Getting a degree in finance can help you master skills to thrive in many industries — from insurance to corporate to real estate. And at Texas Wesleyan, you’ll get real world experience with hands-on practice managing University funds. With a degree in finance from Texas Wesleyan University, you can get a head start on the competition and break into the finance world.

Tip 1: Explore what industry you’d like to work in 

Do you want to help people? Working as a loan officer or credit counselor might be right up your alley. You’ll help your clients get funding or manage their finances to improve their lives.  

Or maybe you’re interested in getting out of the office? Check out becoming a real estate appraiser. You’ll look over properties to estimate their value to make sure people are paying a fair price. 

If you’d like to put on your investigative hat, a career in corporate finance could be for you. As a budget analyst, you can help figure out how funds should be budgeted among the company and as a financial manager, you can tell companies the best ways to balance their finances to help solve some key issues.  

Figuring out what career path you want to take can help you find which financial programs work best for you. Financial careers can require different certifications. For example, as an appraiser, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for licensing from the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB), while credit counselors can boost their careers with certifications in credit counseling. 

Tip 2: Get in-depth training  

No matter which industry you pursue, becoming a chartered financial analyst (CFA) can make a huge difference in your career. The title is awarded by the CFA Institute to candidates that show great skills in investment analysis and wealth management. CFA professionals are the top of the top financial professionals and are experts in their fields — it’s like being the Simone Biles of gymnastics. 

When looking at degree programs, it’s important to find a program that helps you take steps to prepare for becoming a CFA. The three tests can be demanding, but with the right training and guidance from your professors, you can better navigate the exams. And with Texas Wesleyan’s finance degree, you'll take several courses that are designed to help you pass the first exam.   

However, like we said in tip 1, different industries may require different skill sets or certifications. From becoming a certified financial planner (CFP) to being a licensed residential appraiser, discovering what requirements and training you need can help you stay on track for that dream job. 

Tip 3: Think about grad school  

Having a master's degree in your tool belt can help you become even more successful in your finance career. If you want to specialize in a specific financial area, getting a master’s in finance can help. Or if you want to gain multiple types of business skills, like management, accounting, economics, data analysis and more, an MBA can do that.  

Either way, getting a master's degree can make you stand out to employers and qualify you for more well-paid positions — the median salary for financial professionals with a master’s degree is $134,000.  

Even better? You can get your BBA in Finance and an MBA in just 5 years with Texas Wesleyan’s Fifth-Year Option. 

Tip 4: Get involved in clubs and organizations 

You can make that resume extra shiny by getting out of the classroom and into clubs and organizations. Join the Finance Club at Texas Wesleyan, which can help you make the transition from student to professional. You’ll learn from professionals in the industry and have the opportunity to network, gain skills and potentially get an internship.  

Dallas-Fort Worth also offers plenty of resources, like the Dallas Association for Financial Professionals. Finance majors can network with professionals, learn about industry trends and get tips and tricks on how to take their career to the next level.

Getting involved can help you meet future employers, gain industry knowledge and learn even more skills to help you become successful. 

Ready to take the first step towards starting a career as a financial professional? Texas Wesleyan's finance degree can get you on the road to success.