5 answers
Julia
Student
Edwardsburg, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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As a woman pursuing finance major, how do I learn and develop leadership skills throughout college to better prepare myself for employment after school ?
My goal is to be a CFO, what classes will help with development of leadership qualities.
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5 answers
Jack Robi
Account Manager
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Hi Julia, I think that business presentations is a super impactful class in developing leadership qualities. Public speaking is something that permeates throughout many careers in finance, especially for CFO's and people advising their companies. Additionally, working as a team in this setting helped me to navigate presenting financials and organizing ideas. Lastly, I would recommend that outside of school, you read news outlets announcements on public companies / finance topics in general, Yahoo Finance and the Wall Street Journal have helpful resources that complement the finance learning you will do in classes. Hope this helps and all the best!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Julia, that's amazing to see you're aiming for such a big goal! To develop leadership skills throughout college, it's all about balancing academics and real-world experience.
When it comes to your classes, focus on ones that help you understand people and strategy, like organizational behavior, business ethics, or strategic management. These will shape the way you approach leadership by showing you how decisions impact people and businesses.
Also, look for opportunities outside the classroom to practice leading. Joining clubs or organizations, especially ones that relate to finance or business, will give you chances to lead teams and manage projects. It’s one thing to learn theory in class, but actually doing it in a group setting is where you’ll grow the most.
Remember that having mentors is super helpful too. They can offer insights, share their own experiences, and help guide you through challenges, plus, they’ll be an amazing resource when you’re figuring out the next steps in your career. Now also, Don’t forget to work on those "soft skills" as well. Things like communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence are huge in leadership, for me these soft skills made me stronger in my leadership skills. Basically as far I know, As a CFO, you’ll be making decisions that affect many people, so being able to understand and connect with others will really set you apart.
And of course, any internship or hands-on experience where you get to see leadership up close (or even lead yourself) will give you invaluable lessons. It’s all about learning from both successes and mistakes. You’re already on the right mindset, thinking ahead, so keep up the great work and just keep looking for opportunities to practice. You’ve got this Julia, wishing you all the best. Feel free to reach out anytime hope this helps even a bit.
When it comes to your classes, focus on ones that help you understand people and strategy, like organizational behavior, business ethics, or strategic management. These will shape the way you approach leadership by showing you how decisions impact people and businesses.
Also, look for opportunities outside the classroom to practice leading. Joining clubs or organizations, especially ones that relate to finance or business, will give you chances to lead teams and manage projects. It’s one thing to learn theory in class, but actually doing it in a group setting is where you’ll grow the most.
Remember that having mentors is super helpful too. They can offer insights, share their own experiences, and help guide you through challenges, plus, they’ll be an amazing resource when you’re figuring out the next steps in your career. Now also, Don’t forget to work on those "soft skills" as well. Things like communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence are huge in leadership, for me these soft skills made me stronger in my leadership skills. Basically as far I know, As a CFO, you’ll be making decisions that affect many people, so being able to understand and connect with others will really set you apart.
And of course, any internship or hands-on experience where you get to see leadership up close (or even lead yourself) will give you invaluable lessons. It’s all about learning from both successes and mistakes. You’re already on the right mindset, thinking ahead, so keep up the great work and just keep looking for opportunities to practice. You’ve got this Julia, wishing you all the best. Feel free to reach out anytime hope this helps even a bit.
Harry Clapeck
Manufacturing
47
Answers
Scottsdale, Arizona
Updated
Harry’s Answer
Hi Julia, A great question. Some qualifications you can learn in college but you will continue to learn throughout your working years. I think there are two leadership skills that you should develop. One is patience. You don't need to be the first to make a decision. Sometimes sitting back and reflecting is the best decision. The other is to look long-term. Many times the first decision looks good for now but what about later? Will it still be good or might it bring up a larger problem that nobody else considered?
One of the most satisfying qualities I developed during my career was sitting in meetings and taking everything in. Then towards the end of the meeting, the leader or CEO of the meeting said: Good meeting, now what is your opinion Harry. I developed the ability to project, both good and not so good suggestions and what the consequences might be. I tried to project 3-4 steps forward. But you also must develop good communication skills. It can be very difficult telling someone their idea sucks without offending them.
Good luck Julia. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Harry
One of the most satisfying qualities I developed during my career was sitting in meetings and taking everything in. Then towards the end of the meeting, the leader or CEO of the meeting said: Good meeting, now what is your opinion Harry. I developed the ability to project, both good and not so good suggestions and what the consequences might be. I tried to project 3-4 steps forward. But you also must develop good communication skills. It can be very difficult telling someone their idea sucks without offending them.
Good luck Julia. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Harry
Haley Hill
Human Resource Senior Manager
4
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hi Julia, I'm really glad you're focusing on your future growth. Leadership comes in different ways, and gaining experience is important. If you have a job, try leading a team or training others. Finding a mentor at work can also help you learn about leadership. Many colleges offer leadership courses, so consider looking into those too. If you're not working, you could lead an intramural sports team or a school club like the finance club. You can also take on leadership roles in group projects for your classes. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
S I
Finance
28
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
S’s Answer
If you want to become a CFO someday, it's awesome that you're already thinking about leadership skills, not just finance. Great CFOs mix finance know-how with good communication, smart judgment, and people skills. You can start working on these in college.
1. Pick classes that teach both finance and leadership
Besides finance and accounting, consider:
- Management and organizational behavior to learn how teams work
- Business strategy for long-term thinking across the organization
- Communication, presentation, or business writing to explain complex ideas clearly
- Ethics or corporate governance, which are important for senior roles
These classes help you see the big picture, not just the numbers.
2. Get leadership experience outside class
You learn leadership by doing. Try:
- Taking an officer role in a finance or business club
- Leading a project team or student organization
- Joining case competitions or consulting programs
These activities help you make decisions, be responsible, and influence others—skills a CFO needs.
3. Choose internships that involve decision-making
When looking for internships, think about:
- Whether you’ll get to work on budgeting, forecasting, or analysis
- Opportunities to present your findings or ideas
- Watching how senior leaders communicate and make decisions
Even early internships can teach leadership if you focus on learning.
4. Find mentors early
Mentors help you grow as a leader:
- Talk to professors, alumni, or finance professionals
- Ask about their career journeys and leadership tips
- Get feedback on your communication and professionalism
You don’t need a formal mentor—regular chats are what count.
5. Build confidence through communication
Many future leaders overlook this:
- Volunteer to present in class
- Practice explaining financial ideas in simple terms
- Speak up, even if you’re unsure
CFOs are trusted because they communicate clearly and confidently.
6. Remember: leadership is a skill you build over time
You don’t need to be perfect in college. Focus on:
- Being curious
- Taking responsibility
- Learning from mistakes
Leadership grows through experience, reflection, and feedback.
In short:
Combine strong finance skills with communication, decision-making, and people skills. Start building these habits now, and you'll be ready for leadership roles like CFO in the future.
1. Pick classes that teach both finance and leadership
Besides finance and accounting, consider:
- Management and organizational behavior to learn how teams work
- Business strategy for long-term thinking across the organization
- Communication, presentation, or business writing to explain complex ideas clearly
- Ethics or corporate governance, which are important for senior roles
These classes help you see the big picture, not just the numbers.
2. Get leadership experience outside class
You learn leadership by doing. Try:
- Taking an officer role in a finance or business club
- Leading a project team or student organization
- Joining case competitions or consulting programs
These activities help you make decisions, be responsible, and influence others—skills a CFO needs.
3. Choose internships that involve decision-making
When looking for internships, think about:
- Whether you’ll get to work on budgeting, forecasting, or analysis
- Opportunities to present your findings or ideas
- Watching how senior leaders communicate and make decisions
Even early internships can teach leadership if you focus on learning.
4. Find mentors early
Mentors help you grow as a leader:
- Talk to professors, alumni, or finance professionals
- Ask about their career journeys and leadership tips
- Get feedback on your communication and professionalism
You don’t need a formal mentor—regular chats are what count.
5. Build confidence through communication
Many future leaders overlook this:
- Volunteer to present in class
- Practice explaining financial ideas in simple terms
- Speak up, even if you’re unsure
CFOs are trusted because they communicate clearly and confidently.
6. Remember: leadership is a skill you build over time
You don’t need to be perfect in college. Focus on:
- Being curious
- Taking responsibility
- Learning from mistakes
Leadership grows through experience, reflection, and feedback.
In short:
Combine strong finance skills with communication, decision-making, and people skills. Start building these habits now, and you'll be ready for leadership roles like CFO in the future.