Securities Markets and Investment Firms

          Securities firms and various investment-related businesses provide opportunities to start a finance career in the investment area. Opportunities include buying and selling seasoned securities, analyzing securities for investment potential, marketing new securities issues, and even helping individuals plan and manage their personal financial resources. Entry-level career opportunities include:

• Stockbroker (account executive): involves assisting clients in purchasing stocks and bonds and building wealth.
• Security analyst: involves analyzing and making recommendations on the investment potential of specific securities.
• Investment banking analyst: involves analyzing individual client insurance needs and investment plans to meet retirement goals.

          While we have focused on entry-level careers in profit-motivated businesses and financial organizations, careers in finance are also available in government or not-for-profit organizations. Finance opportunities at the federal or state government levels include managing cash funds, making asset expenditure decisions, and issuing debt securities to raise funds. Hospitals and other not-for-profit organizations also need expert financial managers to manage assets, control costs, and obtain funds. Financial and other analyst are hired both by government units and not-for-profit organizations to perform these tasks.