careers
MS-FAIM graduates are well-positioned for jobs with financial institutions like banks, fund management firms, insurance companies, investment banking firms and brokerage houses, as well as industrial and retail firms. Potential jobs include Financial Analyst, Securities Analyst, Trader, Portfolio Manager, Risk Manager, Director of Research, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Unlike an MBA, the MS-FAIM Program specially prepares students for the above positions by providing a deeper understanding of quantitative methods, financial statement analysis, equity valuation, fixed income instruments, derivatives, risk management and ethics and compliance.
Employment prospects for financial analysts are excellent. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that wage and salary employment in the securities and commodities industry will rise by 20% from 2000-2010, faster than the 16% increase expected for all industries in the economy. The Department notes that job growth will be fueled primarily by increasing levels of investment in securities and commodities in the global marketplace. Several trends bode well for the industry through the next decade: the arrival of Baby Boomers at their peak earning years, resulting in increasing savings and investment; the globalization of securities and commodities markets, which will fuel the development of new opportunities and financial vehicles; the continuing trend in corporate finance of mergers and acquisitions among established firms; and the challenge of raising funds for new high technology firms. Over the next decade the employment of financial managers is expected to increase by 30.4% and of financial analysts by 25.8% (see Career Guide to Industries, Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov).
