What can you do with a master’s in finance?
A Master of Finance degree from Creighton University provides the specialized knowledge and transferable skills needed in a dynamic and data-driven field. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of roles across industries that rely on ethical financial leadership and strategic insight.
This article explores common finance career paths and the key skills needed to succeed in today’s finance field.
Skills you need for a career in finance
A master’s degree in finance is designed for learners who want an in-depth, specialized focus on finance or related fields such as accounting. Because many programs are designed to be accessible to students at different stages of their careers and may offer flexible paths to completion, they’re a popular choice for those looking to start or advance a career in financial services. This graduate-level finance degree typically covers topics such as:
- Financial theory
- Mathematics
- Quantitative finance
- Investments
- Markets
- Financial reporting
- Valuation
Robert Half reports that employers are in need of finance professionals with strong analytical, strategic and forecasting skills who can interpret financial data and turn insights into informed business decisions. A Master of Finance degree helps address this challenge by developing in-demand skills across the finance industry.
According to Indeed, these essential finance skills include:
Analytical thinking
The ability to analyze financial data, spot trends and solve complex problems is central to success in finance. Randy D. Jorgensen, CFA, professor of finance and director of Creighton University’s Master of Finance program, says, “Good quantitative skills are important, along with a strong understanding of the different factors that influence a financial decision.”
Communication and collaboration
Strong verbal communication helps finance professionals work effectively with teams to share clear, accurate information about risks, budgets and financial data. This ensures everyone is aligned and informed. "Communication skills are important,” Jorgensen says. “If you’re operating within an organization that has a broad spectrum of different decision-makers, the ability to communicate and collaborate with all of them becomes crucial."
Problem solving
From managing liabilities to reallocating resources, finance professionals are often responsible for resolving urgent or ongoing financial challenges. Financial management leaders regularly make informed, sometimes difficult, decisions about budgets, investments and risk—guiding a company’s financial health and future direction. Jorgensen explains that this is especially important “in a corporate environment where you have competition for resources.”
Risk analysis
Assessing financial statements and identifying potential risks helps companies proactively manage threats to their financial stability and make safer business choices.
Budgeting and financial analysis
Managing budgets means allocating funds wisely over time, while financial analysis creates detailed plans to achieve short- and long-term company goals and maintain financial stability. Jorgensen emphasizes that finance professionals should be able to explain an organization’s financial priorities in a way that is clear and accessible to people less familiar with finance.
6 finance careers you can pursue with a graduate finance degree
A Master of Finance degree can benefit new professionals and those already working in the financial market. “A lot of people come into a program with a desire to become more within their organization,” Jorgensen notes. He adds that leadership courses can help professionals in entry-level analyst roles prepare to advance into managerial positions.
Here are six common finance career opportunities for graduates:
1. Financial analysts
A financial analyst conducts detailed research and analyzes financial data to assess market conditions and investment opportunities. They use their expertise to provide clear, data-driven recommendations that support informed decision-making by clients or organizations.
2. Credit analysts
This career path involves reviewing financial data to assess the risk of lending money to individuals or businesses. A credit analyst prepares detailed reports and uses critical thinking to help lenders make informed decisions, requiring a deep knowledge of financial planning principles.
3. Budget analysts
A budget analyst reviews budget estimates and analyzes budgeting and accounting data to help organizations plan and manage financial resources. They may evaluate spending trends, prepare budget reports, conduct cost analyses and make recommendations that support resource allocation and financial decision-making.
4. Loan officers
A loan officer helps individuals and businesses navigate the loan process, from gathering financial details to explaining options and making approval decisions. The loan officer role calls for strong people skills, sound judgment and the confidence to assess risk and recommend solutions.
5. Accountants and auditors
According to O*NET OnLine, accountants and auditors examine financial records, prepare reports and ensure processes meet legal and regulatory standards. Success in this finance job requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail along with the ability to clearly explain financial information to different teams.
6. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional may work as a personal financial advisor, helping clients develop plans addressing investments, taxes, insurance and retirement. They use analytical and communication skills to help clients meet financial goals.
Where do finance professionals work?
Corporate finance professionals are essential across nearly every industry. “Without the finances, the organization isn’t going to run,” Jorgensen says. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035, with about 886,600 openings projected each year.
Industries that hire finance talent include:
- Healthcare: Per Oracle, finance professionals in healthcare help manage rising costs, improve access and fairness and guide smart decisions in a complex, heavily regulated space.
- Technology: Gartner reports the growing need for professionals who can bridge financial strategy and digital innovation to boost efficiency and long-term growth.
- Real estate: Investopedia notes that finance professionals in real estate help combine investment skills with property knowledge to improve returns and make smart asset decisions.
Take the next step toward your finance career
A Master of Finance can help you build the technical knowledge and leadership skills to guide organizations through complex financial decisions. At Creighton, students in the Master of Finance program take courses in both finance and leadership to ensure they’re prepared to manage teams and contribute at a strategic level. Gain practical skills for effective financial leadership, from conflict resolution and team motivation to communication and navigating change.
Disclaimer: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
