Finance
Business Administration Department
Advising Information
Advisor: Ruth Harrison
Office: Business 309
Phone Number 435.797.2272
Email: ruth.harrison@usu.edu
Why choose a degree in finance?
Finance is concerned with how individuals and firms allocate resources over time. Solutions to allocation problems rely upon the existence of capital markets that allow the exchange of resources over time and firms that allow individuals to transform current resources into resources available in the future. In particular, finance deals with the financial management of firms, investment management, and the management of financial institutions.
What types of jobs are available to those with a degree in finance?
A finance degree will lead to careers in banking, brokerage activities and investment, corporate and public finance, insurance, and personal financial planning and positions as financial analysts in industry.
Degree path in finance
Strategies to prepare for a job in finance
- Gain experience through internships, summer and part time experience.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Expand an eye for detail.
- Increase the ability to analyze and interpret data.
- Quantitative skills are extremely important. Take additional courses in math, statistics, and accounting.
- Read the Wall Street Journal and other financial news magazines to stay abreast of current events and to learn more about the industry.
- Join student professional associations in the field of finance.
Student Experiences
"When I began my college career, I wasn’t sure what kind of a career I wanted to pursue. I liked working with people and felt that I had some leadership abilities but wasn’t sure exactly which career fit me best. In learning about the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and the BA major, I found out about the numerous career opportunities that there are in the business world. I didn’t have to decide which one I was to pursue to decide that the BA major was a good fit for me. Since then, I have been able to narrow my interests down to finance. The classes offered through the BA major have helped me to do this, as well as helping me to gain the foundation I will need in my business career."
Nathan Allred
"The Business Administration Department has been a great help to me. The faculty members, (both professors and advisors), have been always available to answer my questions, no matter how simple or complicated my questions were. The professors were very flexible with me when I had to travel for athletics and the advisory services available were excellent. I decided to major in finance because of the interest I have in the financial side of business and because the program at Utah State has a sturdy curriculum and very knowledgeable instructors. Throughout my classes I was required to solve many real–world problems and students were asked to find solutions to challenges they might actually face during their careers. By learning how to solve problems like these, I was much better prepared for my life after school."
Elizabeth Masson
"I have always been interested in business; I just didn’t know exactly what area I wanted to go into. I spent many hours in the CEO Office talking to the advisers there. They were extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction and helped me decide what classes I was supposed to take. I finally decided upon a major in finance. I love the classes I’ve taken and the professors are awesome. All of my COB professors have been the most helpful of any professors I’ve had on campus. The teachers in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business actually seem to care that I do well in class. I also love the opportunity to join numerous clubs and organizations. The thing I like best is the Partners in Business program. I think that every student should attend a Partners in Business seminar. It is a great way to see how alumni from USU have succeeded and it’s a great way to network."
Cole Arnold