The Finance category of careers is one of 16 that the U.S. Department of Labor established to track employment. It crosses most, if not all, sectors of the economy. People with financial backgrounds work in businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and even for individuals. They can work for financial institutions in numerous capacities and in other organizations handling money in a variety of ways, from bookkeeping and budgeting to banking and investment. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry clusters and their economic outlook.
Adults using these resources to help students explore careers may also find it helpful to use the Career Journeys Supplemental Materials we’ve prepared for teachers and counselors.
In accounting, communication is as important as math
When she broke with a family tradition in teaching to become an accountant, Megan Troxell, a Senior Manager at the accounting firm Grossman, Yanak & Ford had no idea how much teaching her career would still involve.
Bank managers are financial jacks-of-all-trades
As Financial Solutions Center Manager for First Commonwealth Bank in Butler, Jonathan Boyd says he needs a firm grasp of numbers and finance, but people skills are every bit as important.
Developing relationships is key to developing young talent
As Vice President and Talent Program Manager for High School Programming at PNC Financial Services, Brianna McMeekin finds that developing relationships is the thing she likes most about her job, and communications is the most important skill.
Applying technology to improve efficiency in delivery
Now Manager of FedEx Ground’s Ground Portfolio Execution Office, Linda Sirianni uses her auditing background to help her company prioritize technology projects designed to improve efficiency.
Finding mentors is key
A long career in finance that’s taken Darcel Madkins back and forth twice between two different banks has taught her how important it is to communicate well, find a mentor, and build a network.
Being in sales requires mindset of helping
The right mindset can give financial salespeople the confidence needed to excel. Beyond that, James Bish says financial advising takes math skills and an interest in economics.
Learning to take “no” for an answer and move forward
As Development Director for a federally supported community health center, Ashlee Carter is primarily a fundraiser, a job that requires outreach, relationship building, and accepting the word “no” as part of the professional vocabulary.
A big part of sales is standing behind your product
Leadership, self-motivation, discipline, and other skills learned from his family and college football figure into Steven Dell’s day-to-day work in life insurance sales.
Internships paved her way
Anyone considering a career in accounting should be a critical thinker and enjoy analyzing numbers, said Melissa Lipcamon, who serves as Senior Manager of Accounting Policy and Transaction Support at Accenture.
Inspired by the power of banking
The loan that financed his father’s store when his family immigrated from Nigeria taught Osamase Ekhator the power banking can have in people’s lives and communities. It’s one reason he loves teaching students about personal finance.
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