Wall Street is the personification of finance in MBA. Investment banks, private equity firms, stock exchange, hedge funds, and securities firms line the street. All those who desire to work on wall street require an MBA in finance.
Similarly, if you want to lead the finance function at a Silicon Valley start-up, an MBA in finance is the way to go. The gist is - if you want to secure a high-profile and high-paying role in the finance sector, finance MBA is the ultimate medium.
Here are the most prominent roles that an MBA in finance opens for you.
- Investment banker: World's leading investment banks hire top MBA graduates for investment banking analyst roles, right after their graduation. Aspiring investment bankers start as early as the first semester by applying for investment internships at leading banks like Goldman Sachs.
Most banks consider investment banking internships experience mandatory while hiring for the analyst role. Investment banking certificationsamplify your chances of getting into a role.
One or two years down the line after entry in investment banking, you work with clients and advise them on investments. They are involved in mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and selling and buying securities in the capital market. The investment banking industry is extremely competitive and getting a foot in the door right after MBA in finance is commendable.
The average salary of an investment banker is $245,599 per year in the U.S, according to salary.com.
- Private equity associate: Private equity is a more coveted career option among finance graduates who aspire to work in private equity firms. Similar to investment banks, PE firms hire finance graduates who are at the top of their class.
As a PE Associate, you work with a firm to dig relevant details on private companies to buy stakes in the company. Analyze financial statements, build financial models, and participate in deal-making. You are also responsible for overseeing the financial operations of portfolio companies.
Investment banking experience is considered a stepping stone toward private equity.
The average salary of a PE associate is $154, 823 per year in the U.S.
- Asset Management: Firms hire MBA finance graduates to help other companies increase the value of their assets. An asset manager oversees implementation, negotiation, and monitoring of asset programs. They proactively work to increase revenue and avoid losses. They review finance-related policies and make updates wherever required.
The average salary of an asset manager is $82,689 per year in the U.S.
- Chief Finance Officer (CFO): Enterprises, multi-national companies, and high-growth start-ups hire MBA graduates for the chief financial officer role. In this role, you are responsible for building and implementing financial policies for the company. You are the sole person answerable for all finance-related questions. Funding raising, tax, and regulatory compliance fall under your purview.
The average salary of a chief finance officer is $371,548 per year in the U.S, according to salary.com.
- Finance Manager: After graduating from B-school, many candidates can find opportunities as a finance manager at small-medium business and growth stage start-ups. A finance manager reviews finance reports created by finance analysts. A finance manager is responsible to ensure regulatory and legal compliances, taxation, and taking measures necessary to steward the business in a profitable direction.
The average salary of a finance manager in the U.S is $123, 263 in the U.S.
Finance graduates can also find opportunities as wealth managers, relationship managers in retail banking, traders at broking firms, among others. The above roles remain notable and more desirable than others. These roles are challenging and pay well, but as much as the above roles. These roles, however, act as stepping stones for the above roles.
