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Degrees and Schools

Bachelor's degrees in finance and marketing are common in the financial specialist field. A large number of colleges and universities provide bachelor's degrees in these subjects.

Classes

Individuals seeking to become a financial specialist typically take courses in subjects such as:

• Economics
• Finance
• Global finance
• Math

Online Classes and Programs

Many colleges and universities offer online degrees in finance and marketing. Individuals should look for schools which have been accredited by agencies approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education (CHEA).

Employment Requirements

Usually, employers seek candidates that have a bachelor's degree in finance or marketing. Typically, on-the-job training is provided for the financial products and services that the company provides. Financial advisors also need a solid foundation with financial software programs. Financial specialists are required to get special licenses to sell securities and insurance. The major employers of financial specialists are banks, insurance companies and credit unions.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

Answers to the following questions can be helpful in selecting a school:

• Curriculum - Does the school offer accelerated degree programs? Are their any classes related to financial planning? Are there classes that review investment products?
• School's Reputation - What kind of reputation does the school have in the local financial sector? Is the school nationally ranked?
• Job Placement - Are job placement services available? Does the school have job fairs? Do bank representatives visit the campus to recruit students?
• Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Has the school been approved to provide federal financial aid?
• Accreditation - Has the school been provided accreditation by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?

Financial Specialists Job Description

The financial specialist occupation typically attracts people that have a talent for sales. Financial specialists mostly sell products and services for financial institutions. However, they do more than just make sales. They help their clients determine short-term and long-term financial goals. Some financial specialists also offer their clients insurance.

Financial specialists usually have experience in sales or banking. Successful financial specialists usually have very good marketing and sales skills. Some of their responsibilities are shown below:

• Evaluate clients' needs
• Obtain a comprehensive understanding of financial instruments and insurance
• Analyze financial data
• Help client's make changes to the financial plan
• Review the details of various types of financial instruments and insurance to clients
• Evaluate the level of success of the financial plan

Resources

• Society of Financial Services Professionals
• Financial Planning Association
• American Association of Investment Advisors