Financial skills are useful in every type of business from start-up firms to multinational corporations. Because monetary decisions encompass so many activities of the firm, financial people obtain a broad understanding of all of a firm's activities. They often can jump from their specialized finance role to general corporate strategy and management. Consequently in most firms one of the fastest routes from entry-level management to top management is through the finance area. 
The financial services industry provides another set of career opportunities. This industry encompasses banks, brokerage firms, insurance and real estate firms, financial planning firms, pension funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, the securities markets, and numerous governmental agencies that oversee and regulate the industry. A degree in finance will qualify the graduate for entry level positions in financial services.
Many U of L finance majors will elect to take a coop course where they work at a finance job to gain insight and experience in a day-to-day financial position. Employers are eager to hire coop students because it gives them an opportunity to evaluate their work and skills and to identify students they would like to hire full-time after graduation.
Graduates in finance find the degree is not only an excellent base for their first job out of college, but also for increasing their career potential through advanced academic study or professional credentialing. A finance degree provides an excellent background for study for a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), or law degree (JD). Certifications including the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) in investment and portfolio management, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in financial planning, Certified Financial Manager (CFM) and Certified Cash Manager (CCM) in corporate finance, Master Appraisal Institute (MAI) in valuation, Financial Risk Manager (FRM) in risk management, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) in Insurance, Banking School certificate programs in banking, and various professional licensure exams in brokerage, insurance, and real estate are among the opportunities for graduates seeking to move from lower level to higher level jobs as they advance along their lifelong career path.
