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Should I still major in finance with the upcoming of AI?

I'm a highschool student and I'm interested in majoring in finance in university but I'm a bit worried with AI taking jobs. The jobs I'm interested in are accounting, investment management/banking and financial analysis. I currently do maths, economics, business, english and physics. Is it too risky to continue in finance or should I consider another career choice while I still can ?

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Rafael’s Answer

Hey Ndimlo, don't let the AI fear push you away from finance because the field isn't going anywhere, it's just evolving, and honestly that's a good thing. The key is to blend your finance interest with tech and data skills so you become the person who uses AI rather than gets replaced by it. From my own experience, I started out in engineering and purchasing analysis, where I managed suppliers and worked with databases early in my career, and over time I layered on business consulting, data science certifications, and even cloud certifications, which made me way more versatile. I've worked across supply chain consulting, operations, and strategy roles at both big and smaller firms, and in every single one, the people who thrived were the ones who understood the business side and could work with data and technology. Your subjects like maths, economics, and business are a perfect foundation, so I'd say absolutely go into finance but make sure you pick up skills in data analytics, programming, or AI tools along the way, maybe even grab certifications or take electives in those areas, because the future belongs to people who can sit at the intersection of finance and technology, not just one or the other.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice. Are there any websites, apps etc that you may know that I could use to develop my skills in programming and/or AI tools ? Ndimlo
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Gus’s Answer

Yes - you should still consider finance if it interests you. AI is rapidly changing how people work in finance, but it is not eradicating the people in finance. As you continue to study your basic courses and learn more, think about the applicability and use of AI as a tool. Continually research how companies/individuals are using AI and try to build up some of those same building block skills while you get your degree. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice! Could you recommend some companies to look into that you may know that incorporate AI in their business ? Ndimlo
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Steven’s Answer

Ndimlo-just to add to what everyone has said….AI, more than likely, be used for basic computing type functions but cannot replace the human element of analysis and interpretation. It might help one in determine the why of the answer but can’t see the underlying aspects of the answer to the question/process. You should make sure that your classes help you to think out of the box and analytically as, those that are able to use those type of tools will succeed in a fully developed AI world. Good luck.
Thank you comment icon This is very helpful. Thank you so much! Ndimlo
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Gerardo’s Answer

I understand how you're feeling. When I was your age, I had similar thoughts like, "Should I get a degree or will AI take over?" It's normal to wonder about that. Now, as I'm about to graduate and have done two internships, I can assure you that AI won't replace us. It's just a tool to help us.

Take care and all the best!
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Monserrat’s Answer

Hello! Don't worry about AI tools. Instead, try to learn how you can use these amazing tools to get ahead. By understanding them, you can improve your work, help reach business goals, and make the most of new opportunities.
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ivan’s Answer

AI, both now and in the future, needs human involvement. It doesn't take jobs away but serves as a helpful tool. AI makes work easier and more accurate for employees, but it doesn't replace people.
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Danna’s Answer

Hi Ndimlo,

I hope you're doing great!

I'm in my last semester of public accounting and have some experience in the field. AI is an amazing tool, but it's not taking over our jobs. It's better to be ready for anything, so getting comfortable working with AI is a good idea. Just remember to check the results AI gives you and not trust them completely. Your experience is unique and valuable, and human judgment is still the best.

Danna recommends the following next steps:

I would definitely suggest for you to learn prompting, and different language models of ai to understand which is better for what.
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Dwight’s Answer

Hi Ndimlo,

I hope all is well! This is a great and important question! It is understandable to worry about finance with AI becoming more common, but majoring in finance is not becoming too risky. In reality, AI is changing how finance work is done but not replacing the field itself. Tasks like data processing and basic analysis may become more automated but finance still depends heavily on human judgment, communication, client relationships, and decision making which AI cannot fully replace.

The better way to think about it is that finance is evolving, not disappearing. Students who learn how to use AI tools alongside financial knowledge will actually have an advantage in the market. The focus should be on building adaptable skills such as analytical thinking, communication and understanding business decisions because those are what will matter.

I hope that this information helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!

Thank you,
Dwight
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Patrick’s Answer

Hi, Ndimlo. Don't worry about AI. Everyone said great things here. I'll only add that AI will never replace human behavior. Finance, medicine, engineering, agriculture, entertainment, education -- it all begins with a human thought first. You cannot teach a machine counter-intuition, instincts, or a "gut feeling" -- all of which are needed in every industry.

Like the financial analyst who sees AI-produced data and numbers that are tilting towards one outcome, but the analyst also understands human psychology (fear, greed, anger, etc.) and makes a countertrade, which actually results in much higher profits for the company. Or the doctor who has a patient which appears to need a standard procedure, but the doctor has a gut feeling that a non-standard procedure is actually less dangerous -- and the doctor is correct. Or just imagine a filmmaker prompting an AI to "write me a story about vampires, colonization, a guitar, the connection to one's ancestry, and the heroes are twin brothers." Trust me, that AI would NEVER give you the amazing film that swept last year's Oscar awards, "Sinners".

So go ahead and pursue your dreams in finance, Ndimlo. AI is just a better calculator to help you. Good luck!
Best,
Patrick
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Ndimlo
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Fatou’s Answer

Hi Ndimlo,

Finance is still a strong field, and while AI is changing how some tasks are done, it’s not replacing the need for people who can analyze information, make decisions, and understand business context. The subjects you’re taking, especially maths, economics, and business, are a great foundation for careers in finance.

It’s completely understandable to be concerned about how AI may impact finance roles, and it’s great that you’re thinking about this early. A helpful approach is to focus on building skills that work well alongside AI, like data analysis, critical thinking, and communication. You don’t need to change your path; you can continue to build on it while adapting your skills as the field evolves.

Some next steps you can take now:

Learn Excel and basic data analysis
Start learning simple programming (like Python) for working with data
Explore how AI is used in finance (investing, forecasting, risk analysis)
Try a small project, like analyzing a company or tracking stock performance
Join a business or finance club and stay curious about technology in finance

Wishing you the best!
Thank you comment icon This is so helpful, thank you for your time !! Ndimlo
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Harsha Priya’s Answer

Hello! I'm Harsha Priya Ganapathy, and I work in AI/ML while mentoring students in tech and career paths.

Finance remains a strong major in the AI era, but the successful finance professional is evolving.

Let's clear up any fear: AI is not eliminating finance careers; it's transforming them. AI automates tasks, enhances data analysis, and speeds up decision-making. However, it doesn't replace human judgment, strategy, or trust.

Impact on roles:

Accounting: Routine tasks are automated, but auditing, compliance, and financial strategy still need human input.

Investment Banking/Asset Management: AI aids in data analysis and market predictions, but humans are essential for decision-making, risk assessment, and client relationships.

Financial Analyst: This role is changing, not disappearing. Future analysts will use AI tools, interpret insights, and communicate strategies.

To be future-proof, combine Finance with AI. Focus on financial basics, data analysis, understanding AI tools, and critical thinking.

In my experience, the most valuable professionals understand their domain and can use AI effectively.

Your current studies in math, economics, business, and physics are a great foundation for finance and analytics.

Don't switch careers out of fear. Adapt your skills for the future.

AI won't replace finance professionals; it will replace those who don't adapt. The future belongs to those who can think, analyze, and use AI as a tool.

Simple steps for you:

Pursue a Finance major. Add data skills and basic tech awareness. Stay curious.

Remember: "AI won’t take your job — someone using AI will."
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Sumitra’s Answer

It’s not too risky to continue in finance, but the way you approach it matters more than the degree itself.
AI is not replacing finance; it is changing how finance work is done. Tasks like basic accounting, data entry, and simple analysis are getting automated, but roles that involve decision-making, interpretation, strategy, and understanding real-world context are still very much needed.
If you’re interested in finance, you should absolutely continue but try to build skills alongside it, such as data analysis, basic programming (like Python), and understanding how AI tools are used in finance. This combination will make you much stronger than someone who studies finance alone.
Instead of thinking “Should I leave finance?”, try shifting your focus to “How can I become a finance professional who can work with AI?” because those are the people who will have more opportunities and adaptability in the future.
I hope this helps. All the best! 😊
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to answer me ! Ndimlo
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Alejandra’s Answer

AI is something that has become part of our realities and becoming afraid of it won't help. I've been working for an IT company in Finance for over 15years now. AI is here and I'm still learning to deal with it myself! However, it is a TOOL, not an enemy. While you study Finance, try to keep up with the Financial AI tools that are been developed, the use of things like AI Agents and Copilot for example has extended widely and the key point is to lean on them while using your knowledge, common sense and experience to take decision. AI can help "simplify" information, and accelerating analysis, still a tool is only as good as it's user! Don't be discouraged, be aware and think about what tools you can start learning to use.
I remember when I joined my company I was pretty bad at using Excel professionally, overtime I was able to do so proficiently, now I'm developing my AI Agent knowledge with the aim to continue being relevant and ready for what's to come.
I short... go for it, while being prepared for the challenges to come!
Thank you comment icon This is amazing, thank you!! Ndimlo
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Alan’s Answer

I would always advice you to follow your heart and focus on what matters most to you. Sure, it is not easy to predict how the rest of the world will react to our expertise, or if they will ever need it. Nonetheless, finance jobs are not currently at a higher risk of being replaced by AI than any other job. This is not an issue as our field is not yet something that an AI can easily fulfill; not at a higher corporate level at least. I do see some individuals using AI to better manage their personal finances, however there is no indication that the Financial job market is being overtaken by automation itself or drastically transformed in any way. The more you specialize, the more required you will be in this market and the least an AI will be able to achieve without human management. There just aren't the necessary tools or programs than can make AI easily grasp all there is to the financial world without many mistakes and an incomplete analysis. So go for it... if you ask me for course.
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Luis Arturo’s Answer

Hello everyone
Is very important to understand the benefits of AI in finance field, its an important tool to improve our human skills, if we use AI in our work we will process a great amount of data, so we can make better decisions.

If you have a strong foundation in math, economics and businees, and you continuing to study finance, this could be a great decision. I recommended also gaining some knowledge in technology and data analysis, this will be increasingly valuable alongside finance expertise. You will be a great candidate for a lot of companies.
Good luck with your studies and future plans.
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Siva’s Answer

Hello Ndimlo,

Great question and I’m glad you got lot of great helpful insights. I would like to add one point to build on what has been shared.

I agree that AI will change finance, especially by taking over entry-level, repetitive works and raise the bar.

To stay valuable, along with strong finance fundamentals, you’ll need to develop intuition, communication, and accountability, areas where AI doesn’t fully replace.

For example: AI struggle with...
• Making investment decisions that requires understanding market sentiment, risk appetite and long-term strategy
• Roles like wealth management and advisory are client facing where trust and communication skills are important
• I believe we are better than AI when it comes to negotiations, M&A, structuring deals
• And, when deciding what to do, not just analyzing data, we are far better than AI and should continue to be.

If you like finance, don’t run away from it. As long as you stay above the average by building these skills, you won’t just survive, you will stand out.

Wish you the best!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much ! Ndimlo
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Jim’s Answer

Choosing finance as a major is a great decision! Even though AI might handle some simple tasks, there will always be a need for finance professionals. When I was earning my Bachelor's in Accounting, a professor explained that the key difference between entry-level and senior accountants is the education they receive making them capable of completing more complex tasks. What you learn in university sets you apart and opens doors to various careers. The skills you gain in finance can also be useful in other areas like accounting, consulting, and even technology.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Ndimlo
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Alicia’s Answer

As an artist who uses AI alongside my creative disciplines, I see AI as a tool, not a replacement. People who learn to use AI to enhance their skills will be in demand more than those who do not. So, yeah, sticking with finance is a strategic move, not a risky one. While AI is taking over the tedious "drudge work" like basic data entry and simple reconciliations, it isn't replacing the human element of high-level strategy.

In fields like investment banking and financial analysis, AI acts as a high-powered co-pilot, but it can’t build client trust, negotiate complex deals, or navigate the ethical "gray areas" of business. Your background in physics and math gives you the logic to master these new tools, while your English skills will help you translate AI data into stories that humans can actually understand.

To stay ahead, just treat tech as a teammate rather than a threat. If you focus on learning how to manage AI systems and sharpen your "soft skills" like leadership and ethics, you’ll likely be more valuable and higher-paid than those who just stick to traditional methods. Hope this helps. Alicia
Thank you comment icon This helps quite alot, thank you so much for the advice ! Ndimlo
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Sandeep’s Answer

Hello Ndimlo , It’s not too risky to study finance, but the field is definitely evolving because of AI. Rather than replacing finance jobs completely, AI is more likely to automate routine tasks like basic accounting or data analysis, while increasing the importance of roles that require judgment, strategy, and communication

Since you’re already strong in subjects like maths, economics, and physics, you’re in a great position. The smartest approach is not to avoid finance, but to combine it with skills like data analysis, technology, or even some programming.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice ! Ndimlo
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