Using your finance degree

If you have a numerate or finance-related degree, it is unsurprising to find that you are sought after to work in finance-related roles. There are certain roles where a numerate degree is preferred or even required. However, a finance-related degree in itself is not a passport to a job: you need to sell your skills to recruiters.

Degrees that can be categorised as numerate include accountancy, business studies, economics, maths and statistics. Science, IT and engineering disciplines are often described as numerate too. A lot of these disciplines cover topics that are essential to businesses in the 21st century, such as e-commerce, globalisation and business ethics. They will also ensure that you have enough of a numerical understanding to be comfortable when you begin a finance career.

A numerate degree will also develop your ‘soft skills’ – the non-technical skills that ensure you are an asset to an employer beyond your way with numbers. Spend time analysing what business-related knowledge and ‘life skills’ you’ve picked up during your course. Drawing upon this in your applications and interviews will impress employers because it demonstrates your self-knowledge and analytical skills.

Other skills that finance employers need

However, finance recruiters look for more than a degree; many roles are open to all graduates. To secure your first position, you need to promote your ‘other stuff’, such as work experience and involvement in university societies. An internship with a financial institution will gives you useful experience of working in finance-related roles for a concentrated period of time. However, any work experience is valued as it shows you working in the real world.