends who are in roles that you think you'd be interested in and use your spare time to network and learn from their personal experience. The combination of both what you learn in the classroom and what you learn from your network should be a helpful guide to finding the right career path for you.
Best of luck!
Congratulations and what an exciting time in your life. I hope you'll learn this in school as well but wanted to highlight that there are many different fields of finance once you graduate and go into the working world. Some common tracks people tend to go into are:
1/ Investment Banking
2/ Asset Management
3/ Corporate Finance
All that's to say make sure you explore the various fields of finance and use your time in school to figure out what it is that you really enjoy doing because the hours in finance can be long :) I'd advise to reach out to your professors, alumni, friends of friends who are in roles that you think you'd be interested in and use your spare time to network and learn from their personal experience. The combination of both what you learn in the classroom and what you learn from your network should be a helpful guide to finding the right career path for you.
Best of luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Fabian !
Although your question is great, it is quite broad and doesn't specify any certain things that you may be wondering about. Have no expectations - let your experience flow naturally. If you liked high school, you will love college. No one can tell you what you, Fabian, will experience.
There are some basic things that you may be wondering about. If you wonder what courses you will be expected to take, you can go to the college website and read what is expected for your major. Basic things like showing up for class, handing in assignments on time and lots of reading and writing and meeting lots of new people are the usual things anyone can expect at college. But it all goes differently for each student.
What will be important is how dedicated and involved you are. Things such as volunteer work, activities, a Work Study job can keep you involved in learning about your major subject or learning new skills. Find out about different finance computer programs and get a head start learning them. Don't overthink the future, set doable goals that will keep you on track.
If you are curious, register for an orientation at your future school, Texas State University. You will get a tour and orientation of the campus and the opportunity to ask any questions that only the students or staff would know. Contact the University and register as soon as you can. It's best to get your own impression for this.
Take things step by step and research things you may be wondering about and I wish you all the best !
Although your question is great, it is quite broad and doesn't specify any certain things that you may be wondering about. Have no expectations - let your experience flow naturally. If you liked high school, you will love college. No one can tell you what you, Fabian, will experience.
There are some basic things that you may be wondering about. If you wonder what courses you will be expected to take, you can go to the college website and read what is expected for your major. Basic things like showing up for class, handing in assignments on time and lots of reading and writing and meeting lots of new people are the usual things anyone can expect at college. But it all goes differently for each student.
What will be important is how dedicated and involved you are. Things such as volunteer work, activities, a Work Study job can keep you involved in learning about your major subject or learning new skills. Find out about different finance computer programs and get a head start learning them. Don't overthink the future, set doable goals that will keep you on track.
If you are curious, register for an orientation at your future school, Texas State University. You will get a tour and orientation of the campus and the opportunity to ask any questions that only the students or staff would know. Contact the University and register as soon as you can. It's best to get your own impression for this.
Take things step by step and research things you may be wondering about and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Rogelio’s Answer
Hello Fabian,
First off, Congrats on your acceptance. Believe it or not, I am also going to be starting my schooling after a career in the Military and being 5 years in my Finance Career as an advisor. While I am not going to North Texas, the thing I found is that expect the first year or two to be mainly about your core classes: Math, English, Science, etc. Once you're done with that, that is when you dive into the basics of Finance like accounting and business writing. Lastly, that is when you start learning more in-depth about Finance like maybe, economics both at a Micro and Macro level, Financial Management, and securities (like stocks and bonds).
I hope this helps! Good luck and focus on your classes. Also, be open to networking and volunteering. You get out what you are willing to put in.
First off, Congrats on your acceptance. Believe it or not, I am also going to be starting my schooling after a career in the Military and being 5 years in my Finance Career as an advisor. While I am not going to North Texas, the thing I found is that expect the first year or two to be mainly about your core classes: Math, English, Science, etc. Once you're done with that, that is when you dive into the basics of Finance like accounting and business writing. Lastly, that is when you start learning more in-depth about Finance like maybe, economics both at a Micro and Macro level, Financial Management, and securities (like stocks and bonds).
I hope this helps! Good luck and focus on your classes. Also, be open to networking and volunteering. You get out what you are willing to put in.

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Fabian!
What to Expect in Finance at Texas State University
Overview of Finance Studies Studying finance at Texas State University, or any university, involves a comprehensive understanding of how money is managed, invested, and utilized within various contexts. You will cover topics such as financial markets, investment strategies, corporate finance, risk management, and personal finance. The curriculum typically includes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.
Core Courses As a finance major, you can expect to take core courses that may include:
Principles of Finance: An introduction to the concepts of time value of money, risk-return tradeoff, and financial decision-making.
Financial Markets and Institutions: Understanding the role of financial markets and institutions in the economy.
Investment Analysis: Learning about different types of investments (stocks, bonds, real estate) and how to analyze their performance.
Corporate Finance: Focusing on how corporations manage their finances through capital structure decisions and funding strategies.
Risk Management: Exploring methods for identifying and managing financial risks.
Skills Development Throughout your studies, you will develop essential skills such as analytical thinking, quantitative analysis, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in financial software tools like Excel or specialized financial modeling programs.
Internships and Networking Engaging in internships during your college years is crucial. They provide hands-on experience that complements your academic learning. Networking with professionals through university events or local business organizations can also open doors for future job opportunities.
Extracurricular Activities Participating in finance-related clubs or organizations can enhance your understanding of the field while allowing you to meet peers with similar interests. Consider joining groups like the Finance Club or participating in case competitions.
Tips Before Starting Your Freshman Year
Familiarize Yourself with Financial Concepts: Reading books or articles on basic finance principles can give you a head start.
Develop Strong Study Habits: College coursework can be rigorous; establishing effective study routines early on will benefit you greatly.
Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of tutoring centers, libraries, and academic advising services offered by Texas State University.
Stay Informed About Current Events: Understanding global economic trends will help contextualize what you learn in class.
Build Relationships with Professors: Engaging with faculty can provide mentorship opportunities and insights into the industry.
In summary, studying finance at Texas State University will equip you with valuable knowledge and skills applicable to various career paths in business and finance sectors. Embrace the learning process and seek out experiences that enhance your education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Texas State University - McCoy College of Business Administration: This source provides detailed information about the finance program structure, courses offered, faculty expertise, and student resources available at Texas State University.
Investopedia - Finance Basics: Investopedia is a reputable online resource that offers comprehensive explanations of fundamental finance concepts which are essential for students entering the field.
The Wall Street Journal - Business & Finance Section: This source keeps readers updated on current events related to business and finance which is crucial for students to understand real-world applications of their studies.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
What to Expect in Finance at Texas State University
Overview of Finance Studies Studying finance at Texas State University, or any university, involves a comprehensive understanding of how money is managed, invested, and utilized within various contexts. You will cover topics such as financial markets, investment strategies, corporate finance, risk management, and personal finance. The curriculum typically includes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.
Core Courses As a finance major, you can expect to take core courses that may include:
Principles of Finance: An introduction to the concepts of time value of money, risk-return tradeoff, and financial decision-making.
Financial Markets and Institutions: Understanding the role of financial markets and institutions in the economy.
Investment Analysis: Learning about different types of investments (stocks, bonds, real estate) and how to analyze their performance.
Corporate Finance: Focusing on how corporations manage their finances through capital structure decisions and funding strategies.
Risk Management: Exploring methods for identifying and managing financial risks.
Skills Development Throughout your studies, you will develop essential skills such as analytical thinking, quantitative analysis, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency in financial software tools like Excel or specialized financial modeling programs.
Internships and Networking Engaging in internships during your college years is crucial. They provide hands-on experience that complements your academic learning. Networking with professionals through university events or local business organizations can also open doors for future job opportunities.
Extracurricular Activities Participating in finance-related clubs or organizations can enhance your understanding of the field while allowing you to meet peers with similar interests. Consider joining groups like the Finance Club or participating in case competitions.
Tips Before Starting Your Freshman Year
Familiarize Yourself with Financial Concepts: Reading books or articles on basic finance principles can give you a head start.
Develop Strong Study Habits: College coursework can be rigorous; establishing effective study routines early on will benefit you greatly.
Utilize Campus Resources: Take advantage of tutoring centers, libraries, and academic advising services offered by Texas State University.
Stay Informed About Current Events: Understanding global economic trends will help contextualize what you learn in class.
Build Relationships with Professors: Engaging with faculty can provide mentorship opportunities and insights into the industry.
In summary, studying finance at Texas State University will equip you with valuable knowledge and skills applicable to various career paths in business and finance sectors. Embrace the learning process and seek out experiences that enhance your education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Texas State University - McCoy College of Business Administration: This source provides detailed information about the finance program structure, courses offered, faculty expertise, and student resources available at Texas State University.
Investopedia - Finance Basics: Investopedia is a reputable online resource that offers comprehensive explanations of fundamental finance concepts which are essential for students entering the field.
The Wall Street Journal - Business & Finance Section: This source keeps readers updated on current events related to business and finance which is crucial for students to understand real-world applications of their studies.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Andre’s Answer
Hey Fabian! First of all, congratulations on your acceptance to Texas State University—huge milestone! You’re stepping into the exciting world of finance, and trust me, it’s a game-changer if you approach it right. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare like a pro:
1️⃣ Expect the Numbers and the Bigger Picture: You’ll dive deep into spreadsheets, formulas, and financial analysis, but the real win is understanding the ‘why’ behind the numbers. Finance isn’t just math—it’s about strategy and problem-solving. Think about how companies make decisions or how investments grow wealth. Keep your curiosity alive!
2️⃣ Networking is Gold: Finance is as much about people as it is about numbers. Start building your network NOW—professors, classmates, and local professionals in Houston. Attend events, join finance-related clubs, and don’t shy away from LinkedIn! Your first job might come from someone you meet in college.
3️⃣ Internships Are Your Secret Weapon: Don’t wait for junior year to think about internships. Even as a freshman, start exploring opportunities at local firms or banks. It’s not just about adding experience to your resume—it’s about learning where you fit in the finance world.
4️⃣ Stay Ahead of the Curve: Tools like Excel and financial modeling will become your best friends. If you can, take a free course online to sharpen those skills early. Bonus points for learning about markets—start reading The Wall Street Journal or using apps like Bloomberg.
5️⃣ Mindset is Everything: Finance can be intense, but stay focused. Bring that “Mamba Mentality” to every class and assignment. Be the student who goes above and beyond—whether it’s prepping for exams or asking insightful questions in class.
A little bonus tip: since you’re already in Houston, keep an eye on local finance meetups and events—it’s a thriving city for business opportunities! The people you meet and the projects you work on now will set the stage for your future success.
You’re on an incredible journey, Fabian—own it and make every moment count!
1️⃣ Expect the Numbers and the Bigger Picture: You’ll dive deep into spreadsheets, formulas, and financial analysis, but the real win is understanding the ‘why’ behind the numbers. Finance isn’t just math—it’s about strategy and problem-solving. Think about how companies make decisions or how investments grow wealth. Keep your curiosity alive!
2️⃣ Networking is Gold: Finance is as much about people as it is about numbers. Start building your network NOW—professors, classmates, and local professionals in Houston. Attend events, join finance-related clubs, and don’t shy away from LinkedIn! Your first job might come from someone you meet in college.
3️⃣ Internships Are Your Secret Weapon: Don’t wait for junior year to think about internships. Even as a freshman, start exploring opportunities at local firms or banks. It’s not just about adding experience to your resume—it’s about learning where you fit in the finance world.
4️⃣ Stay Ahead of the Curve: Tools like Excel and financial modeling will become your best friends. If you can, take a free course online to sharpen those skills early. Bonus points for learning about markets—start reading The Wall Street Journal or using apps like Bloomberg.
5️⃣ Mindset is Everything: Finance can be intense, but stay focused. Bring that “Mamba Mentality” to every class and assignment. Be the student who goes above and beyond—whether it’s prepping for exams or asking insightful questions in class.
A little bonus tip: since you’re already in Houston, keep an eye on local finance meetups and events—it’s a thriving city for business opportunities! The people you meet and the projects you work on now will set the stage for your future success.
You’re on an incredible journey, Fabian—own it and make every moment count!
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Congratulations, Fabian! 🎉 Getting accepted into Texas State University’s School of Business is huge! You’re about to step into the exciting world of finance, and trust me, it’s going to be like learning how to juggle flaming swords—but in the best possible way.
What to Expect in Finance: 📉📈
In college, you’ll go from "What’s a stock?" to "Let me explain the GDP to you in 30 seconds." Here’s what you can expect:
1. A Lot of Numbers: Finance is, well, numbers. You’ll get cozy with spreadsheets, balance sheets, income statements, and learning how money flows through the economy. It’s like the Matrix, but with less "red pill, blue pill" and more “ROI, EBITDA, and the time value of money.” 💰
2. Tough Classes, But Not Impossible: You’ll likely face courses like accounting, microeconomics, corporate finance, and investments. They’ll be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Everyone’s going through it. So, don’t panic when you see a 5-page financial analysis assignment—it’s normal.
3. Real-World Application: One of the coolest things about finance is that it directly connects to the world around you. Stock markets, interest rates, financial crises—they all tie into what you’ll study. You might even find yourself analyzing current events and thinking, "Hmm, I could totally explain that to my friends!" 📊
4. Group Projects Galore: Get ready for group work. There’s usually at least one project where you’ll be the person who’s like, “I got this” while your group mates try to figure out how to divide the workload. Pro tip: Make friends with the accounting majors. They’re the unsung heroes of finance. 🦸♂️
Tips Before Your Freshman Year: 🎓✨
1. Brush Up on Basic Math: You’ll be doing a lot of math—nothing too crazy, but if algebra feels like a distant memory, take some time to review. Getting comfortable with percentages, interest rates, and basic calculations will help you breeze through financial equations.
2. Stay Organized: Finance is all about details. If you're a fan of chaos (no judgment!), you’ll have to switch gears and become best friends with a planner, calendar, or productivity app. You won’t want to miss an exam date or a project deadline because you’re too busy doing your laundry... for the third time that week. 🧺
3. Network Early: You’ll meet a ton of people at Texas State—professors, classmates, and guest speakers. Finance isn’t just about crunching numbers, it’s about relationships. Get involved in student organizations like the Finance Club, attend career fairs, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to professors. They’re your future connections and sometimes even future employers. 🌐
4. Leverage Internships: If you can score an internship, do it! Even if it’s unpaid or part-time, the real-world experience will teach you more than textbooks can. Plus, future employers will love seeing that you got a head start before graduation.
5. Stay Curious: The world of finance changes fast. Get in the habit of reading financial news—The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, or even podcasts like Planet Money—they’ll help you keep up with trends, and you’ll sound like an expert when talking to others. 📖🎧
The Finance Mindset: 💭
Think Long-Term: In finance, it’s easy to get caught up in the short-term grind. But remember, whether it's investing or budgeting, long-term thinking is key.
Be Resilient: There will be tough assignments, but don’t let them discourage you. Finance isn’t just about being right all the time—it’s about problem-solving and learning from mistakes.
A Fun Finance Fact: 💡
Did you know that the first stock exchange in the world was created in 1602 in Amsterdam? Yup, way before your time (and probably even your grandparents’ time!). So, finance has been a thing for centuries, and now you’re jumping into that rich history. Talk about joining an old school club! 🏛️
Motivational Tip: 💪
You're already on the path to success by choosing finance—you're building an incredible foundation for a future career. Sure, it may seem intimidating now, but think of it this way: Every professional you admire in the field started as a student just like you. You’ve got this, Fabian!
So, keep your head up, stay curious, and enjoy the ride. The finance world is waiting for you to make your mark! 👊
What to Expect in Finance: 📉📈
In college, you’ll go from "What’s a stock?" to "Let me explain the GDP to you in 30 seconds." Here’s what you can expect:
1. A Lot of Numbers: Finance is, well, numbers. You’ll get cozy with spreadsheets, balance sheets, income statements, and learning how money flows through the economy. It’s like the Matrix, but with less "red pill, blue pill" and more “ROI, EBITDA, and the time value of money.” 💰
2. Tough Classes, But Not Impossible: You’ll likely face courses like accounting, microeconomics, corporate finance, and investments. They’ll be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Everyone’s going through it. So, don’t panic when you see a 5-page financial analysis assignment—it’s normal.
3. Real-World Application: One of the coolest things about finance is that it directly connects to the world around you. Stock markets, interest rates, financial crises—they all tie into what you’ll study. You might even find yourself analyzing current events and thinking, "Hmm, I could totally explain that to my friends!" 📊
4. Group Projects Galore: Get ready for group work. There’s usually at least one project where you’ll be the person who’s like, “I got this” while your group mates try to figure out how to divide the workload. Pro tip: Make friends with the accounting majors. They’re the unsung heroes of finance. 🦸♂️
Tips Before Your Freshman Year: 🎓✨
1. Brush Up on Basic Math: You’ll be doing a lot of math—nothing too crazy, but if algebra feels like a distant memory, take some time to review. Getting comfortable with percentages, interest rates, and basic calculations will help you breeze through financial equations.
2. Stay Organized: Finance is all about details. If you're a fan of chaos (no judgment!), you’ll have to switch gears and become best friends with a planner, calendar, or productivity app. You won’t want to miss an exam date or a project deadline because you’re too busy doing your laundry... for the third time that week. 🧺
3. Network Early: You’ll meet a ton of people at Texas State—professors, classmates, and guest speakers. Finance isn’t just about crunching numbers, it’s about relationships. Get involved in student organizations like the Finance Club, attend career fairs, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to professors. They’re your future connections and sometimes even future employers. 🌐
4. Leverage Internships: If you can score an internship, do it! Even if it’s unpaid or part-time, the real-world experience will teach you more than textbooks can. Plus, future employers will love seeing that you got a head start before graduation.
5. Stay Curious: The world of finance changes fast. Get in the habit of reading financial news—The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, or even podcasts like Planet Money—they’ll help you keep up with trends, and you’ll sound like an expert when talking to others. 📖🎧
The Finance Mindset: 💭
Think Long-Term: In finance, it’s easy to get caught up in the short-term grind. But remember, whether it's investing or budgeting, long-term thinking is key.
Be Resilient: There will be tough assignments, but don’t let them discourage you. Finance isn’t just about being right all the time—it’s about problem-solving and learning from mistakes.
A Fun Finance Fact: 💡
Did you know that the first stock exchange in the world was created in 1602 in Amsterdam? Yup, way before your time (and probably even your grandparents’ time!). So, finance has been a thing for centuries, and now you’re jumping into that rich history. Talk about joining an old school club! 🏛️
Motivational Tip: 💪
You're already on the path to success by choosing finance—you're building an incredible foundation for a future career. Sure, it may seem intimidating now, but think of it this way: Every professional you admire in the field started as a student just like you. You’ve got this, Fabian!
So, keep your head up, stay curious, and enjoy the ride. The finance world is waiting for you to make your mark! 👊