When you’ve studied to work in finance, you’ll find that there are plenty of different jobs that you’re suitable for. A more specialized course for people who enjoy working with figures and data is an online MSAE degree. The Master of Science in Applied Economics covers a detailed curriculum with subjects that inform students about how to interpret and analyze data, draw conclusions from it and make recommendations about it. It also provides entry into the finance industry.

Here are five great jobs to think about pursuing when moving into the financial sector.

1. Financial Analyst

A financial analyst conducts research and confirms their findings in research reports. These are read by investors, bankers, and people working in corporate finance. Their reports have a bearing on the possibility of a mutual fund investing in a certain stock, whether to undertake a stock issuance or bond investment or if an outright acquisition or merger makes sense on paper.

This type of analyst often moves up to become more involved in advanced deals that their firm gets involved with or leads a group of analysts on behalf of a fund management company.

2. Actuary

An actuary works within banking, insurance, accounting or agencies that provide risk ratings. Their role in an insurance company might be to use advanced mathematics to determine the likelihood (and therefore the risk) of an event occurring. This helps the insurer determine how much risk there is in the existing (or new) insurance policies and how they should be priced to create an appropriate balance of risk vs reward.

With the analysis that an actuary performs, they also have the required skills to determine what financial exposure is likely should a negative event occur. This then has a bearing on the probable insurance payout required to compensate appropriately.

3. Credit Analyst

A credit analyst works within the banking industry – either retail or commercial banking sectors – reviewing loan applications and assessing the risk that the borrower poses. Borrowers must be correctly risk assessed to not expose the financial institution to excess peril beyond what it’s either comfortable with or expecting to bear.

Furthermore, the interest rate charged for the loan must represent a reasonable return on the capital being put at risk by the financial institutional in making the loan. The credit analyst ensures that the bank maintains a good balance of risk vs reward within its lending book.

4. Business Analyst

A business analyst looks at an industry (or a model of one) and evaluates it. They examine the planned processes andoperational activities and consider the viability of the business model. The use of technology, how it’s implemented within that industry, and the business model are also considered.

The role of a business analyst is increasingly one that examines the use of technology and how it can be deployed to solve business difficulties.

5. Wealth Manager

A wealth manager tends to work with high-net-worth individuals along with major institutions to create a wealth management plan. Investors with a substantial net worth have a different approach to finance and investment than the average person. As such, a wealth manager is best placed to provide a comprehensive strategic plan for managing a portfolio where risk and the probability of success are carefully weighed up.

The good thing about the financial sector is that along with being well remunerated, it provides some flexibility in the role you take. There are also additional studies that can augment what you already know, like becoming a CFA to widen your employment prospects down the road.