What is best major for banking and finance career?
I am a HS sophomore taking college now course s. I just started with a communication and public speaking course. #finance #college-major #business #economics
9 answers
Allison’s Answer
Great question!
Public speaking and communication is a good start to working towards a banking/finance career. A broad knowledge of business would be helpful too! This could include anything from marketing, IT, HR, etc. Accounting, Finance, and Economics courses would be extremely useful and I would highly recommend! These courses will provide you a broad financial basis and understanding of the market, which will be useful in the banking/finance industries.
Good luck!
Alli Raddant
Ana’s Answer
Hi Zachary,
It's great that you already have an idea as to which career you want to pursue. You'll find that there are lots of college courses focused on economics, business, management, personal finance, etc. that you can take to help inform the type of advice you may be asked to share when you enter the banking or finance industry. However, some of the most successful people in these fields also have skills and traits where formal courses are not offered. Such as, analytical and interpersonal communications skills. I suggest you join a few student organizations that will facilitate career exploration and ask professionals currently in the field to share what skills have helped them the most.
Simeon’s Answer
Meron’s Answer
Hi there! There is no right answer for which degree is "the best" for finance and banking. You will see people with all sorts of degrees in finance and banking ranging from finance, to accounting, to computer science, to the liberal arts, to communications. That said, many companies do look for students who already have the basic technical skills (finance and accounting) to do the jobs, or majors that were quantitatively focused (engineering, math, computer science).
Other companies offer robust training programs because they draw students from so many fields so they train you before you start, and train you on the job. That said in the interview process itself you will need to show that you have the technical skills (understand finance and accounting principles) so it may be easier if you major in either finance or accounting.
Joining finance or banking clubs, or even a business fraternity would be valuable in both helping you prepare for the interviews and figure out what you want to do professionally, as well as give you opportunities to develop leadership skills and fill in your resume, which will also help you get a job in finance and banking.
Anant’s Answer
Hi Zachary! I have friends working in banking and finance from a variety of majors, including Business/Finance, Economics, Math, Computer Science, and even Chemical Engineering. While Finance or Economic majors may be more directly applicable in the subject matter, I think the important thing is to gain a strong set of technical skills, while also developing soft skills such as communication, time management, etc.
I recommend also cultivating your interest in finance, whether you major in Finance or not, such as reading finance articles online, and maybe joining some finance-related clubs in school/college.
Ali’s Answer
Banking, Financial Management, Economics, Business and Marketing,
Richard’s Answer
Rebecca’s Answer
I suggest you can explore more to find out what are interested in.
Generally, you can consider taking business, accounting, finance, etc. These subjects are more relevant to the banking industry. You can speak to someone who are working in the banking industry (if possible) to acquire better understanding.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
