Which Degrees Do Finance Employers Look For?

If you know you’d like to pursue a career in finance at this stage then the question is: which degree should you choose?

It’s true that in a lot of cases for industries like investment banking employers will be keen to recruit graduates with finance degrees. The following degree subjects might help to give you the edge:

  • Economics
  • Financial mathematics
  • Business studies
  • Business and finance
  • Accounting
  • Quantitative finance.

The analytical skills and knowledge you will develop in these degree areas would certainly stand you in good stead as you adapt to the analytical and mathematical elements of some graduate roles. Some recruiters may only focus on graduates with these types of degrees in their graduate recruitment process.

Are finance careers only for finance graduates then?

Though there is a preference for related degrees, it doesn’t mean that if you choose to study a non-finance subject you will be blocked from the sector altogether! Some recruiters do recruit graduates from any degree discipline as long as they display an aptitude for learning quickly and high ability in maths, for example a strong grade in A-level maths or physics. It’s possible to convert to a career in accounting or tax from a non-finance background – and many people do!

There are also some job roles in which a non-finance degree may be an advantage. Languages graduates for example can be highly employable in client relationship and account management roles in international banking.

Overall, you need to choose a subject to study at university which you will find both interesting and, wherever possible, advantageous to your career ambitions. You can find out more about different types of finance course in our courses section for more information.